Filled with paws-itivity – Hailsham care home hires ‘Canine Relations Manager’

A Hailsham care home has officially welcomed a new team member – and he’s set to be a hit with residents and colleagues alike.  

The adorable Bear, a six-month-old Cockerpoo, has joined the team at Care UK’s Bowes House, on Battle Road, as ‘Canine Relations Manager’– his duties include being on hand for residents to fuss, walk, or simply spend time with.

 

Having a dog spend time in the care home not only encourages residents to get outdoors, walking their canine companion, leading to physical benefits, but taking care of Bear can also help residents feel a sense of purpose later in life.

Bear has pleased everyone with his ability to work alongside his owner, Customer Relations Manager, Karen Milligan, and quickly brightens every room he visits, despite the fact that he is new to the position.

The friendly pooch has even developed his own management style, taking tours of the home and checking in on everyone – as well as helping to bring back happy memories of pets in younger years for many residents.

Elsie Hammerton a resident at Bowes House said: “It makes it seem so homely when little Bear visits us. Dogs really are like a best friend. We always had dogs on the farm when I was growing up. They were working Collie sheep dogs.”

Karen Milligan, Customer Relations Manager at Bowes House, said: “Other Care UK homes have appointed their own canine colleagues, and I thought my new puppy would be ideal for the job at Bowes House. Bear is regularly seen being fussed by residents; the home really would be incomplete without him.

“Dogs in care homes have been shown in studies to improve people's moods and boost social interaction. Bear and other 'Canine Relation Managers' are masters at building self-esteem and wellness through the human-animal bond.

 

“Welcome to the team Bear, we already can’t imagine life without you!”

Bowes House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has it very own café, cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation. The home has a comprehensive activity programme, offering a mix of themed events and group activities.

To find out more about Bowes House, please call Customer Relations Manager, Karen Milligan, on 01323 888 611, email karen.milligan@careuk.com, or visit careuk.com/bowes-house.