‘Round of a-paws’ as local care home hires canine relations manager

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

Rodney, a two-year-old golden labrador, has joined the team at Care UK’s Tennyson Grange, on Westmead Road. He will oversee ‘canine relations’ at the home and be on hand for residents to fuss, walk, or simply spend time with on a weekly basis. 

 

The home created the part-time role after being inspired by the positive impact animal visits have had on care home residents’ wellbeing and on hearing how much residents missed these due to restrictions caused by the pandemic. 

Having a dog to take care of in the home not only encourages residents to spend time outdoors walking their canine companion, leading to physical benefits, but it also helps them find a sense of purpose later in life.

Rodney, is an affectionate dog that loves performing tricks for the residents – in exchange for treats and time spent in the garden. He also likes to sit in on new team member interviews to ensure that that they will love the residents as much as he does. 

Now two years-old, Rodney, who belongs to the home’s Head Housekeeper, Dee Gursel, has been given the official title of ‘Canine Relations Manager’, which involves spending most of his time with residents, as well as helping the domestic team by picking up any rogue crumbs on the floor. 

Rick Mayne, General Manager at Tennyson Grange said: “When we saw other Care UK homes appoint their own canine relations manager, we knew we already had the perfect pooch to fill the role here at Tennyson Grange. We are very fur-tunate to have Rodney officially joining the team. 

 

“The human-animal bond can be incredibly powerful in promoting positive wellbeing and introducing dogs into care homes has proven to have many benefits, including lifting people’s mood and increasing social interaction. For older people, particularly those living with dementia, four-legged friends can help to bring back fond memories of time spent with their own pets in younger years. 

“We’re thrilled to give Rodney his official title, he makes a paw-fect addition to our Tennyson Grange team!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence,Tennyson Grange, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the home has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

To find out more about Tennyson Grange, please contact Home Admissions Advisor, Sue Martin on 02037 972375, or email susan.martin@careuk.com, or visit: careuk.com/tennyson-grange.