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

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

Betsy, a one-year-old Poochon, has joined the team at Care UK’s Snowdrop House, on Baldock Street. She will oversee ‘canine relations’ at the home and be on hand for residents to fuss, walk, or simply spend time with on a regular basis.

The home created the part-time role after being inspired by the positive impact animal visits have had on care home residents’ wellbeing. 

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

The friendly pooch has even developed her 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. 

103-year-old, Bobbie, a resident at Snowdrop House said: “A house isn’t a home without the wagging tail of a dog – Betsy comes and greets me with her wet nose and a smile which makes me smile too. 

“She’s such a happy little dog and her coat feels like velvet. Nothing makes me happier than when Betsy comes to visit!”

Clare Crow, Home Manager at Snowdrop House, said: “We spotted other Care UK homes have appointed their own Canine Relations Manager and just knew we had to give Betsy the official title here at Snowdrop House.

“Animals have a wonderful way of promoting wellbeing and can have many amazing benefits on older people, increasing mood and social interaction. It’s always a good day when Betsy is in the home – for both the team and residents – and residents always have lots of lovely stories to share from their own childhood pets.

“We’re thrilled to be recognising the positive impact Betsy has had here at Snowdrop House – the home wouldn’t be the same without her!”

Snowdrop House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Snowdrop House, contact Customer Relations Manager , Sharon Butler, on sharon.butler@careuk.com or call 01920 897553

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/snowdrop-house