Orpington care home hires canine relations manager

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

Mia, a chihuahua, has joined the team at Care UK’s Foxbridge House, on Sevenoaks Road. In her new role, Mia 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 encourages residents to get outdoors, walking their canine companion, leading to physical benefits, while also helping 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. 

Stella Barnes, Home Manager at Foxbridge House, said “We spotted other Care UK homes have appointed their own Canine Relations Manager and just knew we had to give Mia the official title here at Foxbridge 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 Mia 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 Mia has had here at Foxbridge House – the home wouldn’t be the same without her!”

Foxbridge House is a purpose-built care home designed to deliver luxury hotel-style comfort for residents, complete with a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema and beautiful gardens. The home is divided into separate residential, nursing and dementia care suites, encouraging close-knit communities where residents can get to know each other, and where people with similar needs can be cared for together.