81-year-old Worcester care home resident receives surprise visit

 

A resident at a care home in Worcester was delighted when her wish to rekindle her love for guide dogs was made a reality. 

When the team at Care UK’s Perry Manor, on Charles Hasting Way, learned that 81-year-old Joan Hole worked for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association for 15 years in her youth, they were determined to organise a surprise visit from some four-legged friends.

In her 30s, Joan began working/volunteering for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, where she bred, walked and cared for puppies and retired guide dogs while they were rehomed. On a monthly basis the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association would visit for an inspection. 

Joan has always been an animal lover and also had many cats and a dog of her own called Falcon. 

Commenting on her work, Joan said: “I loved all elements of the job, even though it was very hard at times. I took the job on because I had small children at the time and the puppies brought my family a lot of joy.”

When asked why she thinks it is important to spend time around animals, Joan said: “I think it’s important to teach the dogs, but also learn from them too.”

To help Joan fulfil her wish, the team organised for two ambassador dogs, Wooster and Will, from Guide Dogs to pay a visit. Joan and the other residents spent a fur-bulous afternoon fussing over the pooches while listening to an informative talk from Catherine Prindezis, from the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

Speaking about the experience, Joan said: “It reminded me of all the good days and makes me want to do it again now I’m retired!”

The visit was part of the home’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Katherine Matthews, Home Manager at Perry Manor, said: “Joan loves to talk about the years she spent breeding and caring for elderly guide dogs, so when she shared that she would love to spend an afternoon with the pooches, the team knew they had to make it happen. 

“Here at Perry Manor, we know just how beneficial animal therapy can be for older people, especially for those living with dementia, as being close to animals can help lift a person’s mood and encourage social interaction. Joan, along with many other residents had dogs in their younger years so it was a wonderful opportunity to encourage reminiscence of much-loved family pets.

“Our wishing tree initiative is a great way for residents to share their dreams and interests, and it’s so rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Joan had a wonderful time, and she hasn’t stopped smiling since.

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team here at Perry Manor and to Catherine from Guide Dogs for the Blind Association for a fantastic day and for making Joan’s wish come true!”

Perry Manor is a state-of-the-art Care UK home, which provides full time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short term respite care. Rated outstanding by the CQC, the home is designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, cafe and hair salon, with plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.