Therapy Dogs Improve Lives in Aylesbury Care Homes
Residents at two Aylesbury care homes are experiencing significant quality-of-life improvements through regular visits from specialized therapy dogs. Stone House and Bartlett’s Residential Care Home, both operated by Peverel Court Care, have incorporated animal-assisted therapy into their care programs, with remarkable results particularly for residents living with dementia.
The initiative, run by local service Paws PT, has become a cornerstone of the homes’ sensory activities program, according to Peverel Court Care.
Meaningful Connections Through Animal Interactions
The therapy dogs visit residents regularly, providing companionship and stimulation that has proven especially beneficial for those with cognitive impairments. Interactions with the animals help improve motor skills, elevate mood, encourage social engagement, and trigger reminiscence – all critical elements in dementia care.
Resident reactions demonstrate the program’s impact, with one resident named Heather sharing, “I really enjoy visits from the dogs and enjoy giving them treats,” while another resident, Angela, expressed interest in walking the dogs during nicer weather, showing how the therapy encourages physical activity.
Scientific Benefits of Animal Therapy
The care homes’ implementation of animal therapy is backed by substantial research showing multiple health benefits. Studies indicate that regular interaction with animals can reduce blood pressure, decrease heart rate, and lower stress hormone production – all contributing to improved cardiovascular health.
Research has also demonstrated that pet therapy promotes relaxation through the release of endorphins when stroking an animal, which is particularly beneficial for residents experiencing agitation, frustration, or confusion associated with age-related memory loss.
Counteracting Isolation and Loneliness
Beyond the physiological benefits, the therapy dogs provide crucial emotional support for residents who may experience isolation or loneliness. The unconditional affection from the animals helps build confidence and creates natural opportunities for social interaction among residents who might otherwise remain withdrawn.
“Animal interactions can also be particularly effective in helping to deal with loss, loneliness, and other situations that may otherwise cause depression or anxiety,” notes Peverel Court Care in describing the program’s benefits. “Pet therapy can help people, including those in care homes, to reduce any feelings of social isolation.”
Part of Comprehensive Care Approach
The animal therapy program forms part of Peverel Court Care’s broader “sense and sensory” range of activities designed to stimulate residents physically, mentally, and emotionally. The company operates Stone House Nursing Home and Bartlett’s Residential Care Home in Aylesbury, along with Merryfield House Nursing Home in Witney, Oxfordshire.
Paws PT, the organization providing the therapy dogs, is based on the grounds of Bartlett’s Residential Home and offers specialized dog training services tailored to both the animals and the specific needs of the residents they visit.
Growing Trend in UK Care Settings
The Aylesbury program reflects a growing trend across the United Kingdom, where animal-assisted therapy is increasingly recognized as a valuable complement to traditional care approaches. Recent statistics show rising adoption of therapy animals in healthcare and residential settings nationwide, with documented benefits across multiple care domains.
As one resident at Bartlett’s succinctly put it: “They are always welcome to visit me!” This enthusiasm underscores the simple yet profound impact these therapy animals have on enhancing the daily lives of care home residents, creating moments of joy and connection that resonate long after each visit concludes.
