Article by Chris Guest, Lifestyle & Events Manager at Majesticare
Animal Magic Pets are far more than just furry companions, each complete with their own quirky personalities and unique characteristics. On an emotional level, owning a pet can reduce depression, stress and anxiety. Research suggests that pet owners require fewer GP visits and are less prone to heart disease.
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alenheim House Care Home, based in Melksham, Wiltshire, is one of eight luxury care homes owned by Majesticare Ltd, who are keen to incorporate animals into residents’ daily activities. This reflects the key values of the company: heart, creativity, family, happiness and trust. Bailey is a 6-month-old French bulldog named after Peter Bailey, a renowned artist and former resident of Blenheim House. Bailey regularly visits all three floors of the home to provide friendship and fun to those who may miss their own pets, having transitioned into residential care. She has a puppy care plan, keeping her active and rested when needed. This includes weekly puppy training classes involving the residents, something that they and Bailey both relish!
Chris Guest, Blenheim House’s Lifestyle and Events Manager, looks after Bailey outside her ‘working hours’ and says: ‘Bailey is a wonderful addition to Blenheim House, as therapy dogs are becoming more prevalent in care homes. We are really proud that she is able to provide so much joy and relaxation to our residents and we’re also keen to include her in inter-generational projects we have with local schools. It’s a fantastic way to provide that extra magic moment to people’s life.’
Chris is also pleased to announce that Bailey became the face of a community safety campaign led by Chippenham Town Council throughout October, helping to deliver messages of community, cohesion and well-being. Bailey is not the only animal that Blenheim House encounters; the activities team regularly welcomes wildlife experiences to keep residents entertained. ‘We have visitors coming to talk about local wildlife and the local area, this helps our residents feel more like part of the community,’ says Chris. They also have regular visits by zoo outreach workers, who bring in all sorts of creatures including reptiles, insects and owls. ‘It’s a wonderful way to keep residents stimulated,’ says Chris, ‘and it creates a lovely buzz around the home when they share their stories of meeting a snake or holding a tarantula!’ Blenheim House regularly welcomes a Pets as Therapy (PAT) dog to meet residents while Bailey is resting, and guide dog networks are invited to hold fundraisers at open day events. Once a week, the activities team also takes residents on a visit to Wiltshire Equine Centre to learn about and pet horses. ‘Offering such depth in activities gives our residents the options and ability to shape their daily life,’ Chris says. ‘We expose them to new experiences, or maybe something from when they were younger, that can trigger warm memories and happiness. It’s a great job to have, and I’m honoured to work for such a forward-thinking and caring company. Seeing residents happy, active and stimulated is my priority'
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Bailey, the French Bulldog
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