Belmonts registered pat dog

Posted on Friday 18th November

The residents at Belmont House in Sutton have regular visits from a registered Pat dog called Freddie.

Freddie visits the home four times a week, and the residents love him, he can often be found cuddled up with Daisy in her room or bed. Daisy adores him, as do all the staff and residents at Belmont.

At Belmont we are always looking for ways to help improve the well being of the residents. It is proven that animals are very therapeutic and can improve social, emotional, and cognitive functioning.

Animal assisted therapy draws on the bond between animals and humans in order to help improve and maintain functions and can be used to help enhance quality of life. At Belmont residents are encouraged to continue with simple everyday tasks that they may have previously enjoyed.

Most people have had their own pet in the past, whether it was a dog, cat or fish. Dogs like Freddie are not only cuddly and cute but they also provide residents with with opportunities to have close physical contact with the animals, feeling heartbeats, soft skins and coats, notice their breathing, and giving hugs. The residents also get physical activity just from petting and grooming Freddie, and if they fancy a little walk if it is just around their home.

These interactions with Freddie are imperative as it provides residents with a sense of meaning and belonging and it offers them something to look forward to. It also helps them build relationships with each other and Freddie.

Freddie is Bichon Frise so is also hypoallergenic!

Belmont House provides specialist residential, nursing and dementia care in a purpose built environment.

If you would like to find out more about life at Belmont House and the care we offer, or to request a meeting with our Home Manager, please contact us on 0808 223 5419 or belmont@CaringHomes.org.