Alex Wood House care home in Cambridge regularly welcomes two special guests—Jess, an 11-year-old collie cross, and Floss, a 2-year-old spaniel—to visit its residents.
The pair of Pets as Therapy (PAT) dogs, owned and trained by Janice Frankham and her husband John, bring smiles and comfort to everyone they meet on their tour of the home.
Janice, whose father Albert has been a resident at Alex Wood House since March 2024, has been involved with Pets as Therapy, a registered charity run by volunteers, for several years.
All PAT dogs and their handlers undergo rigorous assessments and training to ensure they are well-suited to this important role. Jess has been a therapy dog since the age of five, and Floss, who passed her training at just 10 months old, is already making a wonderful impression.
“It’s fantastic to see how the dogs stimulate the residents,” said Janice. “They love to pet them and share stories about the pets they may have had in the past.”
For Janice’s father, Albert, Jess and Floss are particularly special. Both dogs have known him since they were puppies, as Albert lived with the couple for a number of years.
“They get very excited to see Dad and love to sit on his lap—but they never try that with any other residents. They can tell the difference between family and work,” Janice explained.
Janice, a former special needs teacher, spoke about how therapeutic the visits are for the elderly residents. “Residents who have had dogs light up when they see Jess and Floss. Petting them is really grounding, not just for the residents but for team members too.”
Both Jess and Floss are calm and well-behaved, which makes them perfect for these visits. Janice added that their calm nature is evident even during other activities, such as Morris dancing, one of the Frankhams’ hobbies. “They even lie down and go to sleep with that going on,” she said.
Albert, who originally came to Alex Wood House for a respite stay, decided to remain because of the welcoming atmosphere and the engaging activities offered, including bingo and live music. With grandchildren and great-grandchildren living nearby, as well as regular visits from Janice and John, Albert enjoys a busy and fulfilling life at the care home.
Benefits of therapy dogs for elderly residents
The positive impact of therapy dogs like Jess and Floss extends far beyond their warm presence. Research and experience show that therapy dogs provide a range of benefits to elderly individuals in care homes, including:
1. Emotional wellbeing: Interacting with therapy dogs can reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety, helping residents feel happier and more connected.
2. Cognitive stimulation: Dogs can spark conversations and trigger memories, especially for residents with dementia or memory challenges.
3. Physical health: Petting a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, promoting relaxation.
4. Social interaction: Visits from therapy dogs encourage residents to share with each other and with the team, fostering a sense of community.
5. Routine and structure: Regular visits from therapy dogs provide comforting predictability and something to look forward to.
For Alex Wood House, the visits from Jess and Floss have been a heartwarming addition to the home’s lively and inclusive environment, further enhancing the wellbeing of its residents and the team alike.
