Therapy dog brings happiness and calm to dementia sufferers at Mansfield care home

Residents at a Mansfield care home suffering from dementia have been benefitting from regular visits by a therapy dog.
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Red Oaks Care Community in Forest Town invited Lhasa Apso Marlo in for fortnightly sessions with residents a year ago.

And the nine-year-old pooch has proved a major hit as residents get the chance to stroke and brush him for up to an hour.

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Activities Coordinator Sue Taylor explained that residents with dementia, who usually find it difficult to leave their bed, have benefited from Marlo's presence.

Red Oaks resident Hilda Hubbard with Marlo and his owner Janet BennettRed Oaks resident Hilda Hubbard with Marlo and his owner Janet Bennett
Red Oaks resident Hilda Hubbard with Marlo and his owner Janet Bennett

"We have a lady who can't get out of bed so Marlo sits on the end of the bed,” she said.

"It gives them an activity do and it's nice for them to have visitors and the lady that brings Marlo she talks to them and they have a conversation too.

"It's just therapeutic. I can tell when we have Marlo in the building, their faces light up like children."

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Marlo's owner Janet Bennett is part of the Association of Pet Therapists.

She has been visiting care homes and nurseries with him for over a year, to help others benefit.

And the effects have been positive on the residents, Sue said, adding: "It brings back memories of dogs they have had in their lives, it's quite calming.

"You can get someone really aggressive or agitated and it takes the aggressiveness away and takes their mind off what is going on.

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"They can see him, they can brush them - that's a relaxation for them.

"They just smile when he comes in."

The carer from Skegby, has worked at the residential home for the last four years.

She opened up about why Marlo is such a well liked and popular visitor in the community.

"It gives them a sense of well being, it makes them feel special because Marlo is coming to them,” she said.

"They can be sat there thinking about nothing but stroking a dog it's like a therapy.

"I certainly think it makes a difference in our home."

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