Summerfield welcomes Therapy Dogs Nationwide

Summerfield Nursing Unit residents and team welcomed regular visitors Jerry Porter and Matt the Border terrier, from Therapy Dogs Nationwide (TDNW) into our home this week.Jerry and Matt visit Summerfield once a fortnight to see our residents and team and their visits are eagerly looked forward to.It was a lovely visit for everyone on the day, especially our residents as they have got to know both Jerry and Matt very well. As some of them used to have their own pets, they often comment on their memories and how great it is for them to reconnect with Matt.As with all visitors, our residents have their favourites and Janet Lane (pictured) is Matt's biggest fan and eagerly looks forward to seeing him again.Gladys Stevens, (pictured) resident is another of Matt's fan and loves to feed him a biscuit. She always makes sure she has a ready stock for when he comes to visit her.Our residents are not the only ones who have the date firmly set in their diary. Elaine Sansum, our Administrator helps coordinate this activity and is another keen dog lover.Lyndsey Dixon, Home Manager said“We are very aware of the both the mental and physical benefits an animal can have on the wellbeing of our residents. The visits by Jerry and Matt the therapy dog are extremely beneficial and have a very positive impact upon the quality of life at our home, which is what we strive for.”We’re already looking forward to their next visit.If you would like to find out more about life at Summerfield Nursing Unit, our news and events and our specialist residential, nursing and dementia care, please contact Lyndsey Dixon on 0808 223 5396 or email [email protected].About Therapy Dogs Nationwide (TDNW) is a charity providing various programmes involving dogs for the benefit of those receiving their service and is managed entirely by volunteers.All volunteers have their own temperament tested Therapy Dogs; some with over 10 years’ experience and always focused on caring for people in the community. Using animals especially dogs as therapy is not a new idea, they have been used for over 40 years in the care sector and a lot of their volunteers have roots with Lesley Scott-Ordish who was a pioneer in visiting with taking your own pet dog to nursing homes.