A CARE home near Marlborough has come up with a creative answer to the problem of no pets being allowed to visit during lockdown.

Brendoncare Froxfield, run by the charity, Brendoncare Foundation, used to receive a weekly visit from Pets As Therapy (PAT) dogs to spend time with the residents. The pets provided sensory stimulation, particularly for residents with dementia who would stroke and talk to the PAT dogs. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, these visits had to stop, so the staff decided to bring in

mechanical cats and dogs as a substitute.

The mechanical pets have been a welcome alternative and some of the residents have become very attached to them. They cuddle and stroke them and also chat away to them. One resident, Robin, is so attached to one of the cats that she keeps it in her room and is always talking to it. She calls it ‘The Cat’ and spends a lot of time holding and cuddling it. It has had a huge positive impact on her general well-being and she is very comforted by it. She is a collector of soft toys too.

Another resident is very attached to one of the dogs and carries it around with him, with the dog’s head on his shoulder. He is often stroking and talking to it. When he has left the dog in his room, he regularly goes back to check the dog is OK.

Kay Reid, Activities Coordinator at Brendoncare Froxfield, said, “It’s lovely seeing the residents use the pets, they are always smiling and enjoy conversations with their particular pet. The mechanical cats and dogs have been an excellent alternative to PAT dogs.

“We have been keeping the residents busy over recent months; they have particularly enjoyed listening to music that we have downloaded from our music therapist. Entertainers have also been visiting our lovely gardens and singing or playing the ukuleleThere have been quizzes and games too. There’s never a dull moment!”