Care home's rescue greyhound praised by CQC for 'enhancing' residents' lives

A rescue greyhound called Flash has been praised by the Care Quality Commission for enhancing the "quality of life" of care home residents.

Abbeyfield House in Alnwick, Northumberland, has just been rated Good, with the care watchdog singling out their rescue dog for special praise.

It is only two years since Abbeyfield House was rated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as Requires Improvement.

In their latest report, inspectors said: “Staff recognised the importance that animals had on people’s wellbeing. The provider had adopted a rescue dog called Flash who had come to live at the home. The deputy manager told us of the positive effects that Flash had made on people. She said: ‘It’s enhanced their quality of life.’”

It was deputy manager Ewa Larmour, who decided to adopt the four-year-old retired racer as she wanted to create a pet-friendly space, bring residents together, give them a more positive outlook on life, and build a stronger community, having seen for herself the positive benefits pet therapy can have on people living with dementia.

Flash has his own living area, joins in activities and is free to interact with residents and visitors.

Siblings Maureen and Ian McLellan, who both live at the care home managed by Abbeyfield North Northumberland Extra Care Society are two of Flash’s biggest fans.

The pair had owned dogs all their lives until moving to Abbeyfield House. Ian, 92, said “I’ve always liked having animals around and we always had dogs. Flash is a lovely, friendly animal. Just having him here is very calming. Mind, he likes the ladies!”

Maureen, 94, added: “Flash is good company and he makes everyone feel happier. He’s my favourite wee doggie!”

Elizabeth Dickinson, 90, helps take Flash for a walk most days. “He’s a sweet dog. He will come and find you or you can go and sit with him. He is a real comfort,” she says.

Flash is just one of many improvements that have been made at Abbeyfield House since the CQC’s last inspection in 2017.

Jim Thompson, chair of Abbeyfield North Northumberland Extra Care Society, said: “Staffing and recruitment issues have been successfully addressed, training improved, and care plans introduced showing residents’ personal histories and backgrounds, allowing us to deliver more person-centred care.

“All the food is cooked fresh daily and we now offer two meal choices which staff show to residents, helping them to both see and smell the food, which is a great help to those with dementia or who may be losing their sight.

“Pictorial menus are also available to help our residents visualise the planned meals, and we are using our own home grown herbs and as many local ingredients as possible to further enhance the taste and appearance of our food.”

He added: "And, of course, we have Flash. Everybody loves him, and he has made a real difference. He has helped turn our house into a home. He actively searches out the residents and befriends them. You will see him moving around the lounge and putting his head affectionately on people’s laps."

Deputy manager Ewa Larmour, believes Flash has “really made a difference” to the lives of residents at the home.

She said: “I feel very proud and motivated, and even in the year I have been here I have seen a huge and positive difference in both the staff and the residents. Everyone has come such a long way, and we have achieved a lot in what is a relatively short space of time.

“People who would sit in their rooms are now making an effort to come into the lounge and interact with Flash, which has increased contact between both them, fellow residents and our staff, helping them come out of their shell.”

Abbeyfield House is planning to open a coffee shop where families and residents can meet in privacy to talk and reminisce, and creating a sensory garden and summerhouse, with donations and sponsorship now being sought to raise the £15,000 needed.

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