A FOUR-legged resident at a Kidderminster care home is having a calming influence on elderly residents living with dementia.

Three-year-old rescue greyhound Honey moved in to Brook Court in Oldnall Road last year, after staff noticed how much residents were enjoying their monthly visits from Hall Green Greyhound Trust.

After an invitation period where Honey visited the home and residents went to visit her, Honey moved in to the care home on a permanent basis and has been enjoying lots of fuss ever since.

Home manager Gill Pratt said: "It has been a joy to introduce Honey to the residents here at Brook Court.

"She has made a difference to the residents’ lives already - bringing a smile to everyone’s face the minute she walks into the room.

“One of the residents living with dementia speaks very little but becomes animated when Honey is present and has loved interacting with her.

"She will hold her head very gently and stroke her entire back - it is lovely to watch."

Honey has since been given her very own job title of 'canine relations manager', which involves her being on hand for residents to sit with, cuddle or walk.

Manager Gill added: “Honey is so friendly and calming, and we know just how beneficial animal therapy can be for older people – especially for those living with dementia.

"Being close to animals can help lift a person’s mood, stimulate social interaction and ease agitation – and Honey is brilliant at doing just that."

To find out more about Brook Court, contact customer relations manager Maria Cridge on 01562 814 715 or email maria.cridge@careuk.com.