New therapy assistant starts job with nursing home

Humphrey is enjoying his new job at Inchmarlo Continuing Care Retirement Community

By Cara Sulieman

A NEW Therapy Assistant has started work at one of Scotland’s care homes.

Humphrey the bulldog puppy has been visiting the residents of Inchmarlo Continuing Care Retirement Community near Banchory since July providing them with a much-needed friendly face.

And he is even writing his own blog about his time at the home so that friends and relatives can keep track of his progress.

At just 12 weeks old, Humphrey is still learning the ropes in his new job, but seems to be having an absolute ball.

Writing on his blog, the canine said: “When we arrived I went into Reception and greeted all my new friends including the lady whose face always bursts into a beaming smile whenever she sees me and I then started to undo the laces on the shoes another of my lady friends.

“The nursing and care staff came through and made a fuss of me as usual.”

And it’s not just Humphrey who is delighted with his new job, Professor Charles Skene, the chairman of the Skene Group who run the care home, is “delighted” the pooch is joining his team.

Professor Skene said: “We’re delighted to have Humphrey as our new therapy assistant.

“He’s already proving popular with residents and staff and I think he will be a great addition to the Community.

“It’s important that people who are living in care have access to animals, as that is very therapeutic.

“However, as many older people aren’t able to keep pets themselves, having a therapy assistant like Humphrey is a great way of bringing animals into their lives.

“His job will be to visit residents across the Inchmarlo estate, providing comfort and cheering them up.

“For those who are feeling lonely or vulnerable, this can be important contact for them.

“Judging by the response from our residents so far, it’s clear that Humphrey is a big hit.”

Humphrey’s blog can be found at http://inchmarlo.wordpress.com/.

Inchmarlo was the first of its kind to open in Scotland and allows independent people over the age of 55 to buy homes in the estate.

They then use the medical and social support services when they need them as their health needs change.

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