New Downham Market care home manager brings dog Hugo in for pet therapy

The new management team at Downham Grange care home has really given residents paws for thought.

For sharing the office of new home manager Sally-Jane Papworth is her labradoodle Hugo.

Hugo is a qualified PAT (Pets as Therapy) dog and has already made a big impression on residents at the home in Clackclose Road.

Ms Papworth said: “Many of our residents lived in the countryside and dogs have played an important part in their lives.”

She said Hugo had to pass an assessment with the PAT charity to prove he had the right temperament to be a therapy dog.

Hugo had already attended 18 months of dog training classes ahead of his assessment, she added.

He will be making regular visits to the home along with three other therapy dogs which already come in.

Ms Papworth said: “Introducing dogs and other animals into care homes has proven to have an amazing effect in lifting the mood of elderly people and sparking happy memories for those living with dementia.”

She said she was relishing a return to home management, having most recently worked as a director of care.

“I have been reassured to see that staff here really care about the residents and they are striving to deliver great care.

“They have welcomed me very warmly and shown that they want to work with me to quickly take Downham Grange back to a good CQC rating.”