Benefit from canine therapy

For carer Michelle Rispin every day is a take your dog to work day. That’s because she is one of our CareBark dog handlers who take our amazing therapy dogs to meet customers and other members of the community who benefit from canine therapy

The comforting canines help in supporting people with mental health and wellbeing issues, combatting loneliness and providing motivation to get clients moving and out into the community for some much-needed fresh air and social integration.

Michelle finds that her canine co-workers also relax customers and start a conversation that can often lead to them opening up about problems they may be facing.

“I personally never realised the impact a dog can have on someone’s life,” said Michelle.

“People will just sit there stroking the dog and will open up about all sorts of things, I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

The dogs are an important part of the work we do

As well as helping with home visits, the CareBark team also visit local residential homes, hospices and well-being coffee mornings.  They are also an important part of the work we do in encouraging customers to enjoy exercise outside the home and get some fresh air.

“Just today I have been with a client for a walk to the beach where they can throw a ball for the dog,” said Michelle. “Previously they would never have left the house.”

She added: “Another lady has really opened up in the past six weeks since we started taking a dog to visit her. She has allowed us to help her with personal care and other tasks and the next step will be to walk round the garden with the dog.”

Michelle now looks forward to work

Michelle had previously worked for 22 years helping children with behavioural problems but left after lack of support from management left her feeling isolated, depressed and unappreciated.

Since joining Caremark she has come off anti-depressants and now looks forward to work.

“I find enormous job satisfaction helping people retain their independence,” said Michelle.

“The dogs are also therapeutic for me; the friendly greeting, the chance to walk with them between calls is so beneficial for my own mental health.”  

About Caremark Redcar and Cleveland

If you would like to find out more about working for us (and who knows you may even become a dog handler too?), then please view our latest jobs in home care in Redcar and Cleveland or call us on 01287 634706.