Ninety-year-old and his dog can stay together, thanks to care worker

A ninety-year-old with mobility needs is still living at home with his beloved dog Sally, due to a care worker who looks after both of them.

Garry Davison took on the role of caring for both, after he starting looking after Peter aged 90 and realised he was struggling to care for his dog.

“Sally is Peter’s fifth dog and so animals have had a major role in his life. Peter lives on his own and Sally’s companionship is very important to him,” said Mr Davison.

“As with other people I visit, they light up when pets are in the room. Carers play an important part in keeping people at home with their beloved furry friends, but the joy they get from their pets – the companionship and unquestioning love, is often the best medicine they can get.”

Mr Davison, who works for Radis Community Care, also looks after Sally’s health needs by rubbing cream in her belly to stop her scratching.

He added: “Sally is a real character. She hovers around me for three small treats and woe betide if you forget, as Sally barks loudly until she has received them. She also expects a share of a cuppa from my teacup, as she knows I take sugar.”

Mr Davison has been working for Radis for a year but was initially put off going into care when other care companies told him ‘most people didn’t want males going into their homes’.

He is very passionate about his job and said: “For the first time in many years I get up looking forward to the working day. I come home each day feeling like I’ve made a difference and helped people to continue living at home where they want to be.

“My normal morning routine is feed Sally when I arrive and give Peter his medication for the day. I prepare his lunch, which is normally salad which is what Peter wants. I assist him to wash and dress and give Sally a small cup of tea from my flask. I make his bed and do other general day to day requirements and anything else Peter needs.

“Peter walks with a frame and this makes bending difficult so he has had a few serious falls in the past. This has left him reluctant to leave his house. I apply creams to areas of Peter’s body that he would have difficulty reaching. And likewise once a week to Sally as she has dry skin and it stops her scratching.”

Mr Davison reveals that he finishes his day “on a high regardless of what happens in between” and said: “Since becoming a care worker my life has meaning and purpose and I wake up looking forward to my working day.”

Deepesh Patel, director of Radis Community Care, said: “At Radis, we really see the difference that a dog’s companionship makes to our residents every day. To us, homecare isn’t just about caring for an individual, it’s about caring for the extended family, including their beloved fury friends to ensure their daily lives are as smooth and enjoyable as possible.”

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