Robot pets given to nursing home residents with dementia

Nursing home residents are being given robotic pets to provide comfort and companionship as part of a remarkable dementia treatment strategy.

Belvedere Care Home in Colne, Lancashire, has been using fake puppies and kittens to help residents gain a “sense of purpose” and provide them with their own furry friends.

The animals are used throughout the home but are used specifically to help residents with dementia as part of the care home’s group dementia care strategy.

In one case, a woman with advanced dementia found that her risk of falls was almost completely reduced because the fake pet helped improve her condition, staff said.

“There are so many proven benefits, such as companionship, friendship and a sense of purpose,” said manager Gillian Towers.

“They can reduce agitation and distressing behaviors, especially in residents with dementia.

“One woman with advanced dementia would fall frequently if she got into trouble. But after we got her a dog, her risk of falls was almost completely reduced.

“As her dementia progressed, she thought the dog was real, so it gave her a sense of purpose.”

The family currently has five pets, including a cat that purrs and meows, and a dog that barks when someone speaks.

Ms Toles added that many residents had pets at home in the past and found comfort in the robot pets.

“Some of our residents don’t have pets, which is great, but others love them,” she said.

“Residents spoke out their names, and one resident missed her own dog and took the robot with her wherever she went. It brought back happy memories.”

A study by researchers at the University of Plymouth into the use of robotic pets in nursing homes found that residents who had pets showed positive effects, such as reduced depression and anxiety.

Dr Hannah Bradwell, who led the study, said: “Our findings suggest that affordable robotic pets could have an important wellbeing impact for aged care residents and, by reducing occupational disruption, provide benefits to staff. bring further potential positive impacts.

“Interviews and calendar free text observations indicate that robots are able to calm, reduce anxiety, improve mood, relax residents, reduce agitation, and provide peace of mind.”