Tech pet at care home

ROBOT pets have moved into a care home and are offering comfort and cuddles to sad, anxious grannies.

Lonely residents in lockdown have been missing visits from therapy animals, so tech pets Bonzo dog and Simba cat have stepped in.

Heather Heath,

Hythe View care home’s activity coordinator, said:

“The response from has been remarkable, especially from residents who have dementia.

Those who engage with them have become less agitated. Their mood has improved and it’s reduced their reliance on calming medication.”

Heather noticed it also led to residents at the Kent home increasing their social interaction with others.

She said: “Beatrice and Hazel love sitting together with their pets. They stroke the animals while chatting to each other. One resident, Joan, was more alert and talkative, while another, Jackie, finds the interaction “very peaceful” and her anxiety “just seems to disappear”.

Heather added: “They may be mechanical pets but they’re very lifelike and many of the residents with dementia believe them to be real.

“They promote a very relaxing environment and bring joy, often triggering memories of their pets.”

Jennie, the ultimate robotic pet, was launched in the US earlier this year. The robolabrador pup obeys commands and has touch sensors, meaning she reacts depending on how and where she is stroked.

Tom Stevens, CEO of Tombot, which created Jennie, said: “Animal therapy helps soothe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

“With robot animals, if you introduce them early when they still have the cognitive ability to form an attachment, they can offer great comfort.”

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