Belvedere Manor Care Home in Colne, Lancashire, has introduced robotic pets to comfort its residents.
The site managers hope its residents will find comfort and companionship in the new robotic therapy pets.
Care home employees have reported clear improvements in residents’ wellbeing, especially for those with dementia.
According to a report from BBC News, one team member said: “One resident really missed her own dog and it really helped and she took it everywhere with her.”
Speaking to Robotics & Automation Magazine, David Moore, dementia lead at Methodist Homes MHA, said: “We started to use the robotic pets during the pandemic to help residents living with dementia during periods of self-isolation. At the time I never envisioned the amazing response we would have from residents, both those with and without dementia.
“Some residents knew they were not real but still gained comfort whereas others believed they were real animals and treated them as such. There’s been a lot of delight and smiles. Some residents who were quite withdrawn came out of themselves and starting to interact with the robots.
“This is why the robots are so much better than a teddy dog or cat, the robotic pets respond to interaction, making sounds and moving their heads. Thanks to donations we now have over 400 robotic pets across our 80 care homes.”
The pets were produced by the same toy company responsible for Action Man, Furby and Mr Potato Head.
Care home manager Gillian Powers added that the robots “bring friendship, enjoyment and companionship”, and that they trigger happy memories and stimulate conversation.
Peer-reviewed research showed that the robotic animals were able to “alleviate loneliness and symptoms of poor mental health, significantly reduce anxiety, and provide calm and comfort, especially for elderly people,” according to Belvedere.
Residents speaking to BBC North West Tonight added: “They look really real to me”, “I’ve had many dogs and it is fantastic” and “It is lovely, it is company and it has really looked after me.”
