Before Covid-19 put those in care homes at risk, it was common for therapy dogs to visit. Therapy dogs have many benefits.
The dog can act as an icebreaker and open up communication between staff and residents. Well trained dogs can help to create a relaxing atmosphere. And, petting dogs can even help those with Alzheimer's recall memories.
Robotic life-like pets are becoming more available and some are even designed specifically for senior citizens.
The robots are cuddly like stuffed animals but are more sophisticated. The robots can move and interact with their owners. Some even have a heartbeat.
For example, Ageless Innovation has created a line of robotic pets called Joy for All Companion Pets. The company used input from senior citizens to design the pets.
The features that they requested were a pet that looks real, is interactive, and offered two-way companionship.
The robots create a sense of friendship when programmed to respond to the owner's voice and touch. Many people even name their robotic pets and do bond with them.
Greg Olsen, Director of the NYC Office for Aging, told Wired that many seniors "cry when they receive [robotic pets]—they love them like a real pet—and their families and caregivers have said they see a huge difference in their loved one’s mood."
In New York, the Department for the Aging gave therapy robot pets to isolated seniors.
The success of the Japanese robot seal PARO inspired the program. PARO has been found to decrease stress, anxiety, and problem behaviors.
Each PARO robot costs over $6,000, which has limited its use in care homes. However, there are more reasonably priced robot companion pets
on the market today.
Sherry Turkle, a psychologist at MIT, has pointed out that robots provide a one-way relationship that is not mutual.
Whether or not robots are the answer, Covid-19 has made helping seniors feel less isolated a more pressing issue. The Florida Deparment of Elder Affairs reported to Wired that the robot pets have been "increasingly popular with many older residents who find comfort in them during this time of physical distancing."
h/t: Wired
