Technology Bringing Joy to Seniors in Aged Care

While therapy animals have played a valued role in aged care settings for some time, an increasingly common sight within seniors communities are robotic creatures. Residents living in Carinity aged care communities have access to companion pets, life-like therapeutic toys which have realistic fur and sound and move like real animals.

The electronic dogs and cats respond to hugging and petting and users can even feel the vibration of a cat purring and the ‘heartbeat’ of a dog.

Carinity Aged Care Regional Residential Manager, Larissa Gear, said the technology is “bringing much joy to our residents”.

Research has shown that the devices have physical and psychological benefits for older seniors, including those living with dementia.

“Just like the use of real-life creatures for animal-assisted therapy at Carinity aged care sites, the robotic companion pets offer a comforting presence for residents,” Larissa explains.

“Studies have shown that these companion pets can enhance the wellbeing of older people. The robotic cats and dogs can help to improve people’s moods, communication, interaction with others, and can be a comforting presence.

“Some residents living with dementia who are unresponsive to other therapies may brighten up, pat and talk to the companion pet.

“Other users will reminiscence about the animals they owned in their younger years, prompting them to share their own pet stories and happy memories.”

Residents living in all 12 of Carinity’s aged care communities across Queensland have access to the companion pets.

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