The fact that pets offer many physical and emotional health benefits is no secret. But, many older adults are unable to own a pet because they cannot take care of it on their own or live in housing that does not allow pets. If that’s the case for your aging relative, there may be an alternative that has some of the same benefits as the real thing—robopets.
Elder Care Queens NY – Would a Robopet Be Helpful to Your Parent?
What is a Robopet?
Robopets are mechanical stuffed animals designed to mimic the behaviors of a real pet. Both cats and dogs are available, so your aging relative can have the pet of their choice. Some companies even developed their version of the pets with seniors in mind. For example, popular toy maker Hasbro makes a line of robopets called Joy for All.
Hasbro’s idea for robotic pets made especially for seniors grew out of their children’s line called FurReal Friends. They discovered that about 15 percent of the toys were being bought for seniors. That led them to create focus groups of older adults to test what kinds of behaviors the pets needed to have, like purring. But, the makers also knew that the cats couldn’t act in a predictable manner because real cats don’t. So, petting the robotic cat could make it purr or meow or just ignore the petting.
What Are the Benefits?
The benefits of robopets have been researched in a nursing home setting. In a recent British study, researchers found that robopets had the following effects:
- While interacting with the pets, patients started conversations about old pets or their pasts.
- Patients got enjoyment and comfort from petting the robopets.
- The pets were found to decrease loneliness.
- Even those who knew the pet wasn’t real found them entertaining.
Reviews on the Hasbro Joy for All website show similar results in their customers. They seem to be particularly helpful for seniors with dementia. One customer wrote, “This orange kitten was bought in hopes of consoling my dad who has dementia over not having a cat to keep. He loved it.” Some seniors are even buying for themselves. One customer reported getting a robocat because her husband has COPD, so she cannot have a real one. She is entertained by the cat and believes it will provide her with companionship after her husband is gone.
Of course, if your older family member currently has a pet, professional elder care providers can help them to care for it. An elder care provider can assist with basic pet care tasks, such as feeding the animal and taking it outside to do its business. Elder care professionals can also drive the senior and their pet to the veterinarian when it’s time for a checkup.
Sources: https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20190510/robopets–bring-companionship-to-nursing-homes#1
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-robotic-pets-can-help-seniors-with-loneliness#1
