An English local authority recently announced a new initiative to reduce loneliness among its residential care establishments. They are bringing in robotic pets as companions and to improve the pet residents’ health. This trial will be taking unique companions into the field to assist improve lives of older adults. Our ultimate aim, of course, is to improve their quality of life. The council has now formally approved the trial going ahead. It hasn’t announced which of its three long term care homes will participate in the program.
The deployment of robotic pets is intended to improve the mental wellbeing of care home residents. This initiative has fostered increased social connectivity among the community. Research has shown that both real and robotic pets can play a huge role in reducing loneliness, especially in seniors. These robotic pets are companions in their own right, bringing companionship, conversation and sometimes even engagement as they mimic pet-like behaviors to encourage interaction.
The council has chosen to run this trial as a proactive response to increasing worries about senior citizens’ loneliness. This problem is most acute in institutional environments. Social isolation affects many older adults, especially during this pandemic. This is often due to mobility challenges or the death of a social network of friends and family. The council hopes to improve the community’s livability, mood and environment by adding robotic pets. This first-of-its-kind initiative will help spark relationships between city residents and build community among them.
These high-tech robotic pets will be rigged with a multitude of sensors and devices that allow them to imitate an actual pet’s actions. They can follow simple voice commands, display emotional reactions, and offer interactive companionship. Through inclusive community engagement, this technology will address the needs of residents from all walks of life. It will bring emotional support to many and introduce new forms of interaction to others.
The council is still optimistic about the possible advantages of robotic friends. Though the trial’s specific timeline is still under wraps, their enthusiasm is palpable. Care home staff will receive training on how to integrate these pets into daily activities and maximize their positive impact on residents’ lives.
In the last few years, a number of peer-reviewed studies have documented effective use of robotic animals in therapeutic settings. The impacts of these findings have inspired dozens of cities around the world to investigate starting similar programs. The council is very eager to be involved in this trial. They are looking to build on the mounting evidence that technology can play an important role in improving care for older adults.