Exploring the Role of Robo Pets in Home Care: Companionship and Support for the Future

We always seek ways to enhance our clients’ lives here at Intrust Care, so when the University of Hertfordshire approached us to participate in a Research project into Robo pets in Home Care and how they could help our clients, we jumped at the chance!

It’s undeniable that technology has seeped into nearly every aspect of our lives, transforming how we interact with the world around us.

The research project we are taking part in aims to see if adults receiving home care who have cognitive impairment (including dementia), communication difficulties, learning disabilities, low mood or anxiety, or behaviours causing concern, can benefit from introducing Robo pets into their lives. The hope is that the Robo pets would help to achieve outcomes such as the ability to live independently, reduce avoidable hospital admissions/re-admissions and improve care quality and safety by enhancing quality of life and improving overall health and feelings of wellbeing.

What are Robo Pets?

Robo pets are robotic companions that come in a variety of different species. Cats, dogs, and birds are just some of the options available on the market, at present. These pets have realistic movements that can include tail wagging, rolling over for tummy scratches and head turns. They also offer authentic sounds of each animal, and some even have a heartbeat for added comfort and realism.

Let’s delve into some of the benefits of owning a Robo pet and how they can make a difference in their owners’ lives.

Benefits of Robo Pets in Home Care:

Companionship:

Loneliness can be caused by so many things; a bereavement, a physical health problem or disability that makes it hard to leave the house, or anxiety and depression. Robo pets can provide consistent companionship at home for people who may otherwise be physically or emotionally shut off from the outside world for long periods. These furry friends can help to alleviate feelings of isolation and provide comfort by encouraging engagement and interaction, which in turn can help to uplift spirits and enhance emotional wellbeing.

Cost Effective:

Traditional pets come with a variety of costs including, food, vet bills, pet insurance, bedding, toys, cages and board if the owner decides to go on holiday. These costs can quickly add up and mean that for some people owning a pet is sadly unaffordable. Robo pets need none of these things. Aside from the initial cost of purchase and any new batteries, Robo pets are free to keep, making them an attractive option for people who want the companionship of a pet without adding any extra costs to their daily living.

Therapeutic:

Robo pets can help emotionally with isolation and companionship, but they also have a sensory element that some people find soothing. With soft hypoallergenic fur to stroke and snuggle into, a calming heartbeat and sounds that mimic a real animal they can offer cozy contentment for their owner.

Low maintenance:

Forget walks, feeding, vet visits and grooming, Robo pets are incredibly easy to care for. A change of batteries (or quick charge with some models), the occasional wipe down and optional brushing (if the user wants to), are all that is needed to maintain the pet.

What do our Clients think of their Robo Pets?

Our clients were carefully selected to take part in the trial of Robo Pets in Home Care and the overall response to the pets has been an extremely positive one. At present, we have given out cats and dogs as these have been the preferred choice.

We had tears of joy when one lady who has been finding it very difficult to engage with anyone (even with her regular carer) was given her cat. She was absolutely thrilled & set about naming the cat immediately.

Another lady who had unfortunately suffered a recent bereavement had been finding it very difficult to leave her property within the sheltered living complex that she lives in. Not only has her cat brought a smile to her face and helped to improve her mood, but it has also been cheering up other residents in the supported living environment. The cat now regularly goes down with her for walks to the communal area, where it receives a lot of love and strokes from other residents!

A different client had been struggling to sleep on her own, but now she has her dog beside her at night she can drift off much quicker.

It is clear to see that these Robo Pets have given a great deal of comfort to our clients, improving engagement and socialisation, reducing anxiety and isolation, improving mood and even sleep quality.

The Future of Robo Pets in Home Care:

As technology advances, the future of Robo pets used within Home Care looks promising. There are already a few more advanced models on the market and certain integrated tools such as medication alarms, auditory prompts, health monitoring and alerting caregivers of emergencies could help people to live independently at home for longer. Emotional AI is also improving at a rapid rate, so we may even see a situation in the future where Robo pets will be able to adapt to their owner’s moods and preferences, offering an even more personalised and therapeutic experience.

In conclusion, the incorporation of Robo pets in Home Care is an exciting development that promises to blend advanced technology with personal connection, offering both practical assistance and emotional support to those in need.

Please note, pictures have been used with informed consent.