Robot Comfort Cats and How They Help Seniors with Alzheimer’s

Blog Category: Tech

Soft toys can bring a great amount of comfort to seniors with dementia. A person diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s may become anxious and agitated at times. Robot comfort cats are an effective and medication-free way to soothe some dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms. 

Robot Comfort Cats

Robotic Pets Are Lifelike

There are many reasons to use a robotic pet, but first and foremost they don’t require the responsibilities of a real pet. They are soft and stimulate engagement in adults with cognitive difficulties. Most are battery-powered so they can purr, meow, and respond in a realistic way when hugged or stroked. 

Though they can be a bit of an investment, they are well worth the price, and they are often used in Memory Care at Twin Towers.

Robot Comfort Cat and Memory Support

Twin Towers consistently turns to technology for innovations in senior care, and using comfort pets is only one example. While some older adults with advanced dementia may think the animals are real, many look at it as a fun and interactive toy. 

Therapy animals have long been used to give comfort and reduce feelings of isolation in older adults. 

Benefits of Robotic Pets for Seniors

Many caregivers observe the positive benefits of stuffed animals with older adults. These benefits may include:

  • Happiness
  • Calm
  • Reduced agitation
  • Reduced anxiety
  • Increased engagement
  • Having a renewed sense of purpose
  • Reliving happy memories of a previous pet

Additionally, these animals require no responsibility since caring for a pet can be challenging for many seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Benefits from this may include:

  • No feeding
  • No cleanup
  • No safety concerns (allergies)
  • No waiting for someone to arrange a visit from a live animal

Twin Towers is always looking for new ways to incorporate the latest technology with our care plans. The addition of a robot comfort cat is only one of many technological solutions Twin Towers is proud of.
Want to learn more about what technology has to offer in your senior years? Check out our eBook, Control Your Technology: A Senior’s Guide to the Future of Retirement!