Robotic pets are being trialled in West Berkshire to help people in care
They are increasingly used to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support, especially for those who may be experiencing loneliness.
Robopets are being trialled in West Berkshire to help people in care feel less lonely.
Other councils in the UK have also been seeing how they work, and say they are increasingly used to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support, especially for those who may be experiencing loneliness.
“We have started work to look at how robotic pets can be used in adult social care to help people who are lonely, have learning disabilities or are living with dementia,” says West Berkshire’s adult social care annual report, which has just been published.
“As part of this project we will be evaluating the impact.”
These robotic companion pets offer realistic fur which can be soothing to the touch and have movements and sounds.
Using the built in sensors, the pet companion responds to motion and touch such as petting and hugging, much like a real animal.
Loneliness and social isolation can have a significant negative impact on older people, particularly if they are living with dementia according to a range of health care providers.
Also, the number of people with dementia is increasing because people are living longer.
According to the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), in 2024, 1,228 West Berkshire residents aged 65 and older, who were registered with a GP, were recorded to have a diagnosis of dementia.
Dorset Council is one council which has been exploring ways to help people remain active and mentally stimulated in their own homes.
Barchester Health Care, which recently opened Stoneham Grove, in Tilehurst, says robotic pets are programmed to behave in predictable and non-judgemental ways, making people with dementia feel safe during moments that overwhelm.
Because of their consistent and predictable behaviour, people living with dementia can receive emotional support and unconditional companionship when needed.
For people living with dementia, interacting with a robotic pet can evoke feelings of calmness and reduce anxiety. Even a gentle stroke from a robotic pet can increase endorphins, which helps to reduce stress and contributes to positive well-being.
The council has not said which of its three care homes it is trialling the robopets in.