From the NYT: “The robotic cats, called Joy for All Companion Pets, are made by Hasbro. They hit the market last year and cost $99 — considerably less than previous generations of robotic therapy animals, which have been around since the dawn of the millennium. “No litter box. Just love,” the slogan on the Hasbro website says. The cats come in three models: orange tabby, creamy white and silver with white mitts.
“Home got its first one in March. Ms. Farkas tried it out on a resident in her late 70s who was searching in a panic for her long-deceased parents. Usually, someone in this situation would be given a tranquilizer. Instead, Ms. Farkas handed her a robotic cat. The woman calmed right down.
“She has her own cat now,” Ms. Farkas said.
“Hebrew Home has since acquired 24 more, and there are plans for an additional 25, or possibly 50, she said.
“Research on whether the benefits of robotic therapy pets are lasting is inconclusive, but in six months, Ms. Farkas said, she had seen many residents form close bonds with their animatronic friends.”
Click here for the NYT article.
This innovative approach may be helpful with some individuals. It is less intrusive and less labor intensive than some of the technologies out there. And no litter box or trips to the vets! But a controlled study didn’t demonstrate lasting effects. We need to continue to find ways of connecting with residents descending into dementia – art, music, human interaction, animal interaction, and trials of various technologies. However, technology is never going to replace the human touch.