technology
Margaret McGourty and Kerrie Kirk from Carinity Karinya Place in Laidley with a robotic companion . Picture : Supplied .
Furry friends
Robotic pets ‘ filling a void ’ in Carinity aged care communities .
By Elise Hartevelt
Older Australians residing at Carinity aged care communities have welcomed new furry companions in the form of batteryoperated pets .
As the popularity of these pet grows , more residents across Carinity ’ s 12 facilities are experiencing the benefits , including improved mood , better sleep , and reduced feelings of loneliness .
Mark Lister , the Residential Manager at Carinity Brookfield Green , said their dozen robo-pets stayed with the residents around the clock .
“ They ’ re amazing and truly fill a void for the residents ,” he shared with Aged Care Insite .
“ Many residents miss out on physical affection , like cuddling .
“ While our staff do their best , the pets bridge the gap between what our members can provide and what a family member or a real pet would have offered at home .”
Cuddling with one of the eight cats or four dogs allows residents to feel the vibration of a cat purring and the ‘ heartbeat ’ of a dog .
Cats , in particular , offer a more interactive experience , Mark said ,
28 agedcareinsite . com . au by simulating real feline behaviour as they roll and stretch while being stroked .
Dogs , on the other hand , bark , wag their tails and raise their paws as if in anticipation of shaking hands .
Residents have formed strong bonds with them – some even have special beds for the pets to spend the night together .
Mark said he often saw residents with pets on their laps .
“ The little dogs will bark if you talk or sneak up on them ,” he said .
Introducing robotic pets at Carinity began three years ago when a family member donated one as a token of gratitude following her father ’ s passing .
“ After that , we just kept getting more ,” Mark said .
“ Their companionship and touch are so important for the wellbeing of our residents .”
The Brisbane-based facility delivers round-the-clock personalised care to residents in 96 modern rooms with private suites .
Overall , Carinity has 12 permanent residential aged care , respite care and dementia-specific care communities across Queensland .
Residents living in Rockhampton ’ s Carinity Shalom aged care community also enjoy the camaraderie of therapeutic toys with realistic fur .
Larissa Gear , the Carinity Aged Care Regional Residential Manager , said the
Aged care resident Daphne Smith enjoys time with a therapeutic robotic companion pet . Picture : Supplied .
companion pets brought ‘ immense joy ’ to the residents and would recommend it to other providers .
“ Some residents living with dementia who are unresponsive to other therapies may brighten up , pat and talk to the companion pet ,” Larissa said .
“ Other users reminisce about the animals they owned in their younger years , prompting them to share their pet stories and happy memories .” ■