Robot pets bringing joy to elderly Gold Coast residents

The pets at Carinity Cedarbrook in Mudgeeraba are a little bit smarter than your average bear. Here’s how technology is bringing joy and comfort to the elderly.

Animal therapy has long been popular in aged care centres, but instead of living, breathing pets, these Mudgeeraba residents are cuddling up to robots.

Carinity Cedarbrook’s Maureen Kelly said Louie the cat was the purrfect companion, sleeping right through the night.

“He sleeps in my bed sometimes – he feels real and is good company for me,” she said.

Carinity Cedarbrook aged care resident Maureen Kelly enjoys time with a therapeutic robotic companion pet, which provides physical and psychological benefits for seniors.

“I feel like I am his mother – I love my pet and he makes me so happy, especially when he purrs.”

Carinity Cedarbrook residential manager Vijay Autar said it was clear the robot pets were “bringing much joy to our residents”.

“Just like the use of real-life pets for animal-assisted therapy at Carinity aged-care sites, the robotic companion cats and dogs offer a comforting presence for residents,” Mr Autar said.

And just like real pets, Ms Kelly said, they purr, roll over and stretch.

Studies have shown that robotic companion pets “enhance the wellbeing of older people” improving mood and communication and are especially effective for those living with dementia.

“Some residents may brighten up, pat and talk to the companion pet,” Mr Autar said.

“Other users will reminiscence about the animals they owned in their younger years, prompting them to share their own pet stories and happy memories.”