Robo pets help those with dementia

Three robo companion pets have found a home at City of Moreton Bay libraries.

The robotic animals offer comfort and connection to people living with dementia by reducing feelings of anxiety and loneliness.

They will be used as part of Council’s Dementia Sharing Circle and other dementia-friendly programs.

Two robocats and a robodog are at Redcliffe, Caboolture and North Lakes libraries as part of dementia-friendly programs to support residents living with dementia and carers.

Lifelike in appearance and movement, the companion animals are designed to provide therapeutic support thanks to their soft fur, gentle movements and simulated heartbeats.

That in turn helps to reduce feelings of anxiety and loneliness while encouraging interaction and emotional comfort for participants.

“People living with dementia and their carers often experience significant social isolation as a result of their diagnosis,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“So coming to the library and interacting with other people through a fun and playful activity like this can assist in improved feelings of wellbeing.

“Coupled with our dementia kits, this initiative offers another way for people to rebuild important connections with the outside world.”

Council’s seven other libraries will also be able to borrow the pets as part of three dementia kits accessed on site, or as part of library visits to aged care and other facilities.

The kits include three weighted plush comfort dogs, classic board games like checkers and snakes and ladders, simple jigsaw puzzles and reminiscence books designed to spark memories, celebrate personal history and aid cognitive recall.

The weighted comfort dogs use deep pressure stimulation to naturally ease anxiety emulating a soothing hug, reducing evening agitation and improving sleep quality.

Redcliffe Library’s Dementia Sharing Circle is another initiative - a welcoming space where people living with dementia, care partners and loved ones can connect over a cuppa with support from a non-clinical support professional known as a dementia doula.

For more information on the dementia-friendly libraries and programs, head to their website.