According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease, thesixth leading cause of death in the United States. Over the past few years, pet companions have become increasingly popular for adults with dementia. A 2017 study revealed that the interaction between aging adults and animals – whether real or robotic – can help lower blood pressure, ease anxiety, reduce feeling of loneliness and improve overall quality of life.
Broward Health North’s Memory Disorder Center, which treats about 700 patients annually, received a donation of robotic pets from the Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) to help patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The companion pets are designed to bring comfort, companionship and fun to elder loved ones. They also help reduce unwanted behaviors like agitation, aggression and depression that are associated with the disease.
“With more isolation due to COVID-19 and the closure of some adult daycares forcing people to stay home, many caregivers run into unwanted behaviors from a loved one with a related disorder, which in fact would cause more caregiver burnout,” said Hazel Wiley, D.O., medical director and neurologist for the Memory Disorder Center. “These therapeutic pets can offer our patients with dementia some relief while helping support caregivers at the same time.”Caring for patients with dementia can require round-the-clock support and result in unpredictable behavior and upsetting interactions given the nature of the condition and its progression. Infusing moments of play and companionship, whether within personalized caregiving scenarios or through the support of respite care assistance, support group, education or robotic pets, is essential to helping enhance the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers.
James Parris, 82, of Pompano Beach, is a caregiver to his wife, who has been living with dementia for five years. He is grateful for the robotic pet, as it has made things easier for him as a caregiver and improved the quality of life for him and his wife.
“The robotic pet is a cat that has improved my life as a caregiver,” said Parris. “We have a real cat, but the cat sleeps all of the time. My wife gets gloomy at times, and I turn on the robotic cat and sit it next to her. The cat vibrates and purrs, turns its head, meows and lays back on its back for a tummy rub. Immediately, her demeanor changes. She looks at the cat, talks to the cat and even sings to it. It calms my wife down. Her mood changes immediately.”
