Games

ACROSS 1. Little jerks 5. Head downtown? 10. Help in a holdup 14. Balming target 15. Beyond partner 16. Screenplay direction 17. T-bone region 18. Medical research goals 19. Every family has one 20. Illuminated 23. Holiday follower? 24. Skiier's challenge 25. Unlike a litterbug 27. Palindromic windmill part 30. End of two state names 33. Scratch, say 36. Better copy? 38. Bahrain bread 39. Passed with ease 41. Genetic info carrier 42. Arboreal abode 43. Things to rattle 45. Fishtail, e.g. 47. Daydreamer's limit? 48. Fit to be fare 50. Killed, as a dragon 53. Tux accessory 54. Prepare for hanging 57. Wrestling area 59. Serving as a diplomat 64. Beer selections 66. Hindu grouping 67. Tat-tat intro 68. Folk facts 69. Pagoda roofi ng 70. Black cat, some think 71. It may come before "we forget" 72. Failed as a sentry 73. Bird's perch, perhaps DOWN 1. Chaucer bit 2. They may be clicked on 3. Flu symptom 4. Grad-to-be 5. Bushwhacker's tool 6. Go to the edge of 7. The good olde days 8. Cooking place 9. Transmit anew 10. Back on a battleship 11. Crooners, often 12. Creation location 13. "High School Musical" extra 21. Main mail drop (abbr.) 22. Disconnected, as a phone line 26. Like siblings 28. Chances in Vegas 29. Roller Derby milieus 31. Checklist item 32. Pretentiously stylish 33. Attack deterrent 34. Military sch. 35. Enrolls 37. Barbary ape's lack 40. The red 44. Inner city concern 46. Most absurd 49. Offi cial orders 51. Emotion of the miffed 52. Long and thin 55. Sight from Biscayne Bay 56. Gourmand 57. Shoppers' site 58. Ubiquitous lily relative 60. Place for some polish 61. "Cast Away" setting 62. Manual component 63. A driver may change one 65. Firm or fi xed

TRENDS

Cuddles is now a pet robot Big growth of robot therapy

 DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

Robotic pets are becoming popular with Australia’s ageing Babyboomer population which is swapping rock ‘n roll for rocking chairs.

Demand for the robotic pet therapy is on the rise following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and is developing into a stand-alone industry with huge possibilities,

Th e Commission was told residential care facilities had found animatronic pet therapy was an innovative way to address challenges in the sector and reduce the need for physical and chemical restraint.

While use of robots in some industries and markets is causing ethical, economic and performance related challenges, demand is high in the healthcare sector, particularly in local aged care facilities in Australia and New Zealand, as well as the United States and United Kingdom.

Ageless Innovation CEO and Co-Founder Ted Fischer said studies recognised by the American Journal of Medicine had shown robotic pet therapy was eff ective in improving the quality of life and care for older adults and should be considered as part of an overall treatment plan.

“Independent clinical research has shown that animatronic pets reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and improve quality of care and life for older adults,” he said

“Th is reduces agitation, anxiety and use of medication for those suff ering from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias,” Mr Fischer said.

“We have seen a rise in demand for animatronic pets for ageing loved ones, especially those who largely cannot look aft er animals, but seek comfort and mechanisms to combat loneliness and bring relief.

“For those who can no longer care for a living animal, animatronic pets are a safer and more predictable alternative and the older adult population is one which could benefi t most from the physical and emotional benefi ts of joy, companionship, and the power of play,” Mr Fischer said.

Carinity Hilltop Aged Care at Kelvin Grove in Brisbane has three Joy for All Companion Pets.

Residential Manager Ramandeep Gill said residents were responding well to the animatronic therapy.

“Interacting with animatronic pets can help to improve residents’ health and wellbeing and social interaction, providing opportunities for residents to share stories about the pets they had in their younger years,” Ms Gill said.

“Some residents living with dementia who may be unresponsive to other therapies may brighten up, pat and talk to the Companion Pet,” she said.

For aged care resident Teresa Nunan, the animatronic pets bring back memories of her former cat ‘Cuddles’, which has now been replaced by the new ‘Cuddles’, one of three animatronic pets at Carinity Hilltop.

Leading Aged Care Services Australia’s Head of innovation Merlin Kong, said innovation played a central role in supporting older Australians towards bett er ageing.

“As the proportion of Australians aged over 65 is projected to grow steadily over the coming decades, this requires creative solutions and the ability to implement,” Mr Kong said.

“Technology is pivotal in age services innovation. Th e right care technology is one that takes into consideration not just a person’s lifespan, but also their health span.”

Nearly half a million Australians currently suff er from dementia and this number is set to double in the next 25 years.

Despite the disease being the second leading cause of death in Australia, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and it costs the Australian economy $3bn annually in health and aged care spending.

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