Technology brings joy to Mount Morgan seniors

for residents,” Aruf explains.

“Studies have shown that these companion pets can enhance the wellbeing of older people. The robotic animals can help to improve people’s moods, communication, interaction with others, and can be a comforting presence.

“Some residents living with dementia who are unresponsive to other therapies may brighten up, pat and talk to the companion pet.

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

According to Carinity Summit Cottages Customer Service Coordinator, Cassandra Donald, residents have been delighted to meet their new furry friend.

“The cat has been a welcome addition to our community. The residents love her. They each have made up their own name for her,” Cassandra said.

Residents living in all 12 of Carinity’s aged care communities across Queensland have access to the companion pets.

Pictured left: Carinity Summit Cottages aged care resident Violet Wass enjoys time with a therapeutic robotic companion pet.

While therapy animals have played a valued role in aged care settings for some time, an increasingly common sight within seniors communities are robotic pets.

Residents living in the Carinity Summit Cottages aged care community in Mount Morgan have access to companion pets, life-like therapeutic toys which have realistic fur and sound and move like real animals.

The electronic dogs and cats respond to hugging and petting and users can even feel the vibration of a cat purring and the ‘heartbeat’ of a dog.

Carinity Summit Cottages Residential Manager, Aruf Yasin, said the technology is “bringing much joy to our residents”.

Research has shown that the devices have physical and psychological benefits for older seniors, including those living with dementia.

“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