Simulated and robotic pets can be used as part of engagement or leisure activities to support people living with moderate to severe dementia. They may provide comfort and help engage people living with dementia who show signs of social isolation, reduced communication, apathy or agitation.
While simulated and robotic pets may not eliminate the changed behaviours that come with dementia, research has shown that they can provide many positive outcomes for the person, including reducing the frequency and severity of those behaviours.
Introducing the pet
Suggestions on how to interact with the pet
Special notes and precautions
Safety tips
Useful resources
Introducing the pet
Introducing a simulated or robotic pet is an important step for the success of the activity. When introducing the pet:
- Enter the person’s room, greet them and sit down in front of them or beside them while drawing their attention to the simulated or robotic pet.
- Observe their reaction and gauge their response. Talk about the pet and check if they are interested or engaged and ask them if they would like to pat it or hold it.
- Observe how they interact with it, whether they perceive it as a real animal and if so, encourage them to do so.
- Put together a ‘pet corner’ using a dog or a cat bed, a kennel and pet accessories to create an environment that encourages the person to engage with the activity.
Suggestions on how to interact with the pet
When interacting with a simulated or robotic pet:
- It’s important to mirror the person’s response. For instance, only act as if it is a real animal if the person themselves believes that it is the case.
- Offer for them to look after the pet while you attend other duties, reassuring them that you will return later to pick it up.
- Leave the pet’s bed with the person and reassure them that the pet will sit quietly in your absence.
- Explain that the pet has already been fed but keep a small supply of pet treats handy in case the person attempts to feed it.
- Incorporate the pet activity when the person with dementia is having a difficult time or feeling unsettled.
- Remove the pet when appropriate, for example at meal or shower times. Offering to take it outside or to get some water for it can be a helpful way to do so without confusing or upsetting the person with dementia.
Special notes and precautions
- Ensure that you monitor how the person responds to the simulated or robotic pet activity and evaluate the outcomes. Monitoring the person’s engagement and documenting the outcomes is important for communicating effectively with other staff members.
- To ensure the activity is suitable, conduct an assessment before introducing the pet to identify any history of negative experiences with animals, such as physical injury, allergy, or abuse.
- Don’t impose the activity on people who haven’t showed any interest, as not everyone will respond to it. Be aware of the person’s background, previous beliefs and interactions with animals. If they didn’t like pets before, they are less likely to respond in a positive and beneficial way.
- Be mindful of the person’s preferences. For example, cat lovers may not engage with dogs while some people might love all animals. The type of pet selected should match the person’s cultural background and social history as much as possible, such as a person’s previously owned pet.
- Animal representational toys should be interactive and as life-like as possible in terms of appearance, weight, sound emitted, smell and texture.
- Response to the activity may vary. If the activity doesn’t work initially, it’s possible to reintroduce the activity for trial at a later stage – six months later, for instance.
Safety tips
- Always follow the manufacturer recommendations to effectively use, care for and clean the simulated and robotic pets.
- Wash your hands before and after handling the robotic pet to prevent infection.
- Clean the pet’s plastic surfaces with bacterial wipes after use.
Useful resources
Hasbro’s interactive furReal Pets
Paws Point Pet Deli & Boutique offers a variety of toys and pet products
This resource material is informed by literature and associate practice evidence. This guidance should be applied within your organisations policies and procedures.
©HammondCare Dementia Centre November 2018 (next review date November 2020)