Robotic pets are bringing comfort to residents at a care home during the coronavirus outbreak.

Hythe View nursing home, in North Road, Hythe, usually has regular visits from Pets as Therapy dogs but due to the ongoing pandemic has had to restrict all non-essential visitors.

Activities co-ordinator Heather Heath noticed many of the residents were missing the interaction with their furry friends and the comfort and companionship the animals provide.

After researching alternatives, the home invested in two robopets - robotic pets that respond to interaction from the residents and have the look and behaviour of the real thing.

Heather said: "Bonzo the dog and Simba the cat, named by our residents, have been with us for most of lockdown.

"The response from the residents has been remarkable, especially for those who have dementia.

"I facilitate the use of the robopets once or twice a week and those residents who routinely engage with them have become less agitated, their mood has improved and it has reduced their reliance on calming medication.

"They may be mechanical pets but they’re very life-like. Many of the residents with dementia believe them to be real.

"They promote a very relaxing environment and bring a lot of joy to the residents, often triggering memories of their own pets."

In addition to offering companionship, the robotic pets have also increased the social interaction between residents.

"Beatrice and Hazel love sitting together with their pets," continued Heather.

"They stroke the animals while chatting to each other.

"The ladies will often praise Bonzo and Simba and ask if they want some food.

"There’s really a lot of love and affection between resident and pet. It’s heartwarming to see their smiles as their particular pet responds to their touch and voice.

"We’ve seen some great changes in our residents as a result. Jackie is usually quite anxious but she finds the interaction very peaceful. She smiles and laughs and her anxiety just seems to disappear.

"Joan is more alert and much more talkative.

"Bill enjoys mimicking the pets by copying their sounds and movements. He finds it very comforting to have that connection with his ‘friend’ and he’s much more involved in this activity than any other.

"A couple of our residents, Jeanette and Diane, don’t have dementia and are aware that the pets are robots but they still get a lot of enjoyment and comfort from them."

Hythe View closed its doors to all but essential visitors in March, along with its sister sites Saltwood Care Centre and Balgowan House.

Out of the three Hythe Care nursing homes, there has been three residents who have tested positive for the coronavirus, all at Saltwood Care Centre.

Two people recovered but one man, who was on end of life care, sadly passed away.

All staff and residents at the three sites are regularly monitored for symptoms and are tested and asked to self-isolate as required.

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