Robotic Pets Offer ‘Purr-fect’ Memory Care

Social engagement and emotional wellbeing are important in maintaining cognitive health. However, individuals in the moderate to later stage of Alzheimer’s Disease, or other related dementias, often face challenges in participating meaningfully in programs designed to promote engagement.

Today, innovative solutions are offering new hope. One such initiative is the Robotic Pets program by the Aviv Older Adult Services Program at Jewish Family & Career Services. This program harnesses cutting-edge technology to provide pet companionship to individuals with cognitive impairment and dementia. When paired with the Music and Memory program, clients can have a multisensory experience.

The Robotic Pets program, offered through Aviv Older Adult Services at JF&CS, incorporates pet “ownership” and music for therapeutic memory care.

To enroll in the program, clients will meet with a member of the Memory Support Services team to talk about their needs, wants and hopes for the program. After assessment, each client receives their very own robotic pet. These pets mimic the actions and responses of real animals—they purr, bark, and even roll over, providing companionship and joy in a way that is no-risk and high reward.

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This is a 98-year-old client who has had cats and dogs all her life. She lives alone with no family in town. She enjoys brushing her cat, who she has named Cleo, and has a special place for her to sit at her window in her apartment.

The benefits of these fuzzy friends extend beyond the clients themselves.

“It’s also great for caregivers because they can take a few moments for themselves,” said Samantha Freeman, a Memory Support Case Manager at JF&CS. “Everyone needs a break in the day, and these pets let caregivers steal a few moments while the client is enjoying time with their new companion.”

Clients can choose from a dog, cat, or even a bird, and the program includes guidance on how best to use these therapeutic tools. Robotic Pets is just one of several programs Aviv Older Adult Services offers, including Brain Health Bootcamp, Memory Support Coaching, Memory Lane TV, and Music & Memory. These programs can be combined to enhance comfort, happiness, and emotional well-being.

Freeman shares her fulfillment in seeing the positive impact: “To see the joy in people’s faces, to see them have that spark in their eyes again, to see them connect with something again. There is nothing like it – it’s one of the many reasons I love being able to be a part of this program.”

This 100-year-old client lost her cat a year ago and knew she would be unable to have another cat where she lives. So, the robotic cat has taken its place and provided her comfort.

Georgia Gunter, another team member, emphasizes the program’s value: “I am passionate about working with individuals living with dementia and I like being an ‘investigator,’ finding out what is meaningful and engaging for each individual client.”

The Robotic Pets Program and JF&CS’ other Memory Support programs are emerging as promising alternatives to traditional medication, offering benefits without adverse side effects.

For more information on the Robotic Pets Program or other services offered by Aviv Older Adult Services, please visit jfcsatl.org or call 770-677-9415.