Isolated seniors at nursing home get robotic therapy pets

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Some seniors in Florida could be feeling a little less lonely thanks to their new mechanical pets.

Florida state officials are sending close to four-hundred robotic cats and dogs to nursing homes for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Seniors in nursing homes are particularly isolated because of strict visitation rules and social distancing guidelines.

State officials say robotic pets can provide positive effects similar to traditional pet therapy.

So the hope is that the new mechanical buddies will help the seniors combat social isolation and depression by improving their overall mood and quality of life.

The robotic pets were created by Ageless Innovation, a company that is devoted to developing fun and engaging products geared toward older adults.

The company also plans to distribute them in New York in the future.

Posted – 4.28.20