West Lothian care home residents take 'robo-pup' into their hearts this Dementia Awareness Week

Tenants in a West Lothian care home have found the ‘paw-fect’ companion in an innovative robotic dog.

Finding its home at Bield Housing & Care’s tech hub in Linlithgow, the robotic companion pet brings joy to all ages, but especially those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The robotic companion pet at Bield Housing & Care's tech hub in Linlithgow brings joy to all ages, especially those with Alzheimer's and dementia. | Sub

This Dementia Awareness Week, the housing and care provider aims to highlight the unique ways in which those living with dementia can still find joy from furry friends, which aim to improve well-being and combat social isolation.

The robotic dog has a soft fur coat and makes authentic animal sounds and natural motions, like head lifting and tail wagging, in response to petting and hugging. It has been designed to look and feel like a real pet, but without the need to be fed, walked, groomed, or taken to the vet.

Gary Baillie from Bield said: “This robot pup is one of the most loved pieces of tech we have in the Bield Tech Hub, the tenants across Bield love coming to see it.

“We’ve all seen the positive impact this has brought to our tenants and the genuine smiles that it brings to the faces of both tenants and staff is wonderful to see. Companionship is vital for everyone, so we’re not surprised it has gone down a treat. Now we just need to figure out a name for it!

“At Bield, we’re always looking for ways we can harness the power of technology to provide care - not just to our tenants, but to the broader community as well.”

The incredibly lifelike 'companion Pet', designed to combat social isolation and cognitive decline, was first introduced to the hub in 2023. | Sub

The incredibly lifelike ‘companion pet’, designed to combat social isolation and cognitive decline, was first introduced to the hub in 2023.

Available to purchase on Amazon, the animatronic dog provides engaging interaction through built-in sensors that respond to motion and touch with realistic movements and behaviours, fostering a sense of companionship for individuals of all ages and cognitive abilities.