A robotic cat has brought back memories, joy and improved interactions for one of our service users. 

Deborah Thomson, one of our Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) Social Workers, has been trying to find innovative ways to improve one of her service user’s life after she was diagnosed with Charles Bonnet Syndrome and Dementia. 

She said: “Ann has always owned cats throughout her life. When she could no longer cope at home due to the visual hallucinations she was experiencing, she agreed to move into care. Giving up her cat was incredibly difficult for her.”

Once settled into the care home, Ann’s family and social worker noticed that her dementia had progressed, and this had resulted in her becoming very agitated and distressed in the evenings. 

To try and improve Ann’s situation, her social worker thought outside of the box and linked in with Alzheimer’s Scotland to look at what options there may be that could have a positive impact. One of the options was a robotic pet cat that can make movements and sounds.   

The cat was loaned from Alzheimer’s Scotland for a period of two weeks to see if Ann would find it beneficial.

The robot pets are very lifelike – they have stomachs that move up and down to mimic breathing and fur that is soft to touch. This creates a calming effect, helping to reduce anxiety and stress – two symptoms which are commonly associated with dementia. They also provide the service users with a sense of purpose, as people enjoy giving their pet a name and building a connection with it as if they are its owner.

Deborah said: “Ann took to the cat straight away. She’s keen to know where the cat is and whilst talking to her, she will reach out to clap it and she will pick it up and cuddle it. Her dementia continues to progress but all supporting her agree that her behaviour would be far more challenging if she did not have the cat.”

Since the cat has come into Ann’s life, her family are happy at the difference that the cat has made in her and they are impressed at our HSCP’s commitment to find solutions to make Ann’s life more comfortable and familiar.