Townsville University Hospital’s use of robot puppies is making a positive impact on the lives of dementia patients.
Judith Mercer, a clinical nurse with the TUH frailty intervention team, said that companion pets like Lewy the robot dog are powerful tools for caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
She explained that animals, even mechanical ones, have a calming influence and serve as a form of diversional therapy.
“Research shows they positively impact patients’ anxiety and behaviour,” she said.
“Companion pets can greatly benefit elderly patients, especially those who lose their pets when they enter an aged-care facility or hospital.” The intervention team works to identify and support older patients who might be at risk of serious injury and has extended its support to aged care centres and other residential areas.
Ms. Mercer mentioned that Keith Griffiths, 95, who moved to aged care in 2023 after a serious stroke, was the second person to receive a companion dog through the team and Brighter Lives, also known as the Townsville Hospital Foundation.
Keith’s daughter, Leeanne Griffiths, said the adorable robotic pup brought back happy memories for her father, who had pets for most of his life.
“It has been wonderful to see the change in Dad, and Lewy has settled him down considerably – much like his old self,” she said. “After seeing Dad with Lewy, I understand how these companion dogs can lift morale, reduce aggressive behaviour, and help nurses by calming the patients.” Brighter Lives board chair Alicia Fowles said the foundation had funded three companion dogs for the frailty team and launched a pay-it-forward initiative for community members to support the purchase of robot pups for patients across the region.
“It is a small thing, but it can make a profound difference to a patient with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia,” she said. “Brighter Lives is proud to support the frailty intervention team’s important work in caring for our region’s older patients and providing comfort while they are in hospital.” TUH’s frailty intervention team offers aged care residents the option of receiving emergency care at home and collaborates with clinical teams in the hospital to support older or frail patients. You can help Brighter Lives provide a companion dog to those in need by donating online: www.brighterlives.org.au/payitforward.
Cameron Bates, ‘Robotic dogs helping the elderly deal with dementia’, Townsville Bulletin (online), 7 May 2024 7 ‹https://infoweb-newsbank-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/apps/news/document-view?p=AWGLNB&docref=news/198E64192F069AD0›