Calming cuddles pay off for Bentleys elderly patients

Most of us have heard of a therapy dog. But what about a therapeutic robot?

It might sound unusual, but Senior Occupational Therapist Jo Von Perger says a therapeutic robot named PARO is helping older patients at Bentley Hospital living with dementia feel calmer, more engaged and connected.

Created in Japan, PARO is an interactive robotic seal that offers many of the benefits of animal-assisted therapy in environments where live animals can be difficult to accommodate.

Using advanced sensors to respond to touch, sound, light and temperature, PARO reacts to people in lifelike ways, encouraging interaction and companionship.

PARO was purchased by Bentley Hospital’s Occupational Therapy team a year ago, to trial with patients experiencing dementia and other cognitive disorders. 

Jo said patients take part in two to three PARO sessions each week, and the therapeutic robot has become a valued addition to the ward's dementia care program. 

“This non-pharmalogical intervention has been well received by patients, while staff have observed positive outcomes,” Jo said.

“People with dementia often experience significant levels of distress, including anxiety, agitation, low mood and social withdrawal.

“Interacting with PARO tends to have a calming effect, helping to reduce anxiety, agitation and depressive symptoms while promoting emotional wellbeing and social engagement.

“For some patients, PARO also stimulates reminiscence, prompting conversations about previous experiences with pets, family and meaningful life events.”

Jo said she has also observed a positive response in patients who are restless, pacing or experiencing heightened agitation. 

“When offered PARO, some patients will sit calmly and engage with him for extended periods,” she said. 

“They often appear more relaxed and settled after interaction with PARO, which can support participation in daily care activities and enhance overall wellbeing. “

Jo says the OT team is exploring opportunities to provide access to PARO on other wards within the hospital, recognising its potential as a person-centred, non-pharmalogical intervention for people living with dementia.

Did you know?

• PARO was created by Japanese engineer Dr Takanori Shibata in 2004. The robot is based on harp seals Dr Shibata saw in an ice field in north-eastern Canada, where he also recorded their cries to use them for PARO's simulated cries. 
• In The Simpsons episode Replaceable You, Bart Simpson teams up with his classmate Martin Prince to create robotic baby seals for the school science fair. They named the seals Robopets. These were essentially PARO robots, which in the episode, went on to make the senior citizens in Springfield Retirement Castle happier.