Robotic cats helping residents with dementia

Members of Tameside Rotary have been busy raising funds to supply Robotic Cat Companions to care home residents with dementia in the borough. 

One of the latest homes to receive a donation was Hyde’s Riverside Care Home.

To date seven ‘cats’ have been donated by the Rotary team, while ten more care homes across the borough are waiting.

The life-like Robotic Cat Companions have been increasingly recognised for their therapeutic values. With realistic fur and inbuilt sensors, cats respond to hugging and motion, they purr, meow, move and stretch. 

For residents with dementia, the cats can help improve quality of life by alleviating stress, anxiety, and loneliness.

One early recipient of a robotic furry companion from Tameside Rotary is Bourne House Residential Care Home in Ashton where staff explained how the cat was named Zooky by residents and spends her days sitting on their laps, whilst they talk and stroke her. 

Meanwhile at Kings Park Care Home, staff said their donated robotic cat, named Tom, has been a huge success and is used during sensory activities for residents nursed in bed.

With a further five cats donated last week to local care homes, Maria Bailey, President of Tameside Rotary, said: “We are delighted to help care homes at such a difficult time. Pets are so important to people and when they move into care, they can really miss their furry companion. These robotic cats are amazing and because they are so life-like they can have a calming effect and help residents recall fond memories.”

With more homes waiting, Tameside Rotary are continuing to raise funds. For more information, visit www.tamesiderotaryclub.com and to make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/catcompanions