Robotic Pets Are Helping Dementia Patients (HBO)

Benchmark Senior Living at Plymouth Crossings uses robotic pets to help brighten the mood of elderly residents, while also stimulating cognitive function. VICE News goes and finds out what that looks like.
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[@nekilof-2363]

A therapist told me once a wise phrase for situations like this: where the family are concerned about loved ones being deceived - for them, it has a force of reality. So these animals might not be real to us, but they're real to them.

[@laravermillion3875]

Right? Reality in the brain happens from what we perceive. I for sure see many happy old people perceiving a good moment.

[@sherylcrowe3255]

Not much different from giving a teddy bear to a child. Emotional connections can be made in such a wild range of activities - what a wonderful find!!! Love is love after all!! Thanks for sharing this video.

[@ghanaboyz]

I believe placebo tests in elderly care has showed that using non-robotic animal-looking toys had the very same effect as using expensive robotic ones (and I guss one gets a lot toy cats, dogs, teddy bears etc for single Paro or whatever robotic product).

[@honeybear6647]

This is so sweets. The elderly sometimes can’t tell how hard they are holding the animal and squeeze too hard, so it’s safer to have fake animals.

[@Bummer1980]

In one facility I saw women with baby dolls. It made these women feel like they were taking care of their babies and they had no clue they weren’t real. It made such a huge difference for them. I can 100% see why these “fake” pets help them so much. I think it’s absolutely amazing!!

[@MikePuorro]

This has a lot of potential. It's refreshing to see technology being used for good instead of evil.

[@saeko0077]

You think we are living in terminator or matrix lmao

[@MikePuorro]

@@saeko0077 I'll be bark.

[@estherwilliams7005]

I bought my daughter a fur real pet cat and baby pig. They lasted forever and her little sister thought they were real until she was 3. It was the cutest thing to watch her play with them. You could even change the batteries right in front of her and she wouldn't realize a thing was wrong or different. I can understand why these seniors might not realize it's not a real cat at all.

[@brianrundle2875]

My mother ended up in a care home called the center for rehabilitation and health just outside Vancouver Canada after she set her apartment on fire by accident. I was surprised that she lived in a ward that have lots of art, fountains, daily activities and animals living with them. It was previously some kind of farm before the government converted it to a healing center. Every Wednesday "Gary's Varmits" came and passed around dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits and other pettable good natured animals for the residents to interact with. There was also some horses that the staff would give residents an apple or a carrot to go feed if they were mobile to do so. There were two little friendly dogs that ran around free in the ward always ready for a cuddle with a resident. My mother spent the last six months of her life in that place and I was glad that the animals were there to comfort people that were at the end of their life. I know that the mechanical stuffed animals are a comfort to the elderly but I think having real animals is much better. The BC Government in Canada has made a lot of progress in taking care of the aged in my opinion. A side note is that this was all government funded with residents just paying a portion of their income to be there that was very reasonable...

[@matthewmckenna248]

I couldn't imagine not being able to recognise you're own children, friend's and family members...

[@rocketleague6863]

Matt kid once I noticed I had it, which most all dementia patients do in the beginning, I would end it all.

[@rx4368]

My grandfather doesn't know who I am anymore it's very sad

[@robboadam]

Princ 1_1 same

[@behindthemirror2215]

another thing is that these people are just lonely. they felt lonely because they can remember who their families are so they have to connect to a fake things, things without life and without an identity so they can feel whole again

[@UpRoaryus]

My mom didn't recognize me when I got an unexpected haircut and she didn't even HAVE dementia... She came to meet me at work when I was selling Hondas at a dealership and was confused when she heard my voice calling her because she didn't see anyone else but the short haired person, not registering that it was me. She kept saying "where ARE you?" even as I was waving my arms in the air saying "I'm Right HERE!" It was the oddest feeling, her complete oblivion. She looked right through me, MORE THAN ONCE, from less than 10 feet away,and for a second I started to worry if I might be a ghost or something. Even when she put the voice to the person in front of her, it still took her some additional seconds to understand it was actually me. Meanwhile my boyfriends mom catches a glimpse of a tv show camera panning past a view of only his FEET from just above the ankle and starts yelling for her husband to come see that he's on tv....

[@spasgettiz]

My great grandfather has dementia, so we got him that exact robotic cat that they showed. It makes him feel better

[@LuthorCorpMinion]

So depressing. Watching the old man listening to his daughter talking made me wonder just how much he was comprehending or if he knew she was talking about him. He responded on cue quickly enough. It really makes you think about what you want out of life. What's real and what can you leave behind?

[@BreakfloorNerd]

I doubt he understood she was talking about him. People with dementia that has progressed as far at it had for him can't really comprehend anything that complex. You can only have a really basic "conversation" with people like him. They usually answer with yes/no or almost like a signature phrase that they always says. Depending how far gone they are they usually tell the same story over and over again or sing a song that they sung for decades. At least he got his cat, it probably makes him quite happy.

[@Alpina-Corsa]

It’s hard, my grandma suffers from this and it is just so hard

[@lvega5606]

My dad pretends he has dementia just so he doesnt have to listen to me talk (apparently I talk a lot). I wouldn't put it past this guy.

[@mgarcia2445]

May he rest in peace. He died March 29, 2018 at 97. I'm glad that the cat was able to help him during the time he had left. They really do make a difference in quality of life.

[@nightskylights4501]

@@lvega5606, LOL!

[@Feeshgmod]

I dont know why but this sorta makes me happy and sad, like its cute that they have some company with a fluffy cat toy or whatever but sad because of how these elderly people have become in their old age, but hey thats just how life is and if they get some comfort from the fake pets that makes me smile

[@chuecco]

Feesh Garrysmod i feel the same, there has to be a word in German for this feeling

[@sarahanonymous3770]

I do fear that this will one day happen to me. My Nanna didn't say a word for the whole 13 years I knew her because of her dementia. She didn't even know who we were. But if it does come to that, I hope that I end up at a place like this, not somewhere that they restrain difficult pacients, but somewhere that they truly try to help them. As an avid animal lover, and someone predisposed to dementia, I fear that this will one day happen to me, but hope if it does I will be allowed to seek comfort in something like these robot animals.

[@cnashford2]

I pray that you, me, and everyone gets to be this taken care of if we shall need it.

[@mathieumarlaire]

If this ever happens to me, I wan't a full size robotgiraffe.

[@guthy1675]

mmarlaire I like your attitude, everyone else is like end me if i get like this an you're over here wanting a giraffe 👍hell yeah get me a polar bear

[@JH-kv1vh]

Sexrobot 😅

[@rileyb1823]

HECK YEAH GIMME A ROBOMONKEY!

[@rasmus7400]

I want a gun

[@smuglumine9379]

I want a hamster

[@smadak]

Oh man this got me all emotional

[@threexfromwsg]

Me too.

[@SkyandQuill]

I am watching now, about to cry

[@janhenderson2521]

Me three..... it’s a great story. That’s the kind of nurse I would want if I am ever in need of dementia care. What a guy!

[@MattiaCeccopieri]

I started crying mid video for no known reason 😢

[@smadak]

@@MattiaCeccopieri the reason may have been this video

[@screus69]

I am an amateur Roboticist and this breaks my heart. I hope to soon be able to help these patients with robotic pets..

[@PANTHERESSDARK]

my grandpa who died when a was ten died from a deadly combo of dementia aphasia and lung cancer. watching his dementia progress worse and worse over my childhood left a very profound impact on me. i don’t plan on going into any medical fields for work, but i would like to study dementia/alzheimer’s more, and how to help.

[@the.magic.catbus9459]

I just donated one of these to an assisted living. My great grandmother had dementia and would have loved this. She had stuffed animals and dolls and she used to feed them her food. I have a stuffed rabbit of hers that she used to feed. It was a joy to be able to donate one of these to someone in need of companionship.

[@jefftc14]

so fucking depressing but still awesome at the same time

[@dstein111]

We start as an infant and end as an infant.

[@mr.cifuentes1779]

billiam S only some people unfortunately, memory is everything.

[@aplato8576]

Nice, and probably, wrong analogy. And not especially caring at that.

[@TainaElisabeth]

Actually about 18-25 generally mentally

[@crabtrap]

the people saying "this is a stupid toy" and not a real pet.......are the same idiots with their faces stuffed in there Iphones, panicking when with out it. You are not as superior to these seniors as you think.

[@INSERTaccountHERE]

Many similaritys. We start out bald toothless wrinkled not knowing anything. And go out the same way. Talk about full circle.

[@elllie]

My grandmother, who died back in January, suffered from Dementia for years. She was in a nursing home and I would have loved it if she could have had this kind of help

[@denniswhite166]

Got a robo cat for my mother. The batteries ran out and she thought the cat was dead. The worst thing was she made my dad bury it in the back yard. Neither one of them can remember where - now I'm out $250.

[@kenziec2043]

Dennis White when I was younger they had stuff like this and it was $50 for a nice one theyre called furreal friends

[@MindySaini]

@@katherinekendall758 Suupid thing to say. Carers have so much to take care of and do without having to take on more responsibility of a real animal. This makes it easier by having it robotic and I know it makes my grandmother happy regardless and her carer who lives with her 24/7 to continue taking care of her.

[@CloudsTravels]

@@katherinekendall758 God damn and whos goign to look after a LIVE animal that lives with a patient? You expect the patient to walk the dog, clean after it, and feed it? Dumb ass comment. Smash your unrealistic fantasy all to pieces and think logically.

[@misspinkpunkykat]

@@kenziec2043 Those were different. They were toys for children and in order to get them to react, you had to push VERY hard on them. You couldn't get a reaction from stroking them. These ones for elderly dementia patients have delicate touch sensors.

[@misspinkpunkykat]

@@katherinekendall758 A person with dementia may forget to feed a live animal.

[@casy6203]

I think it's sweet and good on him for putting in the effort to bring some comfort to the people

[@snickerdoodlesandalmondmil1002]

my grandma has dementia and i'm going to look into eventually buying one of these. our dog makes her so happy and calm, but he can't be with her at all times. this will definitely help. i'm so glad i stumbled across this video!

[@ThisIsYourOnlyWarning]

The man the bought the first robot animal, is such an amazing human and sweet man. The people in the facility are very lucky to have someone like him, that truly cares. 😊

[@user-rb5ir2um3m]

Excellent observation! Nurse Steve seems like a gem.

[@CybermanBill]

If they can't get real cats and dogs for the facility, I think this is a wonderful thing. So beautiful. Plus no one has to take care of them! If it brings joy and happiness and most importantly peace to someone with dementia...... More power to them. This is a wonderful thing! ❤️👏🏻👍🏻😢 🤖🤓

[@jojosbigsis]

My brother in laws mom died a short time ago. She had always had a lap dog. So, they bought her one of these animals....she was very content with it on her lap patting it all day!

[@chrisranz2714]

The robotic cat and robotic dog may not be real but the happiness the residence faces now that's real we should do this and more facilities if you agree with me give me a hoot God bless and y'all have a good day

[@SomEbodyisDERP]

So cute but so sad. :(

[@aplato8576]

True. I devoutly wish it were not. But, that's how in the West (US, UK, lots of Europe) treat our elders, i.e., as "disposable" humans with no value to society. Simply not true...and, simply incredibly cruel.

[@joaquin67]

You know, I was thinking of that too, the sadness of it. But I thought to myself, "Why am I only seeing the sad side of things? These elderly peeps are having a real and genuine experience on the inside. If anything, we should focus more on the positive side of this.. which is, that these seniors are having a positive experience that's REAL to them. Dementia sucks, and one day we'll be able to prevent and reverse it. But in the mean time, let's try and make them happy :)"

[@SpyFromMarsZeus]

To think I myself might need it too is even sadder...

[@that1toad64]

"Wholesomeness isn't something one would consider when dementia is the topic. But this. This does put a smile on my face."

[@angieCity90]

If I had the money I would definitely donate to an organization in my hometown. This seems like such a great idea for those that have memory issues

[@dm95422]

When I'm old, I would like a Robotic, life sized Raquel Welch ! 😂😂

[@jennifersoules3876]

I've seen this with residents, and it brings so much joy. I actually thought one was real when I first saw it. I actually cried watching this

[@jennyumm89]

This is actually a genius idea.

[@MentalExistence]

I can imagine old folks home in the future... Gunna be lit asf

[@adrianivashkov4242]

Yella Munga hope we get virtual reality. I don’t mind being in a nursing home if I can play video games in VR all day.

[@Myplaylists93]

@@adrianivashkov4242 Same. Who needs children that never visit you when you can be playing an immersive MMO in VR in the year 2070 lmao.

[@Tee017]

Bought my grandmother a plush dog - it is not robotic but she completely lit up when I gave him to her. She now has a “pet” in her nursing home ❤️❤️❤️

[@carolineg4915]

this is the sweetest thing i’ve ever seen in my entire life

[@narata1541]

I remember playing with a robot seal similar to these at a convention in Chicago. It wouldn't recognize my touch despite it moving around when others touched it. The employee there told me to hit it harder, so I smacked it in the butt. Voila! It woke up and started moving! Haha, it was weird, but made me laugh.

[@anniestraw4698]

God bless you. I have bought talking toys for Aunts, Uncles, other family members, and friends in hospitals with major or minor surgery and in nursing homes for 30 years now. It didn’t matter if they were 20, or 120. Everyone laughs like it’s the silliest think I could do. But, later on, they would tell me, they finally understood. Everyone one laughs, and keeps laughing. Proof that laughter is such good medicine.

[@kicksmore]

If a fake animal can bring a little joy....imagine what real ones can bring!

[@user-rb5ir2um3m]

Fantastic innovation! And the nurse, Steve, seems like the most genuine, warmest person in the world!

[@niallbyrne6474]

I just ordered one for my Mom. I think she is going to love it. I'm sure she is going to want to feed it because she has been leaving food beside all the photos in the house for the people in them to eat :-)

[@Bushwick-to9up]

She must and still be sweet

[@Reclaimed321]

Wow! Thank you Steven for being aware for the those that can't be! Bless you sir.

[@xxXitakegabbiesXxx]

This is so great. I definitely believe that pets can certainly help in these situations.

[@emmadilemma9106]

Do they have seals?

[@dibars171]

Emma Dilemma Simpsons reference

[@tatianadashkova2143]

Emma Dilemma in Japan they have robots seals

[@jessicatuepker1491]

There was a robot seal from Japan that was used for the same thing.

[@Milkywaycctv]

I'm not crying it's just raining on my face

[@heathvamp1711]

I wish there were more people like you. U made my day

[@eph51912]

seeing all these people who have lost parts of their minds made me very sad. im glad that they get joy from these companion toys.

[@angelica3744]

This warms my heart tremendously.

[@Froggyx]

This robot helps babies and elderly alot in every way.

[@welshpete12]

People like Steve are the very best people in the world ! Well done sir !!

[@ianturnbow7011]

Great idea. My emotions are *tearing me apart!* I am now in a mixed state of existential dread and apathy towards old age.

[@cnashford2]

Love that these people have people (and pets!) to keep them company. Beautiful story. Thanks for posting.

[@nat5176]

and even if they know it's a robot, it is still a toy and fun to play with!!

[@lainsandstrom]

Those robo-pets have such an uncanny quality about them

[@Stephie2007]

I should consider getting one for my grandmother who is going through dementia. At least it would stop her from picking up my mom's dog and risking a fall.

[@silvervisage5096]

I'd rather die while still strong and sane than ending up like this.

[@flxmkr]

At first, I thought of it as a mean trick. But then I thought back to the Tamagachi craze when I was in my 30s and actually BOUGHT one for myself! So now I think,...forget about the kids toys. Somebody needs to design one specifically for elderlies! Put a warning device in it so it stays warm (but not dangerous), make it react to touch and voice, and shoot! Let it play music! Have the patient's favorite songs uploaded into it! Yes, someone's going to steal my ideas. But please get it done before my dementia sets in! I want a dog.

[@crabtrap]

wow, so you are like the first person to ever concieve of a robot for seniors! no,no you aren't.

[@wildandbarefoot]

It's very realistic. I got my mum one and it strayed. It went to another old lady and she can't put it down. YOU JUST CAN'T OWN A CAT!

[@rileyb1823]

This is great! U don't actually have to take care if it, and it calms them down!

[@annamartinez9016]

Awww that's so sweet and sad at da same time

[@Roo_Bear]

This is so sweet... But it breaks my heart

[@CoTyyy]

Nahhh from 3:44 to 3:55, that line sounds so messed up, like something a villain in a movie would say

[@strollersofthecodyscarp7557]

I thank God for people like this that are so good at working with Dementia. Such an awful illness.

[@pixielolz5635]

Do you thank God for creating dementia as well?

[@donaldvonglitchenberger4108]

pixielolz god doesn’t create dementia. Evil Forces do. Come on use your Brain. I really had to explain this to you ?

[@robertbarrett7620]

They are so happy.. God bless..

[@AhJodie]

I love this nurse, Steven!

[@jakkobmartinez4495]

brings joy to my heart

[@kjstarr2893]

My mom is in stage 7 of dementia. This is killing me inside. Something like this pet would make her smile, but she might be afraid of it the next day or later. People talking to the patients is better, playing familiar music and giving them mind stimulating thing to do.. I take my crafts to moms and let here rip some paper for paper Mache and she and she kicks in and tried to lead the project and she seem so proud. Worship your parent! ...... Like me, you don't want to do this alone!

[@vimla2337]

Like other people posted, i have mixed emotions about this. Sad to See elderly people and their families suffering. But glad there are some Easy small aids like robot animals, therapy animals to help people. The benefit of a robotic animal , doesn’t require food, no expensive veterinarian visits, people with allergies can keep this kind of robot pet. And the list of benefits go on.

[@gregorypappas766]

You know, I wish my grandma still functioned at this high of a level, no joke, murr...

[@rubydawn1]

we have them at our long term care love them

[@Phlegethon]

Guy says he’s director of memory care...Vice puts his title as head nurse

[@malenaferina]

may be I needed the dog like that when was a kid, my parents won't let me have dog, they said when I get big I can have 10 dogs if I want, so I grew up and I got my own house now i have 300 dogs and love it!

[@ToastyCoClothing]

this is where were all headed folks, swallow yr pride while yr yung

[@icisne7315]

I am happy for them yet I am cry right now

[@MrLittlecows]

This looks wonderful* I will get one for my family! Thank you Researchers.

[@MrBlackcandy85]

I don't see something depressing in this video and that's cool if something robotic can bring joy to suffering people. Joy for All companion pets are awesome. That's it!

[@NeoStef]

This is so cute, i'm crying.

[@isamarks7773]

Does anyone know what brand those cat and dog toys were? My late grandmother's care centre would probably really like a few of them, so if anyone knows the brand that would be very helpful.

[@peristau]

I think this is beautiful.

[@mxar2074]

It's cute but really sad :(

[@isreyla]

That is one of the best ideas ever!

[@echase416]

With Dementia, folks must enter the LOWD (loved one with dementia's) world, and 'meet them where they're at'. It's _not about us_ or if we're 'comfortable' with a robot cat really being fake. In Dementia care, staff use to gives the LOWD (loved one with dementia) the ~LEAST Distress~. Look how happy this toy makes them.

[@clair233]

This can only be a good thing.

[@UnderstandingDementiaCare]

thanks for making this video

[@IIcorrinthians519]

What a wonderful video! Good job.

[@kittenmittens4387]

Far more practical than real pets. I interned at an assisted living facility that had a cat. They had horrible clay litter & only one box (behind the copy machine). I don't even use clay litter at home because it's unsanitary and problematic for those with breathing issues. I've also volunteered at a cat shelter where so many were dumped because the owner went into a care facility (& the family members didn't want to help). Animal therapy has been proven to bring so much joy to people time and again!

[@krystalharwood6359]

the sad thing is when the battery runs low they will cry ''it's dead''

[@SimonAZ]

Don't know if it makes a lot of difference that they are robotic. In general some of them are fond of pet toys and some are not. As long as they can communicate with each other and family I think this adds more quality than communicating with a robot. Music is very helpful as well.

[@scar4052]

I’m autistic and I love my doggy that’s just like these ones :)

[@forest_green]

I'm happy it brings you comfort :) have a good day!

[@scoobycrush9231]

I think this would be ideal for someone who has allergies to dogs and cats also. I have severe asthma to dogs and cats so I would love this!

[@tmalone2530]

I need one. My apartment complex doesn’t allow dogs and I just really need one

[@Iyiouseismouse]

I'm not crying... your crying! Really though, this is amazing. I always thought these things were just gimmicks for kids. I stand corrected.

[@VS04]

No links to the product?

[@vigneshrk]

good for them

[@jackdgreer36]

We had one and it quit working in a month . We sent it back to Amazon and it was replaced quickly. But a month passed and noe it wont close it mouth or blink its eyes.My wife loves it and a plushy cocker spaniel that she believes are alive. Dissappointed that both dogs have problems for the cost .

[@pepbean1]

Please end me before I reach this point

[@mistermood4164]

that makes two of us.

[@copperandbrick]

Looks like they could make them at least *sound* a little bit real? To me, those robots sound like people imitating cats.

[@michicyrill6397]

Its like playing with children

[@themanwithnoname9894]

My Dog Layla is watching this right now. She is furious! She barked at the screen saying, "Dey Terk 'Er Jerbs!" (She's from North Carolina)

[@chelseafamcontreras6386]

I'm getting this for Christmas!