Robotic pets comfort Bedford care home residents with dementia

Bedford-based care home residents are reaping the benefits of robotic therapy pets. Hepworth House Residential Care Home has 15 residents and since April 2025, two residents with dementia have been living with a robotic cat and dog.

People with dementia can lose interest in everyday activities and socialising and may also have problems managing their behaviour or emotions. They may struggle to remember family and recent events, but long-term memories often remain intact.

The RoboPets may look like soft toys, but they are equipped with motors that allow them to move their heads, open their eyes and wag their tails. Built-in sensors enable lifelike responses – such as purring or rolling on their back when stroked.

The Digitising Social Care programme at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership is working with Health Innovation East and the University of Hertfordshire to understand the impact of RoboPets. More than 700 people in the area are already drawing comfort and companionship from these innovative devices.

Katy St Clair-Pierre, deputy manager of the care home, says: “One of our residents grew up with cats and has spoken about missing them, so she was excited to receive a robotic cat. Named Simba, the cat has sparked this resident to share fond childhood memories and we’ve never seen her smile so much. It’s really heartwarming to see.”

Since the arrival of the RoboPets, care home residents have become noticeably more sociable, thanks in part to them being such great conversation starters. Katy says: “staff and residents alike are keen to stroke and engage with them”.

Beyond providing reassuring companionship, the RoboPets have become a meaningful part of the residents’ lives. “They think they’re real, so they take them out into the garden and feed them at certain times,” explains Katy. This sense of responsibility has introduced a reassuring structure to their day.

One dog-loving resident, who used to feel anxious during meals, now feels calm and at ease with their robotic dog by their side at the table.

“We’re hopefully getting a bird next, but I’d be open to a whole zoo of RoboPets after seeing how much they are helping people.”

Expressions of interest are still being accepted from care providers that meet certain criteria. The study will run until March 2026, and the findings will be published shortly afterwards. To find out more, visit www.blmkhealthandcarepartnership.org/robopets or contact the team at blmkicb.digital.socialcare@nhs.net.