RoboPets help combat loneliness among elderly Milton Keynes residents

In April 2016, Laila Adatia founded Intrust Care Ltd, a home care provider based in Milton Keynes that now supports over 120 clients. In February 2025, Laila introduced four robotic pets into her services. They have had profound and heartwarming impacts on the lives of some of her most isolated clients.

The Digitising Social Care programme at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership is working in collaboration with Health Innovation East and the University of Hertfordshire to explore the broader impact of RoboPets. So far, more than 700 individuals are finding comfort through their robotic companions.

One client, a sheltered housing resident, had become reclusive following the loss of her husband, whom she cared for at home for many years. Since receiving her robotic cat – affectionately named John after her late husband – she’s spoken of the ‘comfort of the purring noise’ and ‘how lovely it is to not feel alone at home’. John now accompanies her on outings in the basket of her four-wheel walker, and often receives attention in the residents’ lounge.

Another client, living with sight loss, had been struggling with a low mood and isolation. Initially unsure about receiving a RoboPet, she quickly bonded with her robotic cat named Katy, and the change has been profound.

“It’s made such a difference – she’s so much happier! She clearly adores Katy and interacts with her constantly and even bought her a little bed and brush. It’s her something to care for again.”

Laila acknowledges that while the benefits are clear, there have been some challenges. Some clients love their RoboPets at first, but lose interest over time. “We take great care to match each pet to a person’s background and personalised care plan and regularly review how it’s going. It’s extra paperwork and monitoring, yes – but seeing the joy these RoboPets bring makes it all worthwhile.”

She adds: “RoboPets are a brilliant way to harness technology in a human-centred way offering comfort and emotional support, especially for those most at risk of loneliness. It’s great to be part of something making a real difference to people’s quality of life.”

Expressions of interest are still being accepted by 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 on blmkicb.digital.socialcare@nhs.net.