RoboPets help combat loneliness among elderly Milton Keynes residents

RoboPets help combat loneliness among elderly Milton Keynes residents image

Home » News » 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.

A woman stands in front of a banner reading 'Intrust Care', holding a medium-sized robotic dog. Both the woman and the dog are smiling.
Laila Adatia, care manager at Intrust Care Ltd in Milton Keynes, with one of the RoboPet dogs.

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.

View all news

Latest news and highlights

News

2 October 2025

Digital tool improves mobility and balance in people at risk of falls

The largest real-world evaluation of GaitSmart, an AI-driven digital tool for people with gait (walking pattern) and mobility issues across four sites in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton…

News

2 October 2025

Asthma inhaler project scoops prize at NHS awards ceremony

A revolutionary project which has improved care for asthma patients whilst also reducing emissions of harmful greenhouse gases and saving money was among the winners…

News

30 September 2025

Chief Executive appointed to lead new ‘Central East’ ICB cluster

Jan Thomas, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care Board, has been appointed as the Chief Executive of the ‘Central East’ Integrated Care Board (ICB) cluster.  …

News

29 September 2025

Staff with almost 500 years’ NHS service are celebrated at awards ceremony

17 staff who have worked in the NHS for a combined total of nearly 500 years were congratulated and thanked for their long service at an event this week. The…

News

29 September 2025

New hub unveiled in Luton as vaccination drive begins

A new NHS health hub has opened in Luton to allow residents to get vaccinated, as the drive to encourage seasonal jabs gets underway. The Bury Park Health Hub, located…

News

25 September 2025

Personalised care is the focus for local patients

People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes who live with physical or mental health conditions have been urged to consider what personalised care could do to improve their wellbeing, as…