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Robotic Pet Therapy Improves Outcomes for Hospitalized Older Adults

February 9, 2018
Robotic Pet Therapy Improves Outcomes for Hospitalized Older Adults

This randomized controlled trial at an inner city community hospital examined the effect of a robotic pet (cat or dog) on cognition, loneliness, depression, delirium, falls, restraint use, and 1:1 companion use in 160 adults over age 65. The study utilized robotic pets which have an audible heartbeat and interact by purring or barking, turning their heads, opening/closing their eyes, snuggling, wagging their tails, moving their paws, and showing their bellies.

Read the study