Imagine wanting a pet dog,
but knowing you don’t have the time, living space, or the energy required to
walk and play with it as regularly as its needs require. Many older adults who
fit that description might benefit from a robotic dog that responds to them
in ways that alleviate their loneliness and soothes their cravings for love and
attention. Years ago, I learned that such a dog existed in the form of Sony’s
robotic dog named Aibo, which was being tested in nursing homes.
I
was so impressed with the pleasing possibilities this little charmer could
bring to older adults, especially lonely ones, that I included a robotic dog story in
my book Becoming
Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes. In
the chapter titled Baby Boomer Haven, a resident takes the reader
on an imaginary tour of a nursing home based on best practices including a a robotic dog:
“Watch out for Diva Dog
over there, one of several resident pets. She’s just looking you over to make
sure you look her over. In her spare time, she’s a certified psychologist. For
residents who prefer the convenience of a responsive robotic pet, we have two
mechanical dogs that operate with artificial intelligence. They provide playful
companionship without the need for feeding, walking, and cleaning up after
them. The best part about the robotic dogs is that the more residents
interact with them, the more responsive the dogs become to the residents. All
the animals here are like our extended family.”
Robotic dogs are also used in therapy for residents living with dementia.
Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming
Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available
in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and
offline booksellers. Frances Shani Parker's Website
