Tombots: An alternative form of companionship for isolated older adults during COVID-19

TALLAHASSEEĀ – This week, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) began delivering over 375 therapeutic robotic pets to socially isolated seniors and adults living with Alzheimerā€™s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD). The interactive pets help combat social isolation and depression among older individuals and people living with ADRD by improving overall mood and quality of life. Family caregivers may experience a reduction in stress, and caregivers benefit when companion pets allow increased engagement with the older adult and their environment.

Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Richard Prudom said, ā€œUnder the leadership and guidance of Governor Ron DeSantis, we remain committed to serving the needs of older adults and their families. We know social isolation disproportionately affects older adults, and COVID-19 has required people with dementia and their caregivers to remain alone for extended periods of time. We look forward to delivering these therapeutic robotic pets to those who will benefit from their companionship.ā€

The robotic pets offer an alternative to traditional pet therapy, and research shows they have similar positive effects. They are designed to respond to motion, touch, and sound. Robotic cats and dogs are usually given to people with ADRD, but data has shown that using pets to decrease social isolation for older adults is highly successful.

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Co-Founder and CEO of Ageless Innovation, Ted Fischer, said, ā€œIndependent clinical research has validated that Joy for AllĀ® Companion Pets promote and enhance meaningful interactions among older adults, their caregivers, and family members. We are thrilled to work alongside the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to ensure that hundreds of our aging loved ones can continue to find comfort, companionship, and joy with our interactive pets in this time of physical absence.ā€

ā€œWe hope these companion robotic pets may help calm individuals living with ADRD and provide some respite for their caregivers,ā€ said Secretary Prudom. ā€œIn addition, we are pleased to expand the use of robotic pets to isolated older adults. Our participation in this innovative program will help many older adults improve their daily mood and give them a greater sense of well-being because of the companionship provided by the interactive pets.ā€

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the State Unit on Aging, helps Floridaā€™s elders to remain healthy, safe, and independent. The Department provides most direct services through its Division of Statewide Community-Based Services, which works through the stateā€™s eleven Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers to deliver essential services to a vital segment of the population. For more information, please visit www.elderaffairs.org.

Ageless Innovation is a global company devoted to developing fun and engaging products for older adults. Beginning with the award-winning line of Joy for All Companion Pets, Ageless Innovation is focused onĀ creating products that promote fun, joy, and play while reducing the cost of care and creating meaningful connections for older adults, their families, and caregivers. To learn more, go here.

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