At 82, Delores Dallas does a lot of stay active and socially engaged. She benefits from taking daily walks, attending classes at her local rec centre, and joining others at the assisted living facility she calls home on field trips and for movie nights.
But as with many older adults, Delores sometimes struggles with feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Her two children are busy parents who live out of town, and she dearly misses her husband Robin who passed away seven years ago.
For most of her adult life, Delores has enjoyed the company of cats. Sadly, her current residence does not allow pets so when she moved in a few years ago she had to leave behind her beloved orange cat, Cheese.
When she read about a new partnership between Eldercare Foundation and Oak Bay Volunteer Services to distribute robotic pets to seniors in the community, Delores called right away. As luck would have it, there was a sweet orange cat awaiting adoption.
“I was so grateful to receive a cat,” she says. “When I opened the box, I couldn’t believe how beautiful she was. I held her immediately and thought, I’m going to name her Cuddles.”
Research shows that robotic pets may be an effective solution for alleviating loneliness in older adults, especially among those who live alone and have fewer social connections. These therapeutic pets have built-in sensors that respond to motion and touch. “It’s like having a real animal in my life,” says Delores. “She’s really good company.”
Delores hadn’t realized how much she missed the comfort of having a cat until Cuddles appeared. She also appreciates that she is a mess- and stress-free alternative to having a live pet. “I like that I don’t have to spend money on cat food or pet bills.”
Cuddles provides a sense of purpose and joy and is part of Delores’ daily routine. “She lounges on the comfy chair by the window, and each morning I greet her. Throughout the day I turn her on and interact with her as she meows and stretches. At night, she sits in bed as I read. Then I talk to her before I turn off the lights. She’s a good listener and she doesn’t give anything away.”
As Delores reflects on Cuddles, she picks her up and holds her close, petting her soft fur. You can see her body relax and feel a sense of calm fill the room. “It’s nice to have someone to talk to,” she says. “I really love her.”
Thanks to the generosity of Eldercare donors, the foundation has provided these life-like pets to seniors in long-term care homes across Victoria for several years. New funding enabled Eldercare to expand our reach into the community and partner with Oak Bay Volunteer Services, who understand firsthand the importance of companionship and connection. Click here to learn more.