Robot pets bring comfort to Lancashire care home residents

Residents of a care home have been drawing comfort and companionship from special new robotic therapy pets.

The pretend pooches and fake felines are being used at Belvedere Manor Care Home in Colne, Lancashire.

Staff said they had seen tangible results in terms of residents' wellbeing, especially for residents with dementia.

Manager Gillian Powers said: "They bring friendship, enjoyment and companionship."

She added: "It triggers conversation and a lot of happy memories for people."

A member of the care team added: "One resident really missed her own dog and it really helped and she took it everywhere with her."

The pets were devised by the same toy company which produced Action Man, Furby and Mr Potato Head.

The firm said peer-reviewed studies had shown robotic animals can "alleviate loneliness and symptoms of poor mental health, significantly reduce anxiety, and provide calm and comfort, especially for elderly people."

Staff joked that residents can hear the pets bark, see them wag their tales and feel their heartbeat without having their slippers chewed or having to step over dog mess on the carpet.

Comment from residents speaking to BBC North West Tonight included: "They look really real to me", "I've had many dogs and it is fantastic" and "It is lovely, it is company and it has really looked after me."

Why not follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk