Introducing a robotic pet: checklist
Checklist for aged care staff and families introducing a robotic pet to someone with dementia, from consent to cleaning and a review after 4 weeks.
A robotic pet works best when it is introduced with care and its effect is watched. Use this checklist for each resident.
What should you check before the first meeting?
- Talk with the resident’s family or representative about the idea and any past pets.
- Check the care plan for allergies to fabric, skin conditions or a history of distress with animals or dolls.
- Choose the animal and coat colour with the person’s history in mind.
- Fit fresh batteries or charge the pet, and set the volume.
- Decide whether the pet is personal to this resident or shared.
The first meeting
- Offer the pet; do not place it on the person without asking.
- Let the person lead. Some will talk to it, some will stroke it quietly.
- Do not correct someone who believes the pet is real, and do not insist that it is.
- Stay for the first session and note the response.
Every day
- Offer it at the times it helps, such as late afternoon or after a family visit.
- Check the battery cover is closed and secure.
- Keep it off the floor to avoid falls.
- Record use and response in the progress notes.
How should a robotic pet be cleaned?
- Follow the maker’s cleaning guidance and your infection control policy.
- Wipe the coat with a damp cloth; do not soak or machine wash.
- Keep shared pets for use between residents only if they can be cleaned in line with your policy. During an outbreak, keep pets personal or put them away.
When should you review it?
- After two to four weeks, review with the family and the care team.
- Keep the pet in the plan if it helps. Remove it if it causes distress, fixation or conflict.
See the Quality Standards guide for how this fits into care planning.