Robotic pets offer help to people with dementia in East Sussex
BBC 2023-09-06 05:25:08 • 2 mins
By Nathalie Edell
BBC News
Lifelike robotic pets are being used in East Sussex to help people diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
East Sussex County Council's RoboPets scheme aims to act as a distraction by giving people with the early stages of the condition a robotic cat or dog.
Since the pilot project's launch in April, 50 robotic pets have found homes across the county.
The council's lead member for adult social care, Carl Maynard, said he was delighted by the positive reaction.
He said: "A dementia diagnosis can come as a shock. This project aims to help people cope with the symptoms, by aiding independence and providing companionship and comfort."
