Robotic animals helping seniors with dementia through Niagara College research initiative

Niagara College is expanding its applied research into dementia care through a project exploring the therapeutic impact of robotic animals in long-term care settings.

The College’s “Fins, Feathers and Fur” initiative, led through its new Healthy Aging and Wellness Innovation Centre (HAWIC), is focused on helping staff in long-term care homes use robotic companion animals more effectively to engage residents living with dementia.

Research Lead Christine Wilkinson, a longtime Recreation Therapy Professor at Niagara College, began studying robotic animals two years ago after seeing firsthand how the devices could benefit seniors. The College purchased its first robotic seal in 2018 for use in the Recreation Therapy program. While the devices already had a reputation for providing therapeutic support, Wilkinson noticed many care staff lacked guidance on how to integrate them into meaningful programming.

“What I kept seeing over and over again, was that staff members didn’t necessarily know how to use the robotic animals in the most effective way with the residents,” said Wilkinson. “The manual explains how to charge them, clean their fur and troubleshoot the technology, but it doesn’t explain how to use the robotic animal to engage with the residents.”

In January 2025, Wilkinson joined HAWIC as Research Lead following her retirement from teaching. Backed by federal funding, she launched a three-hour training program and developed custom toolkits designed to help staff maximize the therapeutic value of robotic animals. The toolkits include intervention planning tools, large-print animal fact books, activity resources, conversation prompts and visual memory supports.

The project has since expanded into its current “Fins, Feathers and Fur” phase with the addition of robotic cats and dogs to Niagara College’s collection. Wilkinson said the newer additions provide a more affordable and familiar option for residents, particularly former pet owners who often respond emotionally to the animals.

“It’s so rewarding. I’ve seen staff members moved to tears because they’ve heard more words from a resident in one session with a robotic animal than they had in the previous month,” said Wilkinson. “This reinforces the belief that the work we’re doing at NC can have a broad, positive impact not only here in Niagara but across the country and perhaps around the world.”

Wilkinson has presented findings from the project at conferences across Canada, including the International Society for Gerontechnology Conference earlier this year. In the coming weeks, the research team will visit several Niagara long-term care homes with various robotic cat and dog models to gather feedback from residents and staff.

The project also provides hands-on learning opportunities for Niagara College students and graduates.

Amanda Reid, a recent graduate of the Recreation Therapy program who now works part-time at Heidehof in St. Catharines, said the training introduced her to new therapeutic approaches during her studies.

“As a student, this training program opened up a door to a whole new therapeutic world that I can bring with me for when I create my own programs as a recreation therapist,” said Reid. “I believe that this research is valuable to both seniors and staff as it offers additional therapeutic tools that can be incorporated into daily care and programming.”

Matthew Bosnich, another recent Recreation Therapy graduate who now works full-time as a Research Associate with HAWIC, has helped develop training videos and toolkit materials for the project.

“It’s incredibly rewarding knowing that what I am working on goes back to actually making a difference in people’s lives. That motivates me to put my best work forward,” said Bosnich. “With these tools, the robotic animals become more than just a cute, and comfortable distraction. They can now be used as a way to stir deep conversations with residents, such as reminiscing about a beloved pet from their childhood, which helps fulfill that social and emotional need that is so important for older adults in long-term care.”

Long-term care providers involved in the project say they have already seen meaningful results.

Jeannette Beauregard, Behaviour Supports Program Manager with Niagara Region Senior Services, said staff at Linhaven quickly noticed stronger engagement from residents after participating in the training.

“We saw the impact almost immediately. Residents connected with the robotic animals in ways that were comforting, calming, and emotionally meaningful. These interactions often opened the door to greater connection between residents and staff, helping staff engage in a more personal and responsive way,” said Beauregard. “The tools and strategies learned through HAWIC have strengthened our team’s ability to create positive therapeutic experiences for residents and has shown the value of bringing innovative tools into dementia care.”

Heather Vokey, Director of Life Enrichment at Heidehof, said the research has broader implications for seniors’ care as the project prepares to visit the facility this month.

“Overall, I see that this research plays an important role in improving seniors’ overall well-being, advancing scientific knowledge, and creating a tool that helps staff connect more purposefully and effectively with residents through meaningful therapeutic visits with robotic animals,” said Vokey.

HAWIC’s applied research projects are funded through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s Mobilize program.

“The Fins, Feathers and Fur project embodies HAWIC’s mandate perfectly. By developing toolkits and training to maximize the therapeutic potential of robotic animals, we ensure that innovation is actively improving the lives of older adults, while creating opportunities for our students,” said Rachel Brown, Acting Program Manager, HAWIC. “We look forward to continuing to partner with community and industry as we address the complex challenges of aging through applied research.”

Beyond robotic companion research, Niagara College’s Healthy Aging and Wellness Innovation Centre is also involved in projects ranging from driving simulators for memory clinic patients to identifying programming gaps for adults over 50.