Page 9 - PSNZ Annual Report 2017-18

Enliven - the year in review
TECHNOLOGY
Baby robotic seals are making waves in Enliven dementia care.
Introduced to Enliven’s Resthaven Village in Gore and Peacehaven Village in Invercargill, the therapeutic robots mimic a baby harp seal, interacting with residents through touch, sight and sound.
Enliven Southland’s Julie Worner
is excited about the potential of
the seal, known as PARO, which is already making a positive difference in the lives of residents and their families.
“For example, one lady doesn’t really talk, but as soon as we placed the seal on her lap she started to stroke him and talk, talk, talk. She was smiling and laughing even when we gave him to someone else.”
International studies have shown sessions with PARO prompted non- verbal elders with dementia start talking after years of little or no communication, while the calming
effect of the seal has reduced the need for medication.
The use of therapeutic tools, such
as PARO the seal as well as real pets and animals, supports Enliven’s philosophy of creating elder-centred communities where medication is just a part of the care.
Southland Director Julia Russell says each resident’s quality of life is important and Enliven is committed to constantly seeking ways to enhance their wellbeing.
“At Enliven we believe in providing top quality clinical care for elders living with dementia, but not
in treating them like patients. Instead, we work towards restoring the individual’s zest for life by supporting them to connect with the world around them.”
Enliven’s robotic seals were purchased thanks to funding from WD Bickley and Stewart Family Trust.
457 independent retirement units
$155 MILLION
spent on Enliven services for older people and those living with disability
More than 8,000 clients received in home support
96.5% of survey respondents said Enliven’s support made a positive difference in their lives
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