A companion of their own, day after day
Loneliness and a lack of closeness are also experienced in care homes. Care staff and family members can make a big difference, but naturally they cannot be there all the time.
A social robot or interactive cuddly toy can play a complementary role at such times. Various solutions are already in use in the care sector today, such as PARO, Qoobo and other social or therapeutic robots. PARO, for example, was originally developed for people with dementia and is used to promote calm, connection and interaction.
Cupboo has opted for a slightly different approach.
Not just one robot for the department, but our very own Cupboo
Our aim is for Cupboo not just to be brought out during an activity or a supervised care session. We want to explore how Cupboo can become a personal companion for the resident: their very own Cupboo that lives in their room, feels familiar and can become part of their daily routine.
To hold on to during a quiet moment. To have a chat with. To sit on the sofa with. Or simply to have around.
Thanks to this personalised approach, every resident can develop their own bond and routine with Cupboo.
Convenience without complicated controls
For people with dementia, recognition, repetition, touch and a sense of closeness can be important. Cupboo’s soft shape, sounds and responses can encourage touching, cuddling and interaction, without the need for a screen or complicated controls.
Cupboo is not a treatment for dementia and is no substitute for human care or social contact. We see it as a potential addition: a brief extra moment of companionship, tranquillity or interaction when the need arises.
Human attention remains central
Technology should never replace human attention. Cupboo is there precisely for the moments in between.
A care worker popping in for a moment, family members coming to visit, having a coffee together or taking part in an activity remain irreplaceable. But when the room falls silent again afterwards, Cupboo can still stay with the resident.
That is why we believe, above all, in a personalised approach: not just one Cupboo being passed round the care home, but, where possible, a dedicated Cupboo for every resident who would benefit from it.
Working together to find what suits us best
Would you like to find out what Cupboo can do for residents and care teams? We’d be happy to discuss organising an introductory session, a demo or a pilot project.
For young and old alike: Cupboo has been designed as a soothing companion to provide closeness, comfort and gentle interaction.