FIRST it was therapy penguins now one care home has moved on to using seals as part of its dementia care - albeit robotic ones.

Two robotic seals have been adopted by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) and earlier this month one of the seals - Paro -visited residents at Langford View Care Home in Bicester.

Paro looks and behaves like a baby harp seal and intended to have a calming effect on residents living with dementia.

The seal's fur is made from synthetic fur and it has sensors which allow it to react to the person who it holding it, stroking it, and talking to it.

OSJCT’s admiral nurse Angie Williams said: "Paro is amazing as he responds to residents’ engagement with him and this appears to be what residents like most.

"Seeing Paro in action can melt your heart; residents who would not normally engage seem to really respond to him."

Residents at Langford Care home were able to welcome Paro the seal with open arms and stroke and cuddle the robot.

A study from The Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, Oxford University, found Paro made residents fell less lonely, more loved and some residents who tended to be isolated started to enjoy more social interaction.

OSJCT procurement manager Fiona Flint added: "It is very moving to see what a positive impact Paro has with residents, and we were delighted Nexon Group, Creed and Foodbuy were able to sponsor the two Paros joining the Trust on a permanent basis."