Imagine losing the ability to feed yourself. A simple, everyday task suddenly becomes dependent on someone else. For many local seniors in long-term care, this loss of autonomy is a reality. But thanks to community donations and innovative technologies, Eldercare Foundation is helping to restore dignity, independence, and quality of life for those in need.
“It’s so nice to have a replacement for the loss of my hand function,” says Audrey Harry, a retired long-term care nursing manager and current resident at The Summit care home in Victoria. “The OBI robotic arm donated by Eldercare has given me independence at mealtime, which is so important. I really appreciate it.”
Through the generosity of donors, Eldercare Foundation funds equipment, tools, and special programs for long-term care residents that fall outside the scope of our healthcare system. These include home-like enhancements, entertainment and therapy supports, and innovative, research-backed technologies such as the OBI robotic feeding arm.
Designed to transport food gently and efficiently from plate to mouth, the OBI robotic arm empowers individuals with physical limitations or degenerative diseases to feed themselves again—restoring not only function, but confidence and joy.
For Audrey, whose arthritis has significantly reduced her hand strength and mobility, the change has been life-altering. “Before receiving the OBI, I was one of three or four people being fed at a time,” she explains. “The nursing staff are busy, and sometimes I would have to eat too quickly. Now I’m in control of what I eat and how fast I eat. It’s a tremendous boost. I’m enjoying mealtime again!”
Tom Arnold, Executive Director of Eldercare Foundation, says technologies like these represent the future of compassionate care. “For many of us, eating is more than a daily need, it’s a simple pleasure,” says Arnold. “So much is lost when we lose our ability to feed ourselves. Through research-backed technology, special programs and equipment, Eldercare donors help us restore dignity and enhance quality of life for seniors in long-term care. Because they need more than just medical support—they need opportunities to reconnect with happy memories and rediscover purpose and meaning in their lives.”
Watch how the OBI robotic arm works: Audrey provides a demonstration on our YouTube Channel.
