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- Nov 23 - New robot on the Island helps seniors feed themselves
Nov 23 - New robot on the Island helps seniors feed themselves
Weekly roundup. Holiday markets happening around town. CRD sewer blockage cleared.
Capital Daily Team
November 22, 2025
Good morning !
Today, we take a look at an innovative device helping Victoria seniors with mobility issues feed themselves. It’s making a huge difference for those who need it.
For our Insiders, we’ve got our usual weekly roundup and a list of holiday markets happening around town.
— Robyn
Today’s approx. read time: 7 minutes
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Meet the mini Canadarm helping Victoria seniors eat independently
Audrey Harry demonstrates how to use the OBI robotic arm. Photo: Eldercare Foundation
The idea of being unable to feed oneself—to be incapable of lifting a fork or spoon to one's mouth—is a horrible scenario that some in our community face each meal.
For many seniors in long-term care, this loss of autonomy can be difficult to navigate.
It’s an area registered charity Eldercare has stepped into, turning donations into programs and equipment that help restore and maintain independence and dignity.
One such tool is the OBI robotic arm—think of a mini Canadarm from NASA’s space shuttle program—which is believed to be new to Vancouver Island.
“It’s so nice to have a replacement for the loss of my hand function,” says Audrey Harry, a retired nursing manager and current resident at The Summit long-term care home on Hillside.
Designed to gently and efficiently move food from plate to mouth, the OBI robotic arm empowers people with physical limitations to feed themselves again—restoring not only function but also quality of life.
“Before receiving the OBI, I was one of three or four people being fed at a time,” says Audrey, whose arthritis has significantly reduced her hand mobility.
“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!”
Eldercare was the first organization in Western Canada to order the $10K device from the manufacturer in Jacksonville, Fla.
Tom Arnold, executive director of Eldercare Foundation, says technologies like the arm represent the future of compassionate care for seniors in need.
“Because they need more than just medical support—they need opportunities to reconnect with happy memories and rediscover purpose and meaning in their lives.”
The charity has already bought five robotic arms for the Summit and Aberdeen care homes in Victoria and has requests for seven more, Eldercare Foundation spokesperson Jen Cooper tells Capital Daily.
Eldercare supports 2K seniors each month through 16 care sites and programs in long-term care and independent living.
To learn more or donate, visit eldercarefoundation.org, call 250-370-5664, or email [email protected].
⚠️ Capital Bulletin
Sewage pipeline blockage removed. Updates here.
Canada Post vs. CUPW: agreement in principle reached on Friday.
Virtual open house: Saanich tree protection bylaw update on Wednesday.
Public hearing: Sooke Official Community Plan on Dec. 3.
