A robotic cat in dementia care - a pilot study

• The aim of the pilot study was to explore the re­actions of individuals with dementia to an interactive robotic cat and their relatives’ and professional caregivers’ experiences regarding its usability, function, and effects. Method The pilot study had an inter­vention, mixed-methods design1 and was conduct­ed in two stages. A quantitative single-case study2 including individuals with demen­tia, and a qualitative interview study3, including rela­tives and professional caregivers, were conducted. JustoCat® is an inter­active robotic pet developed using reminiscence therapy as a frame­work4. The development of JustoCat is based on promising work with the robotic seal, PARO5,6. However, the inventors of JustoCat assumed that a seal would not appeal in reminiscence therapy, a robotic cat was supposed appeal to individuals’ memories of cats. There was also the idea of downscaled, advanced tech­nology based on the hypothesis of a robotic cat’s functional reliability and lower cost. The construction of JustoCat (e.g., easy-to-change fur facilitating personalized use, wash­able fur) was developed following Swedish hygiene routines required in nursing homes and hospital set­tings. Results & Discussion In the Western world, the majority of individuals with dementia spend the last part of their lives in nursing homes or dementia care homes. Some individuals with dementia could increase their well-being with different thera­pies, for example massage, singing, music or by the company of pets. The current pilot study of four individuals with dementia and their relatives and professional caregivers showed interesting results. First, living with severe dementia is a situa­tion with ups and downs concerning quality of life and agitated behavior, as presented in the single-case study design. Second, the analysis of the interviews shows the positive effects of the robotic cat providing stimu­lation, comfort, and peace to indi­viduals living with dementia. Third, professional caregivers and relatives found the robotic cat to be a useful, reliable, and multifunctional tool in their relationships with the partici­pants6.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

welfare technology

social robots

dementia care

Care Sciences

vårdvetenskap

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