Ageless Innovation’s Reach Out and Play initiative, sponsored by AARP, is designed to create meaningful social connections for older adults by bringing people of all ages together through the power of play. […]
Reach Out and Play!
Effects of a robotic cat on agitation and quality of life in individuals with dementia in a long-term care facility
Read the study Abstract Study Objective The purpose of this study is to determine whether introducing a robotic companion cat into a long term care facility may improve affect and, subsequently, increase participation for residents with dementia, and to determine potential benefits for caregiver roles and relationships with individuals with dementia. Background The number of […]
The Impact of Robotic Companion Pets on Depression and Loneliness for Older Adults with Dementia During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract Purpose Differences in depression and loneliness, during the COVID-19 pandemic, for older adults with mild to moderate dementia living in residential care after interacting with a robotic companion dog or cat were explored. Experiences of family members and professional caregivers were also examined. Design This study used a mixed research design with pre- and […]
Implementing Affordable Socially Assistive Pet Robots in Care Homes Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Stratified Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial and Mixed Methods Study
Abstract Background Robot pets may assist in the challenges of supporting an aging population with growing dementia prevalence. Prior work has focused on the impacts of the robot seal Paro on older adult well-being, but recent studies have suggested the good acceptability and implementation feasibility of more affordable devices (Joy for All [JfA] cats and […]
Using Robotic Pets to Improve Interactions, Behaviors, and Quality of Life, While Reducing Anti-psychotics in Hospice Dementia Patients
Categories Organization Name Alacare Home Health and Hospice Organization Type Home Health and Hospice Organization Description Alacare is Alabama’s oldest and largest family-owned home health careagency. Since 1970, Alacare has provided patients with quality homehealthcare including hospice/palliative care and rehabilitation services. Project Description Alacare has long recognized the value of pet assisted visits and therapieswith […]
User-Centered Design of Companion Robot Pets Involving Care Home Resident-Robot Interactions and Focus Groups With Residents, Staff, and Family: Qualitative Study
Abstract Background Globally, pressure is increasing on health and social care resources due to the aging population and growing prevalence of dementia. Companion robots, such as Paro, demonstrate strong potential for helping reduce this pressure through reported benefits including reduced agitation, depression, loneliness, care provider burden, and medication use. However, we previously identified that user-centered […]
Reducing loneliness and improving well-being among older adults with animatronic pets
Abstract Background Studies consistently demonstrate that older adults who are lonely have higher rates of depression and increased mortality risk. Pet ownership may be a solution for loneliness; however, challenges related to pet ownership exist for older adults. Therefore, researchers and practitioners are examining the use of animatronic pets to reduce loneliness. Objective To determine […]