Exploring the applicability of the robotic seal PARO to support caring for older persons with dementia within the home context

• Published in: Palliative care and social practice Vol. 15; p. 26323524211030285
• Main Authors: Inoue, Kaoru, Wada, Kazuyoshi, Shibata, Takanori
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.01.2021; Sage Publications Ltd; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Animal assisted therapy; Caregivers; Dementia; Home health care; Original Research; Palliative care; Patient-centered care; Robots; User satisfaction; family caregiver; seal robot; person-centered care; user acceptance; Japan
• ISSN: 2632-3524; 2632-3524
• DOI: 10.1177/26323524211030285

Objective: To (1) examine the potentiality of using the robot PARO to mediate care provided by the family and (2) identify problems when utilizing PARO in the home context. Methods: Family members of 7 households were asked to use PARO for at least three times per week, over 1 to 3 months. Research data, including standardized assessments, interviews, and observations, were collected at initial and subsequent monthly visits. Collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and inductive thematic content analysis. Results: Out of the seven participants, five responded positively to PARO, thereby achieving their goals of improving activity engagement, relaxation, a respite from supervision, and improved mood. A positive initial interaction with PARO showed continued interest to it. Participants were observed to communicate with caregivers and relate to PARO. Discussion: The application of PARO at home is possibly influenced by the persons’ initial level of interest toward PARO. It is crucial to perform careful observation and assessment before deciding to use PARO within the home context to support the life of older persons with dementia.