The Use of Robotic Pets with Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Issue 1 (1st January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van Orden, Kimberly A.; Bower, Emily; Beckler, Taylor; Rowe, Jody; Gillespie, Suzanne
• Is Part Of: Clinical gerontologist. Volume 45:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 189
• Page End: 194
• Publication Date: 2022-01-01
• Subjects: Robotic pets -- technology -- social isolation -- loneliness -- COVID-19; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Older people -- Mental health services -- Periodicals; Older people -- Psychology -- Periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2021.1954122
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0731-7115

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives: We describe two robotic pet demonstration projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Key project components are stakeholders (settings), inputs (activities), and outputs (interest in programs and participant benefit). Results: Stakeholders are an aging services organization in western NY (Lifespan) which served community-dwelling older adults, and a Veteran's Dementia Care Neighborhood (nursing home) that served 14 older Veterans. Project activities: both sites used commercially available robotic pets, with setting-specific deployment procedures. Outputs: 289 pets were distributed by Lifespan; nine Veterans selected pets and four engaged more actively. Community-dwelling older adults reported high satisfaction; satisfaction with the program in Veterans is evidenced by ongoing engagement via staff observation. Conclusions: Procedures used by our programs may be useful for agencies and care programs interested in implementing robotic pet programs for community-dwelling older adults and those residing in long-term care. Clinical implications: Robotic pets were sought by individuals and care providers in community and long-term care settings to provide companionship for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and may be of benefit to older adults.