The Use of Robotic Pets with Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract

We describe two robotic pet demonstration projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key project components are stakeholders (settings), inputs (activities), and outputs (interest in programs and participant benefit). 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. 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. 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.