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

Van Orden, Kimberly A; Bower, Emily; Beckler, Taylor; Rowe, Jody; Gillespie, Suzanne

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.