The role of a socially assistive robot in enabling older adults with mild cognitive impairment to cope with the measures of the COVID-19 lockdown: A qualitative study.
Scand J Occup Ther
; : 1-11, 2021 Dec 06.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2245968
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, mandatory containment measures led to lockdowns and severely diminished social interaction, with older adults being one vulnerable group. Socially assistive robots (SARs) could prove to be an effective intervention.OBJECTIVES:
To explore the experiences of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with a SAR during the first lockdown in Belgium.METHODS:
Inductive thematic analysis was used. After a two-week interaction period with robot James®, semi-structured interviews were conducted.RESULTS:
Four people were interviewed (median 86 years; range 70-90 years; 2 men, 2 women). Four themes were identified. The first theme described the robot as a companion, alleviating feelings of loneliness and social isolation. The second theme explored the robot in light of meaningful activity. The third theme detailed the technical aspects of the robot and the fourth theme described notable barriers and areas of improvement.CONCLUSION:
The study demonstrated the potential of SARs during the first lockdown period in Belgium. The robot proved to be promising in terms of alleviating feelings of loneliness and social isolation. It was found to be both motivating and facilitating in terms of meaningful activity.SIGNIFICANCE:
The study provided valuable insights for the care of lonely and occupationally deprived older adults.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Qualitative research
Language:
English
Journal:
Scand J Occup Ther
Journal subject:
Rehabilitation
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
11038128.2021.2009560
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