A Humanoid Companion Robot in Residential Memory Care: Staff Perspectives During Early Implementation
Jessica Rayo, Lingyi Shen, Duong Truong, Sunnie Kitnikone, Roschelle Fritz, Shu-Fen WungPurpose:
To examine memory support staff perspectives during early integration of a humanoid companion robot in a residential memory care neighborhood.
Method:
A qualitative descriptive design was used in a memory care neighborhood in Northern California. Data were collected from 15 staff participants through one pre-implementation focus group and three follow-up individual interviews. Interviews were conducted before and during the first 8 weeks of the robot's introduction and were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Six interdisciplinary team members performed thematic analysis through collaborative coding and team-based comparisons.
Results:
Three themes emerged:
Conclusion:
Humanoid companion robots may support social engagement in memory care; however, effective implementation requires staff preparation, technological refinement, and alignment with person-centered care.