Measuring the impact of age, gender and dementia on communication-robot interventions in residential care homes.

AIM

The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact of age, gender and the stage of dementia on the results of an assistive technology intervention that make use of communication robots (com-robots). The intervention was designed to improve the social participation and interactions of nursing home residents. While our previous study showed that the overall effects of com-robot intervention were positive, it was unknown what impact age, gender and the stage of dementia of participants had on such an intervention.

METHODS

This was a non-randomized, multicenter quasi-experimental intervention study conducted in residential care homes in Japan. Two types of com-robots were introduced for 8 weeks after baseline evaluation. The World Health Organization's ICF was used for evaluating any changes present after the 8-week intervention. In total, 78 residents (68 women, 10 men, 86.5 ± 7.7 years old) participated in the study. The Degree of Daily Life Independence Score for People with Dementia (DDLIS-PD) was employed for measuring the stage of dementia.

RESULTS

The results showed that the older participants aged ≥80 benefited more from the intervention than the younger cohort did (P < 0.05). A greater improvement was shown among those with a more advanced stage of dementia than those at a less advanced stage (P < 0.05), when using DDLIS-PD.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall findings support the use of com-robots within the context of a care team for older people with moderate dementia, and those who are aged ≥80 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 373-378.