Impact of the introduction of a verbal socially assistive robot on the relationship between older people and their caregivers in a nursing home

This study was aimed at investigating the changes in relationship between older people and caregivers caused by the introduction of a verbal socially assistive robot (SAR) in a nursing home. Twenty-one older people residing on one floor of the nursing home and eight caregivers working at the nursing home participated in the study. A time study was conducted, and behaviours were observed before the introduction of the verbal SAR, on day 1 of the introduction, and on day 14 after the introduction. Pepper (Softbank Co. Ltd.) was used in this study. The conversation time between residents and caregivers increased after the introduction of the verbal SAR. At the time of introduction of the verbal SAR, caregivers were providing personalized care to residents during group gymnastics activities (e.g., talking to them and providing movement instructions). The results of the study indicate that the introduction of the verbal SAR improved the relationship between the residents and caregivers and contributed in improving the delivered quality of care.