PERCEPTIONS OF OLDER ADULTS AND CAREGIVERS OF AN AUTOMATED ROBOT TO FACILITATE AGING IN PLACE

Abstract

Abstract This study explored the perceptions of forty older adults 55+ and caregivers of the usefulness of the Labrador Retriever (https://labradorsystems.com/) in facilitating aging in place. Participants consisted of older adults who are enrolled in a PACE program or reside at The Village of Oakland Woods in southeastern Michigan as well as providers and board members of organizations that provide support to these older adults. Participants viewed an in-person demonstration of the Labrador Retriever before verbally completing a thirteen question survey with answers input by research team members. The questions were a combination of multiple choice questions such as ”Having seen the Labrador demonstration, do you think the Labrador Retriever System could help you in your setting?” followed by open ended questions such as “Having seen the Labrador Retriever, how might this system help you in your setting?”. A total of 9 qualitative themes related to the potential uses of the Labrador Retriever System were identified as: Medications, Aging in Place, Safety and Fall Prevention, Carrying Items (i.e. laundry, food, cleaning supplies), Hydration, Independence, Reducing Caregiver Burden, Nutrition, and Cognitive Issues. These themes are consistent with the barriers to aging in place identified in the literature.