But the effect of this on the work of the staff or whether the robots are at all beneficial for the well-being of the older adults has never been evaluated. A survey she has conducted among Swedish municipalities shows that as many as 52 per cent use robot animals in their activities. This is far more than was previously known. The robot animals have some mobility, can make sounds and react to people. Most are used in dementia care homes, but many are also in short-term care homes or ordinary care homes for older adults.
They cost no more than a few thousand Swedish kronor. Sofia Thunberg has interviewed decision-makers in ten municipalities about how they view the technology. As far as is known, this is the first time such an investigation has been conducted. It is evident that the companion robots are not always seen as technology, but more as a kind of cuddly toy. At the same time, the decision-makers believe that robots can relieve the burden on healthcare personnel or even reduce the need for as many staff.
In addition, there is hope that they can contribute to an improved quality of life for older adults. However, no one has carried out an evaluation. Neither the staff, the older adults nor their relatives have been asked about their experiences. As part of her thesis, Sofia Thunberg has conducted nine months of field studies at a dementia care home in Motala, which acquired a robot cat as early as It was one of the first in Sweden. She notes that for the staff the robot animal did not mean less work, but quite the opposite.
The robot is a new tool to be used with consideration. Sometimes it could be used as a calming influence, but at lunch there could be disputes about who should have the cat on their lap.
In that case, it had to be taken away. Some older adults reacted negatively to the cat because they identified themselves as dog people or did not like animals. When asked directly, the staff were always careful to say that it was not a real cat.
