Presentation description

This session will present findings from a study that examined the impact of a robotic pet intervention, facilitated by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), on engagement and mood in older adults with differing cognitive skills. Participants (N = 24) were residents of a skilled nursing facility specializing in the care of veterans who were assigned to a small recreational therapy group (n = 4) based on their score on the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS). Six different small groups participated in four, 30-minute sessions, held once per week. Participants were evenly assigned to groups that included individuals classified as cognitively intact (n = 8), moderately impaired (n = 8), or significantly impaired (n = 8). During sessions, each participant had their own Joy for All Companion Pet while the CTRS followed an existing robotic pet protocol. Participants had a choice of different dog and cat models. Mood was assessed pre- and post-session using a Visual Analog Scale for Mood (VAS) and engagement levels were recorded post-session using the Engagement in Preferred Activities Scale (EPASS). Data were summarized collectively as well as by groups to compare outcomes across three different cognitive levels. Results of a paired samples t-test revealed significantly higher VAS scores following participation in the sessions, t(48) = -5.94, p <.001. An ANOVA test indicated no significant differences in positive mood changes between the three cognitive levels (p > .05). Engagement during the sessions (M = 8.56, SD = 1.53) met the EPASS criteria for "highly engaged", and ANOVA test results revealed no significant differences in engagement levels across the three levels of cognitive functioning (p > .05).