Effectiveness of socially assistive robotics during cognitive stimulation interventions: Impact on caregivers

Abstract

Execution of cognitive stimulation interventions for cognitive training of individuals in need represents significant burden on caregivers in time and labor costs. Recent advancements in Socially Assistive Robotics (SAR) research can be exploited to reduce caregivers burden by work sharing with robots and supplementing/complementing human resources in execution of interventions. Current research evaluates the effectiveness of the SAR empowered cognitive training activity of Bingo Musical among thirty individuals with ID in multi-center trials. A multidimensional evaluation of caregivers workload was conducted; including subjective workload, time spent on users personalized interventions, and qualitative interviews with caregivers. The results of the research confirm a significant reduction in caregivers burden and raise a concern about the need of a specific training of the caregivers to take maximum advantage of SAR in health care.