Humanoid Robot vs Treatment as Usual for Loneliness

Humanoid Robot Intervention vs Treatment as Usual For Loneliness in Long-term Care Homes

The investigators are aiming to compare the effects of a humanoid robot intervention to treatment as usual, on loneliness and mental health outcomes in older adults living in long-term care, through an assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Seventy-four (n=74) older adults experiencing loneliness in 3 long-term care homes will be randomized 1:1 to an 8-week, twice a week social intervention with the Grace humanoid robot vs. a treatment as usual active control. The investigators will assess change (baseline to week 8) in (1) loneliness (primary outcome), (2) depression severity and (3) stress (secondary outcomes), as well as (4) other exploratory outcomes : anxiety, quality of life and reduction in acute healthcare utilization. The investigators will also assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention using qualitative methods.

Inclusion Criteria:

• living in a LTC home setting in Montreal
• cognitively healthy, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia (MMSE score of >20/clinical opinion of LTC homes staff members)
• able to provide consent
• loneliness UCLA-3 score of ≥ 6 or more (moderate-severe loneliness).

Exclusion Criteria:

• do not speak English
• inability to provide consent
• moderate to severe dementia (MMSE score <18/diagnosis of moderate-severe dementia/clinical opinion of LTC homes staff members)
• significant hearing loss
• acutely unstable medical illnesses, including delirium, acute cerebrovascular/cardiovascular events within the last 6 months; having a terminal medical diagnosis with prognosis of less than 12 months
• high suicide risk (e.g. active suicidal ideation and/or current/recent intent or plan).