With the rapid advancement of technology, AI and robotics and innovative technologies present opportunities to revolutionise the way health and social care services and support are delivered. 

Problem:

Dementia poses significant challenges for both people and occupational therapists. Occupational therapists aim to enable people living with dementia, their families and caregivers to live positive lives for longer by promoting independence.  However, the individualised nature of living with dementia means personalised interventions are needed, but with increasing pressure on resources, this can often be problematic.

Solution:

Led by Edinburgh Napier University, through the Healthcare Technologies Research Group and in partnership with the National Robotarium, Alzheimer Scotland, the Scottish Dementia Working Group (SDWG), the National Dementia Carers Action Network (NDCAN) and NHS Forth Valley, is a multidisciplinary group of healthcare researchers. This team, which also includes people with lived experience, is currently undertaking a two-year study to explore the use of multifunctional robots in occupational therapy and dementia.

Delivering robotics in future care provision 

The integration of robotics in rehabilitation and dementia is an emerging and evolving field. Funded by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, a two-year research project, entitled ‘Co-creating the future, using multifunctional robots in occupational therapy and dementia’, is being conducted by occupational therapy academics at Edinburgh Napier University, in collaboration with a range of partners, including robotic experts from The National Robotarium at Herriot Watt University.

Robotics can offer valuable support for people with dementia by providing assistive technologies for daily tasks, health monitoring, cognitive stimulation, social connectivity and reassurance. The group is collectively developing a comprehensive overview on how complex robotic technology might support people living with dementia to live a positive life for longer, and explore how this might be delivered in future care provision and to develop rehabilitation guidelines.

Crucial collaboration between academics, charities & people with lived experience 

Critical to this study is the support from the charity, Alzheimer Scotland, along with the inclusion of people with experience of living with dementia and their caregivers, through the Scottish Dementia Working Group and the National Dementia Carers Action Network, offering their invaluable insights and perspectives.

 It is hoped this study will demonstrate opportunities for robotic solutions to transform the service provision and future practice, both in Scotland, the UK, and beyond, so that ultimately, dementia practice is enhanced to improve rehabilitation outcomes for people living with dementia, their families and caregivers.