Care Robots for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to conduct an integrative review of existing research on care robots for community-dwelling older adults and to suggest directions for future research and technology development in this area. Methods: We focused on robots, including care robots and socially assistive robots, that help older adults living in the community maintain independence at home. Three electronic academic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane) were searched for eligible research articles. The keywords used included elder*, older adult*, robot* care, care robot*, assist* robot*, service robot*, companion* robot*, socia* robot*, home-based, and community-based, among others. Results: A total of 834 research articles were identified, and 40 were ultimately reviewed and analyzed. The studies were categorized into three groups: perceptions and needs related to care robots; cognitive support; and assistance with activities of daily living. Conclusions: It is necessary to develop and implement care robots with diverse functions that can provide practical assistance for the independent daily living of older adults. This will require collaboration among government agencies, public institutions, academia, and private health enterprises. In addition, policies must be established to support the purchase and maintenance costs of care robots to ensure continued access for community-dwelling older adults.