Social Work Researchers to Study How Animal Robots Can Help Older Adults

Can a cuddly robot modeled after a baby harp seal help ease anxiety, stress and loneliness in older adults with dementia? Associate Professor Susanny Beltran and Professor Kim Gryglewicz, co-directors of the School of Social Work's Center for Behavioral Health Research and Training, have been awarded seed funding from the College of Health Professions and Sciences (CHPS) to find out.

The funding will be used in a study to advance the evidence base for non-pharmacological interventions in memory care settings, with the goal of finding effective ways to support mental health and wellness in older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment.

Robots for Connection

Beltran and Gryglewicz are evaluating the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of the PARO therapeutic robot - in this case, a soft, fluffy baby harp seal - to improve mood, behavior and social interactions. While studies have shown that non-pharmacological interventions, like pet therapy, have positive effects, access to animals in healthcare settings is limited due to allergies, hygiene and cost. Therapeutic robots could replicate the benefits of pet therapy without those limitations.

Sully the Seal is equipped with voice and tone recognition, heart rate monitoring, and light and touch sensors. Its behaviors are designed to spark nurturing responses that can boost well-being. (Photo by Grayson Keglovic)

CHPS obtained its first PARO robot, nicknamed Sully the Seal, in 2023.

Social work faculty have already used Sully to support domestic violence victims during debriefing sessions and to provide companionship and interactive stimulation for neurodiverse adults. Beltran, a former nursing home social worker specializing in end-of-life care, saw an opportunity to bring Sully to older adults in long-term care settings to improve social engagement, foster connection and reduce loneliness.

The PARO robot is already in use in over 30 countries, including in hospitals, long-term care and behavioral health settings. The FDA recognizes it as a Class II medical device. Clinical studies have shown that the robot reduces cortisol levels and improves mood. Equipped with voice and vocal tone recognition, heart rate monitoring, and light and touch sensors, its behaviors are designed to elicit nurturing responses from users, which have been associated with physiological and psychological benefits.

CHPS will acquire a second PARO robotic seal for use in the study.

"Many older adults in long-term care have few opportunities for consistent, meaningful connections," Beltran says. "Social engagement robots like PARO offer a simple way to create moments of interaction in settings where social connection doesn't always happen naturally."

An Alternative Method of Care

Memory care settings often heavily rely on medication to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Still, these approaches can have limited effectiveness, carry side effects and may not be appropriate for all residents. Beltran and Gryglewicz's research will address critical gaps in research by developing and testing a structured intervention that combines guided group sessions and one-on-one interactions using PARO robots.

"Our intervention is not only innovative but also offers therapeutic benefits for enhancing the quality of life for residents," Gryglewicz says.

Human-animal bonds are linked to healthy aging and an improved quality of life, including decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, feelings of loneliness, anxiety and symptoms of PTSD, according to the American Humane Society. Yet many older adults in memory care are unable to manage the responsibilities of pet ownership.

Robotic companions like PARO may be an alternative to a "living" house pet, with the ability to "sense" its environment and provide comfort to human companions.

How the Study Will Be Conducted

The UCF study will take place at two Central Florida memory care facilities, where 50 older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia will participate in both group and individual sessions with the robotic seals.

Master's in social work students will lead group sessions, guiding participants through nurturing interactions, such as petting and talking to PARO. Nursing staff at the memory care facilities will help track behavioral and emotional responses before, during and after the sessions.

"For residents who may struggle with verbal communication, Sully can become a shared point of engagement, triggering smiles, memories or moments of interaction that might not otherwise occur," Beltran says.

A Surprising Showcase

This past summer, Beltran showcased Sully at Orlando Health's Second Annual Mental Health Conference, where she shared her experience using the robotic seal to enhance clinical impact. Social work professionals from around the state were able to experience Sully's nurturing mannerisms in real time.

As Beltran presented, conference attendees heard soft squeals and subtle movements from a table in the back corner of the room. It was Sully, ready for attention before the seal was even introduced to the stage.

Sully purred as he was passed around from attendee to attendee, whining when he wasn't petted.

"When I first introduce Sully, many social work practitioners expect that clients won't connect with it or are skeptical that a robotic animal could be meaningful," Beltran says. "The feedback I hear most often is surprise at how quickly Sully sparks real warmth, comfort and engagement."

Future Efforts

Looking ahead, Beltran and Gryglewicz plan to expand the college's robotic "zoo" within the next year to include other robotic animals like cats, dogs and birds.

"The goal of our research is to facilitate meaningful connections with these robotic companions, enhancing socialization and emotional well-being for individuals with limited social interactions and capabilities," Gryglewicz says. "We plan to scale this intervention for widespread dissemination in healthcare settings in the future."

More Topics

College of Health Professions and Sciences social work School of Social Work Susanny Beltran Kim Gryglewicz