The Use of PARO to Decrease Agitation in Persons With Dementia and/or Delirium

PARO is a therapeutic robot used to comfort PWD exhibiting agitation and restlessness (www.parorobots.com). Participants are brought out to the activity are on the ACE Unit and provided with an isolation gown to wear during their interaction with the seal. The robot is then placed on their laps for them to hold on their laps, pet, rock and pick up. The participants can also brush the robot and/or give it a bath with baby wipes. The researcher encourages participant engagement with the robot. If the participant does not want the robot on their lap it is placed on a bedside table for them to interact with.

The participants are randomly assigned and receive a one hour visit by the researcher or research assistant