The Impact of Telepresence Robots on Family Caregivers and Residents in Long-Term Care

Abstract

Telepresence robots can enhance social connection and support person-centered care in long-term care (LTC) homes. This study evaluates their impact in facilitating virtual visits between family caregivers and older residents in Canadian care homes. Telepresence robots were placed in residents’ rooms, allowing virtual visits at mutual convenience. A total of 18 residents and 17 family caregivers participated. Quantitative assessments included the Zarit Burden Interview, the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease scale, while qualitative data were collected through interviews, field notes, and observations. Repeated ANOVA showed that using telepresence robots significantly reduced caregiver burden (p=0.008), improved residents' quality of life (p=0.028), and decreased resident loneliness (p=0.038). Older caregivers experienced the greatest burden reduction, with scores dropping from a mean of 25.0 at baseline to 16.1 at two months. Qualitative findings provided further context, revealing that residents felt more connected, close and engaged, while families found the robots facilitated continuity of care, complemented in-person visits, reduced stress and guilt and provided reassurance. These findings suggest that telepresence robots can enhance the well-being of both residents and caregivers in LTC homes, though future research should explore their long-term impact and technological limitations.