Forging human–animal bonds? Introducing robotic pets into the care of people with dementia

Abstract

Affordable animatronic (‘robotic’) dogs and cats are increasingly being introduced as therapeutic devices for people living with dementia. Studies have focused on the impact of robotic pet programmes on treatment outcomes and implementation considerations, and some scholars have explored the ethics of misconstruing robots as living pets. Less attention has been paid to social and relational dimensions of this phenomenon, particularly when viewed through a critical posthumanism lens. To redress this gap, this chapter explores care providers’ perspectives of the experiences of older adults living with dementia who were provided with Joy for All™ robotic pets. Qualitative interviews were conducted with formal (professional) and family caregivers. Interview data were supplemented by observational fieldwork within a long-term care facility. A thematic analysis led us to identify three overarching themes describing these experiences: reluctant acquiescence; meaningful utility; and navigating illusion and risk. Our findings confirm that robotic pets may be experienced as a relational and often complex social phenomenon rather than simply as a therapeutic tool. Drawing upon critical posthumanism in concert with relationship-centred care may help reconcile the substantial benefits they may offer to some people living with dementia with ethical concerns surrounding their use.