A Humanoid Companion Robot in Residential Memory Care: Staff Perspectives During Early Implementation

PURPOSE: To examine memory support staff perspectives during early integration of a humanoid companion robot in a residential memory care neighborhood. METHOD: A qualitative descriptive design was used in a memory care neighborhood in Northern California. Data were collected from 15 staff participants through one pre-implementation focus group and three follow-up individual interviews. Interviews were conducted before and during the first 8 weeks of the robot's introduction and were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Six interdisciplinary team members performed thematic analysis through collaborative coding and team-based comparisons. RESULTS: . Staff reported varied readiness, recognized promise and limitations, and emphasized the need for staff as ongoing intermediaries between the robot and residents during use. CONCLUSION: Humanoid companion robots may support social engagement in memory care; however, effective implementation requires staff preparation, technological refinement, and alignment with person-centered care.