No abstract

By interacting with a robot pet, such as Paro, the communication, interaction skills, and activity participation of the older adults can be improved. The robot-assisted therapy can be provided as a routine activity program and has the potential to improve social health of older adults in residential care facilities.

Careful appraisal of prospective nurse aides' attitudes, regular training programmes in dementia care, adequate staffing and equipment, performance-based pay rises and subsidized training are practical retention strategies for these nurse aides.

Appropriately trained nursing staff in long-term care facilities who use music therapy may help improve the mental health of older people with dementia.