Loneliness Reduction with Social Robot Companionship in Eldercare Facilities: Implementation Study

Abstract

Loneliness and social isolation among older adults in residential care facilities constitute a growing public health crisis, exacerbated by demographic shifts and systemic workforce shortages in long-term care sectors. Socially assistive robots (SARs) have emerged as a promising technological intervention to provide companionship, cognitive stimulation, and social facilitation. While preliminary pilot studies suggest positive trends, robust implementation evidence regarding their longitudinal efficacy and integration into clinical workflows remains sparse. This study investigates the impact of social robot companionship on loneliness reduction in long-term eldercare facilities using a mixed-methods, multi-center implementation science framework. Over a six-month period, interactive biomimetic animal robots and humanoid conversational assistants were deployed in residential units. Quantitative assessments utilizing the UCLA Loneliness Scale and physiological measures of stress were paired with qualitative thematic analysis of resident and staff interviews. The results indicate statistically significant reductions in subjective loneliness and depressive symptoms, alongside improvements in social interaction frequency among residents. However, the outcomes varied significantly depending on the robotic platform, individual cognitive profiles, and institutional support structures. This paper discusses these findings, highlights key implementation barriers, addresses ethical concerns regarding machine-mediated companionship, and provides actionable recommendations for clinical practice and policy.