Developing an effective care model to empower caregivers to use a humanoid companion robot: an exploratory qualitative study

Introduction: Social robots are increasingly explored as non-pharmacological support for older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia, yet their day-to-day integration remains limited. This study centers on designing an affective care model that empowers caregivers to deploy a commercial humanoid robot. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study comprised four observation sessions and ten in-depth, open-ended interviews. A two-phase observational protocol was conducted in a day-care center: Phase 1 mapped everyday activities and baseline interaction patterns; Phase 2 documented two robot-assisted sessions. Detailed descriptions underwent iterative thematic analysis to extract themes and construct a care model grounded in caregivers' practices. Results: Introducing the robot added care practices that reshaped group dynamics. Two overarching themes emerged: (1) stimulation, engagement, and reciprocity and (2) shared experience and resonance. Together they embody a person-centered, affect-oriented approach that guides caregivers in meeting residents' emotional needs. These themes were synthesized into a structured three-step model, triggering, imagining, responding, that shows how interaction unfolds and how learning is refined through continuous feedback. Discussion: The proposed care model sequence offers an actionable framework enabling caregivers to transform robotic interaction into a practical, intuitive tool. It provides a new method for training staff to integrate and adapt off-the-shelf robots within routine care, enhancing human-to-human engagement by capturing attention and stimulating memories. Given the global shortage of caregivers, empowering them to run structured robot-assisted sessions offers a scalable, cost-effective solution for health and care organizations working with people living with MCI and dementia.