« A more-than-human perspective », ou l’art du décentrement

Animal-assisted therapies are generating growing interest in the health care field, particularly in nursing homes, where they are integrated into non-pharmacological approaches to address the needs of residents with neurodegenerative diseases. Numerous studies have reported psychological, social, and physiological benefits. However, the heterogeneity of protocols, intervention modalities, and assessment tools limits their scientific validation. This paper offers a review of current animal-assisted practices in nursing homes, identifying both their contributions and limitations. It then explores the emergence of ethorobotics, a technological approach inspired by animal behavior, which may help address several challenges, particularly those related to standardization, animal welfare, and health and safety issues. These robotic devices could complement existing practices and enhance therapeutic care. However, their integration raises challenges similar to those encountered in animal-assisted therapy, particularly regarding intervention protocols and professional training. These considerations call for an integrative approach and rigorous protocols, regardless of the medium used, to reliably assess their therapeutic value and role in gerontological care.