3. Problem Scenario

Issue: Loss of functionality due to memory weaknesses (short term/prospective memory loss). Their capability to remember whether they have done a task/if they need to do something may not be remembered by them. Our focus is on people who still CAN do the required activities, but struggle due to these memory weaknesses.

Handling daily activities/Taking pills: Right now, a caregiver comes into the room, talks to the patient (humane factor), and ensures that pills are taken by delivering them themselves at certain times based on some schedule. We want a robot to handle this to alleviate the workload of the caregiver. This needs to make sure the human need of interaction is kept, while delivering the correct pills at the right time. However, the dementia patient also needs to be able to make the choice themselves.

Refusing compliance: The patient may not comply, believing they have already done the activity or that the activity is pointless. This requires the robot to foster a level of trust, or to somehow convince, or to back off.

There are other cases, such as changing clothes, go to the shower, eat/drink.