Stakeholder Insights for Designing In-Home Social Robots for Dementia Disorientation Detection and Caregiver-Aware Intervention

Abstract

Dementia disorientation detection and intervention remain under-examined as socio-technical challenges for socially assistive robots (SARs). We conducted 14 semi-structured interviews with dementia caregivers and practitioners (DCPs) to investigate how disorientation is experienced, recognised, and managed in everyday life. The findings reveal that disorientation is recurrent and fluctuating. It often emerges through behavioural cues such as repeated questioning, inappropriate activity timing and disrupted daily routines. Caregivers described orientation as emotionally charged, and direct correction may increase distress. The DCPs were generally receptive to robotic assistance when framed as supportive rather than corrective. Based on the insights, we identify essential design implications for SARs that provide context-aware orientation support, integrate into daily routines and support caregivers through timely escalation.