Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled Socially Assistive Robots (SARs) are reshaping dementia care in long-term care (LTC) settings. This critical reflection paper, co-authored by co-researchers (people living with dementia and family partners), explores the perceived potential, limitations, and ethical considerations of implementing a robot LOVOT in LTC. METHODS: This paper presents a critical reflection based on interviews conducted and analyzed using a reflexive thematic approach. Among 12 co-researchers, three were older adults living with dementia; eight were family care partners and one was an older adult partner. RESULTS: Three themes identified include (a) LOVOT's role in supporting engagement and stimulating conversation, (b) the irreplaceability of human touch and emotional nuances, and (c) concerns about ownership and equitable resource allocation. DISCUSSION: Older adults emphasized that LOVOT has the potential to act as an active role as a companion for older adults with dementia. They also identified opportunities for improvement in design, especially around cultural responsiveness, technological familiarity and safety. IMPLICATIONS: This reflection brings forward the lived experience perspectives from older adults with dementia, and family partners as co-researchers, offering valuable insights to guide ethical and person-centered implementation of SARs like LOVOT in LTC settings.