Robots Are Helping in Nursing Homes; But It’s Good to Be Wary

Nursing homes in the United States are facing a boiling point marked by understaffing issues, neglectful care, and lax enforcement of federal guidelines. This dire situation emphasizes the pressing need for innovative solutions. Robotic technology has emerged as a promising ally in addressing staffing shortages and enhancing care experiences for residents. While the positive impact of robotics is evident, caution and careful consideration are important as these technological advancements are integrated into caregiving environments. Striking a delicate balance between leveraging the benefits of robotic assistance and maintaining the essential human touch in caregiving is crucial to ensure the well-being of nursing home residents.

Robots are proving to be big helpers

A New York Times article published last year delves into the growing integration of robotics and technology within nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The motivation behind this shift is the increased challenges these facilities have faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 200,000 deaths recorded in long-term care settings and heightened concerns about isolation. Faced with closures and workforce shortages, certain nursing homes are turning to robotic solutions to address critical gaps in care. Noteworthy technologies, including touchless meal delivery, remote doctor consultations through video, and the adoption of smart home devices, have gained traction.

Robotics, encompassing both social and service-oriented robots, are being explored to enhance the overall experience for residents and contribute to daily tasks. The article spotlights specific initiatives, such as a robot program in Duluth, Minnesota, where robots are meticulously programmed to provide companionship and organize activities for residents, marking a significant advancement in the integration of technology within the caregiving landscape.

What are the benefits of these robots?

The robots in nursing homes are designed to provide several benefits for residents and the facilities:

• Companionship: Social robots are programmed to engage residents in activities, tell jokes, and even lead classes like yoga and tai chi. This helps combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Assistance with tasks: Some robots can assist with practical tasks like carrying food from the kitchen to the dining area. This not only provides a helpful service but also potentially reduces the workload for human caregivers.
• Entertainment and mental stimulation: Robots are equipped with features like playing music, telling jokes, leading games, and facilitating reminiscence therapy. These activities contribute to mental stimulation and entertainment for residents, enhancing their overall well-being.
• Monitoring and safety: Robots can be utilized to monitor residents and their environments, helping ensure safety. For instance, they can detect falls, notify caregivers in case of emergencies, and even incorporate features like UV lights for infection control.
• Addressing workforce shortages: With labor shortages in nursing homes, robots can be deployed to fill critical gaps, especially for tasks that don’t require the unique human touch. This can help maintain a certain level of care even when human resources are limited.

In one early trial of robotic intervention, the impact these technological helpers had was favorable:

An early arrival was the robot Stevie, designed at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, which began a two-year trial in 2018 at Knollwood Life Plan Community in Washington, D.C.

Stevie told jokes, played bingo, led karaoke and used stories and music for reminiscence therapy. To help with infection control, it could go into rooms carrying ultraviolet lights that killed germs on surfaces.

Residents loved it, said James Michels, vice president of development at Knollwood. Some staff members feared it was meant to replace them.

“Residents felt they were a part of something new,” Mr. Michels said.

While these benefits are promising, it’s crucial to approach the integration of robots with sensitivity to ethical considerations and a commitment to preserving the essential human aspects of caregiving.

What are the concerns with using robots as technology continues to progress?

Using robots in nursing homes comes with important ethical considerations. One big concern is about who gets access to the information collected by these robots—should it only be for residents and healthcare workers, or should families also have access? There’s also worry that too much reliance on robots might take away the personal touch that human caregivers provide, as robots may not fully understand the emotional side of care. Another concern is that the design and programming of these robots might unintentionally favor certain groups of people, like only representing a certain ethnicity or gender. Striking a balance between using robots to improve care while keeping the essential human connection intact is crucial, and it’s important to make sure these robots are inclusive and don’t replace the unique care that humans provide in nursing homes.

While the use of robots in care facilities has shown promising benefits and positive impacts (such as improving residents’ experiences, addressing workforce shortages, and enhancing daily tasks), it’s crucial to approach this technological shift with caution and a thoughtful mindset. As with any significant change, it’s important to stay vigilant and consider potential challenges or ethical concerns that may arise.

The adoption of technology, particularly in sensitive caregiving environments, necessitates ongoing evaluation and oversight. Ethical considerations, such as data privacy and the potential for diminished human-to-human interaction, should be carefully navigated. As these advancements continue, maintaining a balance between technological integration and preserving the human touch in caregiving remains essential. A mindful and cautious approach as the use of robots in these settings is important, ensuring that the positive impacts are maximized while potential drawbacks are mitigated.

Understaffing is a significant problems in nursing homes around the country

As it stands currently, most nursing homes are not equipped with these helpful robots – but even if they were, the chances are good that they’re still significantly understaffed. The enforcement of federal staffing guidelines for nursing homes has been notably lax, with only 4% of such facilities cited for violations by government inspectors, and an even smaller percentage receiving fines. Shockingly, a third of all U.S. nursing homes fail to meet the nurse and aide staffing benchmarks set by the federal government. Understaffing can lead to neglectful care, which has seen to be the cause of instances of abuse, broken bones, head wounds, medication errors, and failure to adhere to treatment protocols. The reported issues also extend to staff members providing care beyond their licensed scope and residents experiencing prolonged periods in soiled diapers. The statistics suggest that more than 4% of nursing homes should have been cited for safety infractions due to understaffing, raising significant concerns about the overall quality of care in these facilities.

If your loved one has suffered due to neglect from nursing home staff, it is important that they receive justice. At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, our attorneys understand the dignity and care that our elders deserve. To schedule an appointment to discuss you and your loved one’s legal options, call us in Chicago, or use our contact form.