Can a Robot Care?

The BBC today reports that robots could be used to help, support, enhance and complement carers in care homes and those delivering home care. The robots communicate verbally and through gestures and may be able to pick up signs when an elderly person is in pain. 

Softbank Robotics are the Japanese company manufacturing the bots. Similar robots are being used in Japanese hospitals to help lift patients and serve food. 

This got us thinking so many questions... 

Can a robot care? How much could it do? Is it ethically correct? Should we change and future proof the name? CareBotChooser or RobotChooser? How would an elderly person feel about a robot companion? What does a robot made tea taste like? Could it join us in a tea?

We'd love to know what you make of this. Add your questions and comments below.  

---

Dementia friendly activities

Supporting a loved one, diagnosed with dementia to take part in creative, stimulating activities can be hugely beneficial and can encourage independence, communication and social inclusion.

Keeping occupied and stimulated can bring pleasure, help to express feelings, relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, promote a sense of belonging and can be beneficial for mental and physical health.

Which activities are Dementia friendly?

Everyday tasks such as folding clothes, helping to prepare meals and drinks and laying the table are a simple way to keep loved ones involved and keep them active.

Multi-sensory activities can offer a different way of connecting with a person with Dementia such as planting lavender or mint, baking, playing with colourful, textured objects or with objects that make different sounds.

Drawing, painting and crafts make great activities that everyone can join in with. Gentle exercise and short walks are a great boost for physical well being and remembering happy memories from the past can boost mental well-being and self-esteem.

The Alzheimer’s Society provides Memory Cafes and has ‘Singing for the brain’ sessions which are free to those diagnosed with dementia and can also offer emotional support.

CareChooser has creative carers that are great at connecting and engaging those diagnosed with Dementia in stimulating activities. They can also take some of the strain, giving you back the time you need to spend with your loved one.

How we solve the home care crisis.

Home care crisis

Home care is going through something of a crisis, barely a day goes by without a negative news item on our elderly care system. Our team have had first-hand experience of this. From disappointment, disillusion to feeling down, despondent, upset and frustrated.

A Solution

CareChooser was set up with key values in mind to underpin and create a solution to our care crisis. 

Thoughtfulness. Trust. Comfort. Independence. Togetherness.

We would expect, absolutely, that thoughtfulness, trust and comfort be present in all forms of care but are bemused that they quite simply are not. We are putting these values in place as standard. 

Independence and togetherness go hand in hand, we promote a level of independence in all of the people we care for. We focus on the ability of those we care for aiding them to do things no matter how small they may be by themselves, with support where necessary - together.

What does this look like?

Our carers may start and continue a small task and it may be completed by the client enabling them to retain a level of independence and with it self-esteem. Giving the tea a stir, putting the right arm through the shirt, the finishing touches. 

CareChooser focuses on these values; thoughtfulness, trust, comfort, independence and togetherness to create quite a unique level of care.