Could robots aid the social care crisis?

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With people living longer and more demands being placed upon families, elderly and disabled people are frequently finding themselves without proper care. Current social care workers are overworked and underappreciated – an issue that shows no signs of slowing down.

However, after turning his eyes to Japan, which is home to the world’s oldest average population, Health Secretary Steve Barclay believes there is a future in robotics for aiding care homes.

Learn from the example

Because Japan’s ageing population has been an issue for a long time, the country has already implemented solutions to alleviate the pressure on its care homes, with robots and AI being the current area of interest.

After visiting the country and its Tokyo-based nursing home, the Silver Wing Social Welfare Corporation, Barclay sees potential in bringing humanoid robots and AI entertainment to the UK. Part of the issue with care in the UK, Barclay argues, is that elderly patients often end up being admitted to emergency departments when care could and should be delivered

A long way to go

Of course, a robot workforce isn’t immediately within our reach. But a gradual implementation of robotic measures – whether it’s AI to assist with requests and entertainment or a robot to provide personal attention to people – will undoubtedly pave the way for a less burdensome experience as a care worker.

Not only would these robotic aids go a long way towards reducing pressure on care workers, but they could also help to lower NHS waiting times and improve general care for the elderly.

If you’re looking to get involved in the industry, you can find care assistant jobs Dublin online through a specialist agency like www.caremark.ie/job-opportunities/care-assistant-jobs-dublin.

The current market

In Silver Wing, humanoid, talking robots can interact with patients, guiding them through recreational activities. Others can help monitor sleep and alert caregivers if patients become agitated or attempt to leave their beds. Some even help with transferring patients into wheelchairs.

While the UK doesn’t have these facilities just yet, perhaps we can take a leaf out of Japan’s book.