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Can AI Robots Improve Long Term Care in Nursing Homes

by Jeffrey J. Downey, Esq.

With rising staffing shortages throughout our healthcare system some innovators are looking to AI Robots as a possible solution to long-term care challenges.

A new study from the University of Notre Dame sheds light on the potential impact of robots on worker retention, productivity, and patient outcomes in nursing homes. The study provides some helpful insights into the future of robotic nursing home care.

As reported in earth.com, the study was led by Yong Suk Lee, an associate professor of technology, economy, and global affairs at Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs. Lee’s work focused on looking at the potential role of robots in long term care.

The team studied data from nursing homes in Japan, collected between 2020 and 2022. Japan, like the U.S., is noted for its disproportionately aging population.

“Our research focused on Japan because it is a super-aging society that provides a good example of what the future could entail elsewhere – a declining population, a growing share of senior citizens, and a declining share of working-age people,” Lee explained.

Robots handling patient transfer could assist nurses with physically demanding tasks such as lifting, moving, and rotating patients – reducing the strain on caregivers.  Mobility robots enhance patients’ independence by helping them move around and assisting with activities like bathing.

Meanwhile, monitoring and communication robots leverage advanced technologies, including computer vision, to track patient data and relay vital information to caregivers, ensuring timely and efficient care.  Lee’s findings noted that adopting these robots complemented care workers, notably by reducing resignation rates, a significant issue in nursing home care.

By 2050, it is estimated that the number of U.S. residents aged 65 or older is expected to  reach 88.5 million, making the study’s findings particularly relevant

“Nursing homes can use all the help they can get,” explains nursing home abuse and neglect attorney Jeffrey J. Downey.  “The simple reality is that long term care is the weakest link in our healthcare system.  Without an infusion of additional resources and staffing, the neglect in our nursing homes and assisted living facilities will only increase as our elderly population increases.” 

The advantage of Robots would include a lower incidence of mistakes or errors for routine care services.  However, we are a long way from having Robots make independent health care decisions.  For example, while a robot could assist a healthcare provider in transferring a heavy patient, it would always be up to the caregiver to determine the safest method and time for the transfer.  Facilities already use mechanical Hoyer lifts to assist in transferring and Robots would make a helpful addition to the staff, assuming it had the mechanical dexterity to provide human like assistance.

“The use of Robots to provide care would create another set of legal challenges for patients who are subject to robot malpractice,” explains Downey.   “It could turn a standard medical malpractice case into a complex products liability matter where experts in AI intelligence and design become key witnesses.  It’s not like you could  call the robot as a witness in the case,” explains Downey 

Or maybe robots could be fitted video cameras and programed with ethical rules that require them to disclose patient neglect in nursing homes.  They could become the mandatory reporters of the future, unencumbered by any fear of retaliation.  In the opinion of this author, it will be a long time before the health industry lobby allows that to happen.

If you or a loved one has been subject to neglect at the hands of a nursing home or assisted living facility, call the Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey for a free consultation today.

Call today for a free consultation.

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