The technological evolution has been intense over the past few years, and there is a lot that has happened when compared with the course of older adults’ lifetimes. The elderly have witnessed everything from the landing on the moon to spectacular medical advancements and the rise of a society which is entirely dependent on the internet. The elderly have also borne witness to the ways technology has transformed the face of aging. Now technology is being implemented to make the life of the elderly easier and hence organizations are employing and utilizing artificial intelligence to bots.
In one such instance, Southend-on-Sea became the first in UK council to apply a humanoid robot to help the elderly with numerous activities. Pepper the robot can be a company for the elderly by playing memory games, displaying videos, and also assist in reminiscing activities or exercise sessions. This can be termed as future technology which is penetrating at a fast pace in the care sector especially given the overstretched staff and the aging population. One can unequivocally say that with the advent of technology it is certain that the health and social care will be revolutionized. However, how will the implementation of latest technologies influence future care jobs, and will they constitute new tech jobs in care arena.
According to experts, technology experts can become a part of the care home and manage the care, however, the care itself will be delivered by devices. Alongside as care homes become smart and residents can use wearable technology, staff could collaborate with developers to enhance the technology. There is an instance of care homes who have incorporated technology for the benefit of the residents.
Another example, a London-based social enterprise homecare agency-Three Sisters Care-has just taken part in a long-term research project with the Bristol Robotics Lab. The project aims at designing an intelligent modular robotic system that could assist people in staying independent for longer and is in the proof-of-concept stage. According to sources the machine would be located in multiple positions around the home and can help people with anything from getting ready for outings to rising from a chair or even preparing a meal.
However, those at the forefront of technology in the care arena stress that nothing can substitute the contact being offered by human care workers.
In a recent collaboration within the University of the West of England, Bristol and the ExtraCare Charitable Trust, a retirement-care giver, a proficient university expert will test new technologies at the charity’s retirement homes. Shortly, according to a University of the West of England, Bristol professor in assistive robotics and intelligent health technologies, expects more tech-specific staff is working across the care sector. The expert argues that the latest technologies will assist with the recruitment of care workers and not only makes the work more beneficial to some people, but also attract people with a range of other skills into care.
