Technology is all over the news these days. Apple keeps coming out with new and improved smartphones, Google has various technological subsidiaries developing everything from driverless cars to diabetes drugs, and 3D printed medications are now being approved by the FDA. These are all great steps forward for humanity if they are used to make life easier and of a higher quality for people. In this respect, it only makes sense that technology will keep pushing the limits of what senior care can do for you and your family.
It might sound like something from a science fiction story, but elder care robots are beginning to be developed. Robots are safer and more precise than ever before, and there is a lot of potential for them to make a difference in the lives of seniors. One interesting thing about this is that robotic manufacturers have already targeted the elder care industry as one of the places where robots can have the biggest impact. Many of the tasks that the elderly need help with can be automated by a robot, and it just makes sense that these will be used as tools to help people stay in their homes in a safer setting. If people can stay in their homes as they age, they should. Robots have the potential to be one more aid in making this happen.
Another consideration is the fact that the elderly population is expanding at a huge rate, and for some people, a robotic caregiver might be the only way that they can get senior care. This is still many years away, but it is something that could be necessary in some instances about 10 or 20 years from now. The other alternative would be to greatly increase the number of caregivers and other professionals within the senior care industry. The most likely scenario, though, will involve a combination of the two. Senior care robots will more than likely be used sparingly, while more caregivers join the workforce. The number of seniors in the world is likely to almost triple between 2010 and 2050, and if something is not done to help, there could be a serious crisis. Robots seem like they already have a place in the solution.
Robots cannot and will never replace the presence of a human being. This is why senior care will never be replaced by robotic caregivers. However, this kind of technology can make lives better for elderly folk in need during the few hours when a caregiver is not present. They can even help out human caregivers by helping with medication reminders and similar things. However, a robot cannot provide love and compassion. Only humans can, especially family members. A loving caregiver is great, but the most important thing that you can do for your older family members is to stay in their lives and give them the love and support that they need. Aging in place is an easy way to make sure that this happens. If extra help around the house is needed, and robots are not yet an option, in-home caregivers can be a good solution in many cases.
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