To think robots in care homes is incredibly creepy and Black Mirror-y?

[JKRowlingIsMyQueen]

www.theguardian.com/society/2020/sep/07/robots-used-uk-care-homes-help-reduce-loneliness?CMP=share_btn_tw

This is terrifying.
Vic Rayner, the executive director of the National Care Forum, which represents charitable care providers, said: “Robots in social care should not be seen as part of a frightening futuristic vision. They offer key additions to how care is delivered that need to be explored further and understood. Covid-19 has shown us that rather than being a sector which does not understand technology, it is in fact one that is ripe to explore how technology can improve efficiency, support data flow and enhance communication with families and loved ones.”
This is even more terrifying. I'd prefer to go to Dignitas than be in a care home, personally. My grandmother was in one with dementia and the whole thing was really traumatic.

It’s wrong on so many levels.

On the other hand I give such a robot around 10 minute lifespan before one of my mil fellow residents managed to break it in some way. Mostly likely a coordinated effort.

But a lot cheaper than hiring a professional activity manager and giving them a decent budget. (I was one!)

@IrishMamaMia

I agree with your comments about care homes being terrifying and dignitas

This reminds me of the film Robot and Frank which is actually lovely and really endearing but this is quite dystopian and creepy in reality

I would also rather go to Dignitas than a care home

I worked in care homes all my adult life until I couldn't stand it any longer. They are places to avoid at all costs. If the robot could assist me in going to Dignitas it would be providing a valuable service.

I will check out that film @EineReiseDurchDieZeit
The idea of being tended to by a robot in my dotage is too much. One of the only positive things I've read about care homes during the pandemic was some really sweet bonds between carers and residents.

This reminds me of the ad I saw on FB. It was for "the worlds first AI friend". There were comments underneath from people saying how grateful they were to finally find "someone" to be their friend.

Very upsetting.

@rosiethehen fair play to you for doing that job but also for getting out. The one my grandmother was in, late 90's, Ireland, was a lovely setting but the home and her mental condition was still very very upsetting. I know she can't have been enjoying her life on any level.

It's not ideal, but we can't force people to work in care. Well we could, via removal of benefits, but then care homes would be staffed by people who don't want to be there and might not be suitable for the job.

The robots could be programmed with lots of interests and hobbies. I've worked in care homes and the increasing non British workforce can mean there's a lack of conversation topics.

The will isn't there to pay a decent rate, so we are between a rock and a hard place.