Robots Correlate with Higher Employee Retention

There has been a new study produced on the impact of Robots in Nursing Homes. The robots are being used more to help residents and staff.  The study, “Robots and Labor in Nursing Homes,” examined the effects of robots on residents and staff. The effects have been positive, with an employee retention rate and better patient care. This study was led by Yong Suk Lee, a professor at Notre Dame.

He focused the study on robots in Japanese Nursing homes from 2020 to 2022. Japan faces similar long-term care challenges to those the US does. Japan has a very high rate of individuals needing the needs of assistance in long-term assistance over the age of 80. Because of this increase the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare projects of shortage of 380,000 care workers by 2025.

The study used three types of robots during their study. The first robot helps caregivers with residents living, moving, and rotating within beds and rooms. The second robot helped the resident move around for activities, bathing, and going to the bathroom. The final Robot helped monitor communication and helped residents communicate with other residents. It also helped monitor the movement and ensure the safety of residents. The study collected data from robots at 265 different nursing homes. The robots positively impacted and helped support the staff in the facilities.

They assisted the staff with daily tasks, making it easier on them and supporting them with the things they needed to get done. The robots also effectively decreased the patient issues while in the facilities. Now, with the robots, the facilities can maintain proper staffing levels and avoid issues with residents. This study is effective, and robots have had a positive impact on long-term care facilities. I think robots are a positive attribute to the nursing home and help support both the patient and the staff.