Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Robots in Enhancing Person-Centered Care in Long-Term Care Homes

The aging population in the United States has caused more older adults to need long-term care. Many residents have complicated health needs, such as chronic illnesses, problems with memory, and difficulty moving. At the same time, long-term care homes have trouble finding enough staff because many workers leave and not enough qualified people are available. This mismatch between the number of people who need care and the workers available affects the quality of care residents get.

Healthcare workers in these homes often have heavy workloads and not enough time. They must do medical tasks and also meet many social and emotional needs. Many are worried about using technology like AI and robots. They find the technology hard to use, doubt if it really helps, and worry about ethics like privacy, independence, and safety.

The Potential Role of AI-Enabled Robots in LTC Homes

Recent studies show that robots with artificial intelligence can help solve some problems. These robots can offer support that fits with person-centered care. Person-centered care means respecting each resident’s uniqueness, dignity, and choices while keeping them safe and independent.

AI robots can help with daily tasks like reminding residents to take medicine, checking vital signs, and helping residents talk with staff. They can also reduce the physical work for caregivers, which may help lower burnout. For example, robots can help with moving residents or detect falls and unusual behavior to keep them safe.

One study from the University of Arizona’s College of Nursing looked at 33 articles about how healthcare workers feel about AI robots in long-term care. They found that robots can improve person-centered care when they match the needs and preferences of residents. However, caregivers are more likely to accept robots if their worries about technology, ethics, and training are addressed.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

Ethical questions about robotic care are important in long-term care homes. People worry about respecting residents’ independence, privacy, and dignity. There are also concerns that robots might change staffing jobs and reduce human contact. A legal issue is the lack of clear rules about using robots in elder care. Without proper policies, there could be risks like age discrimination or misuse of private data.

Research by Mengxuan Chen, published in The Journal of Adult Protection, discusses how robotic care could lower elder abuse and improve protections for older adults. Chen says combining AI with person-centered care can improve transparency, safety, and respect for choices. A key part is involving older adults in designing and using the robots. This helps avoid excluding them and protects their rights.

Chen also highlights that humans and robots must work well together. Caregivers provide feelings and judgments that robots can’t. Robots offer steady and data-based help. This balance is important to keep care safe and high-quality, especially for vulnerable seniors.

Barriers to Adoption and Strategies to Overcome Them

• Technical Complexity: Healthcare workers often do not have the skills or confidence to use robots well. This makes them hesitant or leads to misuse.
• Concerns About Usefulness: Staff may doubt whether robots really improve care and might not use them. Seeing clear benefits in real settings is needed.
• Ethical and Privacy Issues: Residents and workers worry about watching for safety while protecting privacy and independence.
• Resource Limitations: Budget limits make it hard to buy new technology.

To solve these problems, the University of Arizona review suggests:

• Adjusting AI tools to fit the needs and wishes of residents and staff.
• Making clear how robots work and how they help improve care.
• Ensuring safety and strong rules about robot use.
• Providing ongoing training so staff feel confident using AI.
• Involving older adults in the design process to make sure the technology meets their expectations.

These steps may help increase acceptance and make it easier to use robots in long-term care.

AI and Workflow Automation: Enhancing Efficiency and Care Quality

Healthcare leaders and IT managers are interested in how AI robots can improve work processes. AI automation can handle repetitive tasks, letting staff spend more time with patients.

For example, AI phone services can answer routine calls, schedule appointments, and handle patient questions. This reduces work for receptionists. A company named Simbo AI shows how this technology can improve communication in medical offices and long-term care homes. Automating phone tasks helps offices run better and lowers mistakes.

Inside care homes, AI robots can:

• Watch residents’ movements and alert staff about accidents quickly.
• Manage medication schedules very accurately.
• Collect and report health changes fast for timely care.
• Help with social activities to decrease loneliness.

These automations help coordinate care, lower risks, and make residents happier. They also help with staff shortages by keeping support steady.

The Importance of Person-Centered Care in Technology Integration

Using AI robots in long-term care must keep residents’ needs as the main focus. The University of Arizona review and Chen’s study say technology should respect personal values, culture, and independence of older adults.

Key parts of person-centered care include:

• Respect for individual values and preferences: Robots should be changeable to fit different needs.
• Comprehensive care: AI can support both medical and social care needs.
• Autonomy and decision-making: Technology should help residents keep their independence.
• Clear communication and safety: People must understand how robots work and how data is protected.

If AI fits these ideas, it can improve residents’ lives and reduce caregiver stress without breaking ethical rules.

Future Directions and Research Priorities

Even though AI robots look promising for long-term care, more research is needed. Studies should test how they work in different parts of the United States with diverse residents. Chen points out that there is not enough data on how robotic care affects elder abuse and care quality. Involving older adults directly in designing and testing robots can help learn what works best and how easy they are to use.

Policy is also important. Clear rules are needed to handle ethics, legal concerns, and safety. Policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers, and technology makers need to work together to set these rules. This will protect residents’ rights and allow new ideas to grow safely.

Robotics should continue to support the person-centered care approaches used by American long-term care homes and follow national healthcare and elder care laws.

Implications for Medical Practice Administrators, Owners, and IT Managers in the United States

Healthcare leaders and owners of long-term care homes should think carefully about the pros and cons of AI robots. Important advice includes:

• Carefully checking resident needs and staff readiness before starting new technology.
• Choosing AI tools that are proven to support person-centered care.
• Creating training programs so staff can gain skills and trust in AI.
• Including residents and their families in talks about using robotic care.
• Working closely with IT to ensure privacy and security rules are met.
• Partnering with companies like Simbo AI that focus on AI for healthcare office tasks to improve communication.

By following these steps, long-term care providers can better handle growing care demands and keep care ethical and high quality.

Using AI-enabled robots in long-term care homes can help with staff shortages, improve care quality, and keep person-centered care values. With good planning, respect for ethics, and continued study, AI can become a helpful partner for healthcare workers in elder care in the United States.