Post 50fifty post50voices

Robots May One Day Care For Dementia Patients

"These people need to always be in interaction."
Paige Lim

With her brown hair, soft skin and expressive face, Nadine is a new brand of human-like robot that could one day, scientists hope, be used as a personal assistant or care provider for the elderly.

The 1.7-metre tall Nadine was created in the likeness of its maker, Nadia Thalmann, a visiting professor and director of Singapore's Nanyang Technological University's Institute of Media Innovation who has spent three decades researching into virtual humans.

Nadine's software allows the robot to express a range of emotions and recall a previous conversation. Nadine is not commercially available, but Thalmann predicted robots could one day be used as companions for people living with dementia.

To read the full story, go here. 

Before You Go

Tips For Choosing An Elderly Caregiver
Review The Agency Checklist(01 of05)
Open Image Modal
One of the first decisions in choosing an elderly caregiver is deciding whether to interview independent candidates or look to a caregiving agency, according to Caring.com. If you choose the later, it's best to choose a leading national or regional chain that is well known for it's professionalism and training. Run through a caregiving checklist, such as The Caregiver Partnership's 10 important caregiver criteria, which covers specific needs including language requirements, memory care, nutrition needs and transportation, or ask the 10 crucial questions proposed by Lee Lindquist of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. (credit:Alamy)
Set Clear Expectations(02 of05)
Open Image Modal
Before interviewing a caregiver candidate set clear job expectations and tailor interview questions to assess the candidate's experience carrying out tasks that will be required, Caring.com recommends. Inside Elder Care suggests creating a timeline of daily activities so the potential caregiver will be fully aware and prepared for any and all day-to-day duties. (credit:Getty)
Include Patient In Interview(03 of05)
Open Image Modal
When looking for someone to care for your parent day in and day out it's best to include your senior in the interview process, according to Caring.com."Having shared interests can make a big difference," Jacqueline Dollar, a geriatric care manager, said. "One of my clients loved NASCAR and found a home health aide who did, too. They immediately hit it off." (credit:Getty)
Assess The Degree Of Speciality (04 of05)
Open Image Modal
Make sure your parents receive the appropriate amount of care by assessing the caregiver's degree of speciality, Inside Elder Care recommends. If the patient requires special treatment for a particular ailment, make sure that the caregiving candidate is properly trained and well versed in that area. (credit:Getty)
Ask For References(05 of05)
Open Image Modal
Whether you choose an agency or not, checking into a caregiver's background is a must. Asking for references can provide insight into the caregiver's past experience and training. Conducting an independent background check may also be useful to ensure that a caregiver is properly vetted. (credit:Shutterstock)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip