Some of us may actually have a virtual nurse taking care of us when we can no longer take care of ourselves. Now that’s something to think about. In some ways I would rather have a robot watch over me rather than a professional aide. I like the idea of being monitored 24/7 via computer software. I don’t like depending on another human being who may have his or her own agenda. I know I’m being paranoid.
I don’t want to worry if the aide is going to show up or be in a bad mood. I want this all to be very clinical. There is always room for family and friends to provide human contact. The robot will give me serenity and independence.
As I write this, I realize that I may change my mind many times before I get to that stage. I recently read about six elderly people in different parts of Europe who have robots taking care of them. It’s part of a new experiment called GiraffPlus, an EU-funded project to use robotics to help older people who want to live alone. The robot is part of a central system that monitors movements and vital signs. Robot sensors also measure weight, blood pressure and blood sugar.
There is a lot more to this experiment that you might like to read about. Click here.
I’m curious if you would like a robot to live with you? Are you thinking about this subject? Please share.
DigiDame 
After three years of care-giving, I think seniors need both a robot and a person, but how many people will neglect their seniors if they think they can get away with it? The problem I saw most often in the elder care facilities I visited was deep lonliness. Not in my seniors, they saw me and heard from me constantly. I hated that my presence was so often a reminder of my loved ones incapabilities. They loved me, but they resented needing me so much. I was also very aware that I was spending their last days doing mundane tasks. I wanted to be infusing joy and purpose, but that’s hard to do when you’re the care-robot.