Hi, robot: Senior facilities in Copley, Fairlawn roll out new helpers amid staff shortages
The robots have arrived, and they are here to help.
Just ask the residents at two senior care facilities in Summit County that now have a robot friend to interact with, thanks to Community Development Block Grant funds from Summit County and the Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities.
A helping hand, robot-style
The mobile robots help out with tasks like delivering water and meals to residents, providing a boost for the Village of St. Edward in Fairlawn and Copley Health Center in Copley Township.
As is the case at many senior care facilities, the two centers are experiencing workforce shortages, according to a recent media statement from Direction Home.
A March 2023 poll by Leading Age found that 90% of nursing homes and 64% of assisted living centers reported severe staff shortages.
"The nursing home, assisted living and home care (facilities) were all experiencing shortages before the pandemic, and the pandemic definitely exacerbated things," said Matt Reid, senior vice president of community engagement for Direction Home.
Robots named 'Eva' and 'Rosie'
The pilot program funding came through Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro’s office.
At the Copley facility, the robot is named Eva. At St. Edward, it's named Rosie.
They cost about $12,000 each, with an installation cost of $1,400 and annual maintenance at about $3,600, Reid said.
"I would think this would be a really good return on investment when facilities think about it," he said.
There are 45 assisted living and 43 licensed nursing facilities in Summit County.
Eva and Rosie help out with different tasks, including meal delivery, package delivery, serving as hydration carts, and cleaning up food trays and dining spaces.
“The joy on the faces of the residents when Rosie comes to work is immeasurable," said Amanda Huffman, administrator at The Village of St. Edward.
Robots sing songs, deliver meals
The robots are even capable of giving a musical birthday or holiday celebration. In a video released by Direction Home, one of the robots sings a Christmas song to appreciative residents who watch intently as it rolls across the room.
“I do not know how we would function without our robot at this point," said Kathryn Bartley, administrator at Copley Health Center.
Identifying a need, getting help with funds
Reid said the idea was generated by the Summit County Nursing Home task force, which learned about robots being used to serve meals in restaurants. Members of the task force asked if the same thing could be done in nursing homes.
Direction Home approached the county and received funding, Reid said.
"None of this would be possible without partnerships and leadership like Summit County and our Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro..." said Abigail Morgan, chief operating officer at Direction Home, at a demonstration of Eva's capabilities last week.
More robots coming to a facility near you
Reid said Direction Home has had initial conversations with the county about working to expand the pilot program.
The two robots together have traveled more than 163 miles and made more than 2,220 deliveries to residents since finding a home at the Copley and Fairlawn facilities.
"It really doesn't replace the need for people, but it helps people prioritize and focus on the tasks that are important for people to do," Reid said.
Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Robots help Copley, Fairlawn senior facilities deliver meals, care
