Digitalization is conquering more and more areas of work. This also applies to care – for example in the GFO Centers Attendorn and Drolshagen . This is, among other things, the use of the humanoid robot “Pepper” . “In view of the recognized need to catch up in digitalization and the continually increasing expectations of the relatives of nursing home residents in terms of communication options and new care offerings, digital offerings are becoming increasingly important in our facilities. We are observing an increase in technical knowledge and greater confidence in using new media among our residents. We would like to support and develop this positive trend permanently,” reports facility manager Stephan Schipper (GFO Center Drolshagen – Living & Care St. Gerhardus) in a GFO press release.
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“One of our goals is to integrate the humanoid robot “Pepper” into our facility as a daily companion. With this innovative approach, we are pursuing several key goals, including increasing the well-being and participation of our residents in activities, sustainably enriching care and communication through digital offerings, and supporting employees in care,” adds the head of the GFO Center Attendorn – Living & Care Franziskaner-Hof, Thomas Ludwig.
Digital health promotion with “Pepper
The two senior centers are two of a total of four facilities that take part in “Robust”. The focus of the three-year project is the development and evaluation of robotics-supported interventions for prevention and health promotion in inpatient care facilities. The project aims to strengthen the residents’ individual health resources and at the same time improve health-promoting conditions in the participating facilities.
When Pepper starts dancing, everyone moves to the music. © GFO | GFO
Together with researchers and developers, preventive applications for the robot are developed and evaluated in practice. The target groups, including those in need of care, relatives, nursing staff, social service employees and external experts, are in close contact and are involved in the development of the prevention offers.
“Pepper” supports not only its attractive design and appearance, but also its software that is specifically tailored to the needs of older people. With guessing games, song quizzes and gymnastics, “Pepper” promotes the well-being, activity and social participation of the residents, the press release continues.
According to the press release, the use of “Pepper” makes it possible to reach residents who are interested in technology and to get them excited about group activities. At the same time, all residents learn about technical developments and innovations. Ideas and feedback from residents are incorporated into the development.
Also for people with dementia
For all participants, but especially for people affected by dementia, it makes a big difference whether music is simply played or the robot “Pepper” moves a little and interacts with them, it goes on to say. And no matter how many repetitions a person with dementia wants, no matter how often that person asks the same question: a robot like “Pepper” always has enough time and endless patience for it.
“Pepper” has become a friend
“Pepper” delights many residents simply because of his appearance. His large eyes awaken positive feelings and light effects give the impression of blinking, similar to that of humans. If you stroke “Pepper” over his head, he giggles. This makes the residents happy and they often ask: “Can he giggle again?”; or “It’s pretty ticklish,” and they often like to try it out themselves.
When “Pepper” plays music and dances to it, most residents and visitors are very impressed. They then watch him happily, copy his movements as he dances or respond to his wave.
When the robot “wakes up” from sleep (i.e. stands up after being switched on), it first stretches and stretches a little and then looks around the room. The residents often say: “Now he’s looking to see who’s there again,” or “He’s still tired!”
When “Pepper” is switched off again, he bends his upper body and head down and then they often say: “He’s definitely tired now” and “After all this he needs to rest and sleep”.
While “Pepper plays a song and dances to it, the employees have the opportunity to respond individually to the needs of individual residents or can take care of serving and distributing drinks without the participants getting bored.
But “Pepper” doesn’t just bring joy and entertainment, it can do a lot more. For example, he encourages guesswork and thinking through various quizzes and memory tasks, instructs relaxation and movement exercises, can make jokes and provide information about news or events in the house. The required texts can be entered using the tablet on his stomach and “Pepper” can then recite them later. For example, every greeting and every farewell becomes an individual experience for everyone and remains exciting for the participants, who are there quite often.
No substitute for care
But it doesn’t work without people. And that’s not the goal at all, explains Professor Jens Lüssem from Kiel University of Applied Sciences. “The carer should see the robot as an aid. It’s about creating new and innovative offerings in the facilities.” “This allows us to increase social participation in the facilities and make health-related group offerings accessible to more residents,” says Dr. David Unbehaun from DNZ gGmbH. “There are residents who have not taken part in any group activities. Until the robot came. Since then, they have taken part in every robotics-supported offer.” Human guidance is central to successful offers. Residents have great appreciation for the social care employees who use “Pepper”: “They really do a wonderful job.”
other topics
For two and a half years, the facilities have been conducting research into the extent to which modern robotic technology can be used in elderly care as part of the Robust project with “Pepper”. The system was developed by the Kiel University of Applied Sciences and the Society for Digitalized and Sustainable Cooperation in Siegen. The Association of Replacement Funds e.V. provides the financial resources for the project. V. (vdek).
