Nursing homes are facing a double challenge—rapid employee turnover and an aging population that requires more care than ever. In response, many facilities are increasingly integrating robots for the elderly into their daily operations. While these robotic assistants have been hailed as a solution to labor shortages, surprisingly little research has explored their broader effects on both staff and patient care.
However, a new study from the University of Notre Dame sheds light on this issue, revealing that robotic technology isn’t just filling gaps in the workforce—it’s actually improving employment rates, boosting retention, and enhancing the overall quality of care. The findings could have significant implications for the future of healthcare work and long-term elder care.
Robots Changing the Future of Elderly Care
Yong Suk Lee, an associate professor at Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs, led the research, which was published in Labour Economics. While most studies on robotics have focused on factory floors and industrial settings, Lee’s team broke new ground by analyzing how different types of robots for the elderly are being deployed in nursing homes. The researchers used data from surveys conducted in Japanese long-term care facilities in 2020 and 2022.
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“Japan is essentially a preview of what’s coming for the rest of the world—a shrinking workforce, an expanding elderly population, and fewer young people entering care professions,” Lee explained. “We need to be prepared for this shift.”
In the United States, this demographic shift is already taking shape. As of 2022, over 57 million Americans were aged 65 or older. By 2050, that number is projected to skyrocket to 88.5 million, according to the National Council on Aging. With more people requiring assistance and fewer available caregivers, the role of robotic technology in elder care is only set to grow.
Impact on Workers
The study identified three main types of robots for the elderly currently being used in nursing homes:
- Transfer robots – These assist caregivers by lifting, rotating, and repositioning patients, reducing physical strain.
- Mobility robots – Patients use these devices to help them move around, bathe, or navigate their environment.
- Monitoring and communication robots – These include computer vision systems and bed sensors that track patient movement and share data with healthcare providers.
One of the study’s most striking findings was that the adoption of robots was linked to lower staff turnover rates. Nursing home employees—who often face exhausting physical labor, chronic pain, and low wages—were more likely to stay in their jobs when robotic aids lightened their workload. “Burnout is a major issue in this industry,” Lee noted. “By reducing physical strain, robots allow workers to focus on more meaningful aspects of patient care.”
Interestingly, the increased use of robots didn’t lead to job losses. In fact, it correlated with an overall rise in employment, particularly for part-time and less experienced workers. However, demand for more experienced caregivers appeared to decline slightly, a shift that could have long-term consequences for the industry’s workforce structure.
Better Care for Patients
Beyond easing the burden on workers, the study found that robotic technology contributed to tangible improvements in patient health. Facilities that adopted these tools saw fewer instances of patient restraints being used, as well as a reduction in pressure ulcers—common ailments among bedridden patients due to lack of movement.
Lee believes that by handling physically demanding tasks, robots free up caregivers to focus on human-centered aspects of healthcare. “Robots can take over repetitive or physically taxing jobs, allowing staff to concentrate on the emotional, social, and hands-on aspects of care,” he said. “That ultimately leads to a higher quality of life for residents.”
The Road Ahead
Lee collaborated on the study with Toshiaki Iizuka from the University of Tokyo and Karen Eggleston from Stanford University. The research was backed by multiple organizations, including Stanford’s Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
This study is part of Lee’s broader work on how emerging technologies, including AI and robotics, shape employment, inequality, and the future of work. As a faculty member affiliated with several research institutes at Notre Dame, Lee continues to explore ethical and economic questions surrounding automation in healthcare.
“The findings from this study provide critical insights into how we can navigate the challenges of an aging population,” Lee said. “Robotic technology isn’t replacing human caregivers—it’s augmenting their work in ways that benefit both employees and patients.”
As the world grapples with shifting demographics and workforce shortages, one thing is becoming clear: robots for the elderly aren’t just a futuristic idea—they’re already reshaping the landscape of elder care today.
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Sources: Science Daily