Robot Pilot Program Helps with Workforce Shortage in Two Summit County Facilities
Summit County, OH – Copley Health Center and The Village of St. Edward at Fairlawn have received funding from a Community Development Block Grant through Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro’s office to pilot a robot in their facilities. The funds that developed the two robots were geographically limited. Copley Health Center (robot “Eva”) and The Village of St. Edward (robot “Rosie”) were selected based on their willingness to try innovative solutions to address staffing issues. Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities was asked to facilitate this pilot project, researching, procuring, and coordinating with the facilities to ensure a smooth implementation of the robots.
Each facility has adopted different procedures for their robot to help with operational challenges presented by the workforce shortage that has been particularly impactful in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The robots help managers and staff with tasks like meal delivery, package delivery, hydration carts, cleaning up food trays and dining spaces, and they even sing “Happy Birthday” to residents. They are used by both facilities multiple times a day. Collectively, the two robots have traveled over 163 miles-- making over 2,220 deliveries to residents.
Amanda Huffman, the administrator at The Village of St. Edward…“The joy on the faces of the residents when “Rosie comes to work” is immeasurable.” The robots were not intended to replace human contact, and both Eva and Rosie have been well-received by residents, visitors, and facility staff.
Kathryn Bartley, administrator at Copley Health Center, has gratefully stated “I do not know how we would function without our robot at this point.” The pilot program’s one year term will conclude in 2024.
Members of the media are invited to attend a scheduled demonstration and will receive further details in a media advisory.
5 Minute Robot Compilation Video
Contact: Greta Johnson Matt Reed
Assistant Chief of Staff Sr. Vice President of Community Engagement
Office of Executive Shapiro Direction Home
ExecutivePress@summitoh.net mreed@dhad.org
330-643-2656 330-899-5208