Radio station BBC 4

Obviously they haven't worked the job before.................

This is absolutely madness, we are careers for a reason, in order to work in the profession we must be all have that what I call "care sreek" in them otherwise what's the point, it's what makes us...well us... replacing us with robots, they can't give that high quality of care the way we would..

Madness indeed, they obviously have discounted the use of hoists as a viable aid - which is the reality for most care workers who would, if they could use these pieces of equipment, if only peoples houses, rooms and living conditions allowed for such conformity and accuracy.

Unfortunately there is no substitute for good ol' manual handling, and like any other manual work the back inevitably takes a pounding.

I think the difficulty is mostly about dealing with the amount of compensation claims that are submitted - it must be an absolute nightmare.

What about compassion, conversation, a loving touch? If you follow manual handling polices no one will hurt their back, that's why they're in place!

I only 'vaguely follow' the artificial intelligence/robots stuff, but my understanding is that we are decades away from being able to create robots which could interact with people in that sort of way (i.e. 'help to lift a person'). I gather that Japan is developing robots to help the elderly - but I don't think those robots are doing things such as lifting people.

If anyone has watched Humans a drama series pretty impressive although towards the end of the series never mess with nature..
What i love about working with the elderly is the learning of past history.. i cant see a robot asking about the way women dressed in 1920s.

I think this would have been said very tongue in cheek, claims have continually spiralled for these supposed claims, having worked in the care sector for many years, i do remember the days when manual handling was the only tool "Remember the old Australian lift".
In those days staff had annual health checks AND had to meet certain health requirements before you even got a contract. Most injuries occur through lack of training and the individuals misuse of equipment, there are also individuals who will use this to further false claims.
I remember a few years ago visiting a beautiful rehab centre for the elderly infirm and i noticed a row of hoists all looking pristine as if they had never been used and on asking around it was the norm to leave patients in bed and deliver their care in situ, with little use of the hoists.
Yes quite often the environment may not be perfect for hoisting etc, so we use what is practicably possible and safe, make the best of the space you have, using your common sense really and taking some responsibility for your own actions. Health and Safety is of course paramount but it should improve performance not negate it.

Sounds about right.... Replace those that have been dedicated and commited to working in healthcare for probably many many years, but due to an idea that people have become an inconvenience an attitude of lets "get rid of them" approach seems like the best option?! I feel it is quite offensive.

I agree 'Kevin Slater' regular health checks actually support and prevent the amount of 'Claims' made against back injuries as they were not able to fool the Occupational Health. With regards to the artificial intelligence, the robot being created in Japan is to enable and prevent loneliness and have conversations with them, these have been working in care homes for nearly 2 years, what I found funny was that the first one seriously malfunctioned after spending 24 hours with a person living with Dementia, think it will be a while still.