RIVERSPRING LIVING
such as a knee or hip replacement , which harnesses AI-powered robotics .
Working alongside a company called Aretech , RiverSpring has installed a ZeroG robot that runs on a track attached to the ceiling in its rehabilitation gym and supports the patient using a harness , taking up to 60 % of their body weight .
“ Before this , we ’ d have two therapists holding the resident by their waist , helping them to ambulate and essentially learn how to walk again ,” details Finkelstein . “ But the robot is smart enough to know when they ’ re going to fall and will pull them back up .
“ Not only does it save the resident from falling , but gives them the confidence to push further than they normally would .
“ We ’ ve proven this can help patients recover faster . We can return people to their previous level of function within 21 days , whereas it used to take 28 , plus we ’ ve made them stronger and more confident .”
Another innovation worthy of mention is an AI-powered service called VirtuSense , a sensor-based system installed in the rooms of patients at risk of falling .
“ Sometimes , when people come into a facility , they ’ re a little disoriented ,” Finkelstein goes on . “ It ’ s the same after some types of surgeries or even medications , so getting out of bed and falling is a big risk .
“ These sensors passively monitor the resident and , anytime it senses motion that indicates they ’ re trying to get out of bed , it will alert nurses to go to the patient . In the rooms , it will announce in a soft voice , ‘ Please stay in bed , wait for the nurse to come ’.”
The result has been a 25 % reduction in falls in units where VirtuSense has been piloted , with the potential for this to rise given the sensors are constantly learning about the typical movements of each patient .
Finkelstein adds : “ By keeping people safe in their rooms , it ’ s prevented a lot of hospitalisations and saved lives .”
Embracing VR RiverSpring began embracing virtual reality ( VR ) about three years ago in a bid to ease patient isolation – a big problem in the care sector and among the older generation in general .
The more conventional form of VR , where users can put on a headset and be transported to a place of their choosing , has worked wonders in combatting isolation .
12 riverspringliving . org