Carebots

‘I … I was sitting at home, watching a holovision program, and … I must have gone to sleep. I don’t remember anything after that.  Where am I now?”

Emma said, “I’m sorry to tell you that you had a stroke, Clarence. Luckily, one of your neighbors in your building missed you at a meal and checked on you, finding you unconscious. He called an ambulance, and they were able to treat you in time to save your life. We’re so glad to see that you have awakened from a coma after three weeks. You are now in an ARNF - an automated rehab and nursing facility. Can you lift your arms a bit for me, please?”

“I … I can lift my right arm, but … I can’t seem to budge the left one. Are you a nurse, Emma?”

Emma said, “Your stroke was on the right side of your brain, and there’s still a sizable hematoma, or blood clot, there; so it's not surprising that you cannot move your left arm.  I’m a humanoid robot empathy nurse. In fact, I’m just a part of the robotic system contained within this room and powered by an Artificial Intelligence processor hub.  I am here for you every day for 24 hours to listen to you, answer questions, or arrange for any help that you need.”

“Have you told my daughter and son, and their families, about my situation? How are they doing?”

“Yes, everyone in your family knows of your stroke and where you are now. I’m just now sending them messages about your re-awakening.  I’m sure that some or all of them will be back here to visit you very soon. I have also sent your current medical state to your doctor, and she will be here soon as well, although it is quite early in the morning. Can you try lifting your legs, please?”

“Hmmm … Only the right leg works. Have I permanently lost my left-side muscles?” he asked.

“I’ll let your doctor discuss your prognosis, Clarence. But I can tell you that many stroke patients recover the use of all of their muscles with time,” said Emma.

Clarence asked, “Besides the stroke, is there anything else wrong with me? I mean, like broken bones or failing organs?”

“We have no signs of other malfunctions, and your vital signs are quite stable and strong, especially for a man of your 97 years. You can discuss it more with your doctor when she arrives.”

“You said I’ve been here for how long?  Three weeks?” he asked.

Emma responded, “You were in a hospital for the first week, where an emergency procedure was done to drain some of the blood from your skull. Don’t worry, the hole was very small, and the scar will be hidden by your ear. You were moved here two weeks ago.  Your daughter was here every day for a week, but we didn’t know how long it would take, or even if you would ever come out of your coma, so she had to go back to work and to caring for her family.  We send your status to both your son and your daughter continuously. I’m sure they will come back here soon, now that you are awake.”

Clarence was silent for a few minutes, looking around the room, and then asked, “ If I was out for three weeks, how was I being fed, and how did I … how do I, like, go to the bathroom?”

“You probably cannot feel it, since it is in your left nostril, but there’s a feeding tube through your nose and esophagus to feed your stomach directly. Here - I’m holding the tube up to show you. It goes to a feeding formula bag hanging here behind your head.  There are also urine and feces collection systems to take care of your waste product output.  I’m sure that the doctor will remove all of these when we are assured that you have your swallow reflex back and can control your own bladder and bowels.”

Clarence moved his head up and looked around the room, and then asked, “What are all these mechanical gadgets around me?”

Emma said, “They are all part of the ARNF robotic caregiver system, as I am, designed to rehabilitate you quickly and provide maximum comfort, safety, and entertainment.  These six extensions around the bed here, looking a bit like arms, are called manipulators. They are designed to turn you on your side, or completely over, every few hours to prevent bed sores. They also flex your arms and legs, while an electrical signal stimulates muscle contractions to prevent atrophy. Underneath you is a system that automatically applies sponge baths every day, aided by the manipulators. Monitors measure your body temperature in multiple places, elements in the mattress are heated or cooled, and blankets are applied or removed to keep you at a level of optimum comfort.”

“How can I sit up?” he asked.

As he said it, the bed under him began to move, and soon his torso and head were slowly lifting, as Emma said, “Just say ‘stop’ when you like the angle, and ‘sit up’ or ‘lie down’ when you want it to change.  You can control many other parameters verbally, which I will teach you.”

Tears began to form in Clarence’s eyes as he thought about his predicament. He said, “So, here I am at 97 years old, ensconced in this superbed. This must be my last stop. I can’t complain, I’ve had a mostly wonderful life, barring a few major tragedies like losing my wife. I’ll just take it a day (or maybe an hour?) at a time.  So, how do I call you if I need help, Emma?”

She (or it) said, “Don’t give up so easily, Clarence! Many people as old or older than you have regained their body functions completely here, and have returned to a high-quality, semi-independent life. And you don’t have to call me, I’ll be here by your bedside 24 by 7 and ready to talk or listen to you and to arrange anything you need. Would you like to catch up with the latest news on holovision? Or do you have some favorite programming you would like to view?”

Clarence, feeling much better after that talk, replied, “Actually, I’d very much like to see and talk to my children and grandchildren. Can you arrange that?”

“Yes, I can!” said Emma. “I’ll make a connection with Eileen and her kids first, because they are up and eating breakfast. Your diction is somewhat slurred because of Bell's Palsy due to your stroke - half of your mouth doesn’t work, but I’ll clear up the speech at their end.  Your son Phillip and his wife are still asleep on the West Coast, unless you want to awaken them. Are you ready for the call to Eileen?”

Clarence said, “I must look like Hell. Can you make me look like my pre-stroke self when we talk?”

“Ha, ha,” Emma chuckled. “You don’t look so bad. I’ll filter out the nose tube and straighten your hair a bit then. Are you ready?”

“Sit me up a bit more … stop. That’s it!” he said. “OK, let’s call!”

Eileen's face popped into existence in front of him, saying, “Dad! You’re awake … and alive!” She couldn’t say more as both she and he burst into tears.

Finally, after Emma dabbed his face several times with a tissue, Clarence said, “Yes, darling. Somehow, I’m still alive. And these wonderful … wonderful … AIs, I guess, are making me very comfortable. When can I see you … in person?”

“Oh, Dad, I’m flying out to Chicago later today. I should be there by early afternoon. I’m so sorry I couldn’t stay until you woke up!” More tears of guilt poured out.

When Clarence recovered from his own tears a few seconds later, he said, “Nonsense! You need to take care of your family! These wonderful AIs are doing a marvelous job of seeing to my needs. Take your time coming here. I’m in very good … manipulators!”

After he said hello to the grandkids, who were a little shy and startled by the event, he said, “I’ll see you tomorrow then, darling daughter, but then you should get back home right away. I’ve got a feeling I’ll do fine here until I can get back to my apartment.”

Eileen's head disappeared, and Emma said, “I agree that you’ll do fine here, Clarence. Assuming Dr. Kellums clears it, we’ll start your rehab program tomorrow. Our rehab-bots will be here to rouse you out of this comfortable cocoon and start to help you regain your swallow reflex, your bladder control, and your muscle tone. And I am always here to keep you company. Your history and interests have been downloaded into my working memory, and I’d love to talk to you about anything.”