// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Meet the robot looking after Vera, 74, in her own home
Vera is one of 24 residents at Hazelhurst Court with a robot
Vera Gadsdon, 74, is one of the residents at a retirement housing complex in Lewisham.
She has a carer, Pinar Elmaz, and a helper called Robert.
Robert reminds her when to take her medication, to do her washing and even gives her knitting tips.
Robert is a robot, just one of those that is now providing company and medical assistance in care homes. Some say the droids are cutting costs and freeing up staff.
But, having met Vera and Robert, I can't help wondering: if she could choose, would Vera prefer to speak to a robot or a relative?
Vera enjoys the company of both her carer Pinar and her robot Robert
Pinar says the droids, made by tech healthcare company Cera, are not a replacement for human carers but "another tool for us as well because we can always check in on them... make sure they've taken their medication and then make sure they've hydrated".
Hazelhurst Court has 24 residents with robots and they certainly seem to enjoy their new companions.
Each one contains their person's medical needs and individual calendar and is programmed to tell users when it's time to eat or play bingo or watch their favourite television show.