The German Red Cross (DRK) President, Gerda Hasselfeldt, has expressed skepticism regarding the near-term ability of artificial intelligence to meaningfully assist in the care of individuals requiring assistance. In statements to the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Hasselfeldt emphasized that robotic care will not substitute for human connection, a key element in providing effective care, particularly for those living with dementia.
While acknowledging that machines can potentially alleviate the physical burden on human caregivers, Hasselfeldt maintained that genuine empathy and support are fundamentally human qualities.
Hasselfeldt, who has served as DRK President since 2017, highlighted the increasing strain on caregivers within residential care facilities. She observed a trend of residents entering facilities at older ages and experiencing shorter stays, leading to a higher proportion of individuals with complex and intensive care needs. This phenomenon, she explained, is driving a greater demand for qualified personnel.
Furthermore, Hasselfeldt urged the German government to allocate funds from its infrastructure special fund to retrofit care homes with improved climate resilience. She pointed to the vulnerability of elderly residents, particularly during heatwaves and noted that many facilities lack the necessary infrastructure to mitigate such risks. Hasselfeldt also underscored the need for energy-efficient upgrades, which are frequently hampered by a lack of available resources at the facility level. She expressed hope that the infrastructure fund could be leveraged to enhance the resilience and quality of social care facilities.