Buyer's Checklist: What Care Facilities Must Know About Robots

Walk into any modern care facility today, and you might spot a sleek, motorized frame helping a resident stand for the first time in months, or a compact device quietly assisting with personal care tasks that once required two staff members. Robotics in elder and rehabilitation care isn't just a futuristic concept anymore—it's a daily reality reshaping how we support residents' dignity, independence, and recovery. But with so many options flooding the market—from lower limb exoskeletons that promise mobility to incontinence care robots designed to preserve dignity—how do you cut through the noise and choose the right technology for your facility?

This guide isn't about selling you the latest gadget. It's about empowering you to make a decision that aligns with your residents' needs, your staff's workflow, and your facility's long-term goals. Whether you're a small assisted living community or a large rehabilitation center, the robots you bring in will touch lives—yours, your team's, and the people you care for. Let's walk through the essential checklist to ensure you're not just buying a machine, but an investment in better care.

Before you even browse a single product page, gather your team for a candid conversation: What problem are we trying to solve? Robotics isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and jumping into a purchase without clarity can lead to expensive mistakes. For example, a facility focused on post-stroke rehabilitation might prioritize lower limb exoskeletons for gait training, while a memory care unit might benefit more from patient lifts to reduce staff strain during transfers.

Ask specific questions: Are your residents mostly elderly with mobility issues, or do you serve younger patients recovering from injuries? How many staff members are available for direct care, and where do they spend most of their time? (Spoiler: Many teams report spending 30% of shifts on tasks like lifting, bathing, or toileting—tasks robots can often streamline.) Jot down pain points: Is staff burnout high? Are resident falls a recurring issue? Do families express concerns about their loved ones' independence?

Pro tip: Involve frontline staff in this process. Nurses, therapists, and aides interact with residents daily—they'll have insights into which tasks feel most burdensome or risky. A physical therapist might mention that current gait training equipment is outdated, while a CNA could highlight the need for safer patient transfers. Their input will ground your checklist in real-world needs, not just marketing hype.

Not all care robots are created equal. Each type serves a distinct purpose, and understanding their strengths (and limitations) will help you narrow down options. Let's break down three categories that are transforming care facilities today:

Lower Limb Exoskeletons: Restoring Mobility, One Step at a Time

For residents recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, or age-related mobility loss, lower limb exoskeletons are game-changers. These wearable devices use motors and sensors to support or augment leg movement, helping users stand, walk, or even climb stairs. But not all exoskeletons are the same—some are designed for rehabilitation (think: physical therapy sessions), while others are built for daily assistive use (e.g., helping a resident move from their bed to the dining hall).

When evaluating exoskeletons, ask: What's the weight capacity? How long does the battery last on a single charge? Is it adjustable for different body types? Independent reviews often highlight comfort as a make-or-break factor—residents won't use a device that pinches or feels cumbersome. Also, consider training: Does the vendor offer on-site sessions for therapists, or is it self-guided via a manual? A facility in Ohio recently shared that their lower limb exoskeleton purchase paid off when a stroke patient regained enough mobility to return home after six weeks—far faster than the typical three-month timeline with traditional therapy alone.

Incontinence Care Robots: Preserving Dignity, Reducing Burden

One of the most sensitive challenges in care is managing incontinence. For residents, it can erode self-esteem; for staff, it's a time-consuming, physically demanding task. Enter incontinence care robots —compact, automated devices designed to clean and dry residents without manual intervention. These robots often slide under the bed, use gentle jets or wipes, and can even alert staff when supplies need restocking.

Key features to prioritize: Ease of cleaning (the robot itself should be hygienic!), noise level (residents don't want a loud machine disrupting their privacy), and customization (adjustable water temperature, pressure settings). A nursing home in Canada reported that after introducing incontinence care robots , staff spent 25% less time on toileting tasks—time they redirected to social interactions, like reading to residents or leading group activities. "It's not just about efficiency," one administrator noted. "It's about letting residents feel in control again. No one likes asking for help with something so personal."

Patient Lifts: Safety First for Residents and Staff

Back injuries are a leading cause of staff turnover in care facilities, often stemming from manual lifting of residents. Patient lifts —mechanical devices that assist with transfers (bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to toilet)—are critical for reducing this risk. They come in two main types: manual (hand-cranked) and electric (battery or plug-in). Electric lifts are pricier upfront but require less physical effort, making them ideal for facilities with high resident-to-staff ratios.

Look for lifts with intuitive controls (large buttons, simple displays) and safety features like emergency stop buttons and anti-tip bases. Weight capacity is non-negotiable—if your facility cares for bariatric residents, ensure the lift can handle 600+ pounds. Portability matters too: Can the lift be moved easily between rooms, or is it fixed in place? A small facility in Texas opted for portable electric lifts and saw a 40% ｄｒｏｐ in staff injury claims within a year. "We used to have two CNAs per transfer," a nurse recalled. "Now one person can safely move a resident, and the other can check on someone else. It's transformed how we allocate our time."

When lives are in your hands, "good enough" safety standards simply won't cut it. Any robot you bring into your facility must meet rigorous compliance benchmarks to protect residents and shield your facility from liability. Start by checking for certifications: For medical devices like lower limb exoskeletons , look for FDA clearance (yes, some exoskeletons are classified as medical devices) or CE marking in Europe. For general care robots, ISO 13482 (the international standard for personal care robots) is a must—it ensures the device is designed to minimize risks like pinching, overheating, or unexpected movement.

Dig deeper into safety features. For example, does the incontinence care robot have sensors to detect if a resident moves unexpectedly mid-cleaning? Does the patient lift automatically lock its wheels when in use? Ask vendors for incident reports or third-party safety audits—transparency here is a red flag. A facility in California once skipped this step and purchased a budget exoskeleton without proper certification; within weeks, a resident suffered a fall when the device's sensor failed. The resulting lawsuit cost the facility hundreds of thousands of dollars—not to mention the damage to its reputation.

Don't forget staff training as part of safety. Even the safest robot can become a hazard if used incorrectly. Ensure vendors provide comprehensive training (in-person, not just a video) and offer refresher courses. Document every training session—this protects your facility if an incident occurs and shows regulators you're committed to best practices.

You could invest in the most advanced robot on the market, but if your staff finds it confusing or your residents refuse to use it, it's just an expensive paperweight. Usability starts with intuitive design: Can a new CNA figure out the patient lift controls in under five minutes? Does the lower limb exoskeleton have a user manual written in plain language (no technical jargon!)? Prioritize devices with touchscreens, voice commands, or color-coded buttons—anything that reduces the learning curve.

Resident comfort is equally critical. A lower limb exoskeleton might have all the latest tech, but if it rubs against a resident's skin or feels unstable, they'll resist using it. Ask vendors for trial periods—most will let you test a device for 30 days with a small deposit. Use this time to gather feedback from residents: "Does this feel secure?" "Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?" Their honesty will save you from buyer's remorse.

Compatibility with your existing setup matters too. If your facility uses electronic health records (EHR), can the robot sync data (e.g., exoskeleton usage time, lift transfer logs) to your system? Will the incontinence care robot fit under your current beds, or will you need to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ mattresses? These small details add up—ignoring them can lead to costly modifications down the line.

Let's talk money. Robotics isn't cheap— lower limb exoskeletons can cost $50,000+, incontinence care robots $10,000–$20,000, and patient lifts $2,000–$10,000. But focusing solely on upfront cost is short-sighted. Instead, calculate the long-term value: How much will you save on staff turnover, workers' compensation claims, or extended rehabilitation stays? For example, a facility in Florida crunched the numbers and found that their $60,000 exoskeleton investment would pay for itself in two years, thanks to reduced therapy costs and fewer readmissions.

Don't overlook hidden expenses. Maintenance fees (some vendors charge $500–$1,000/year for service contracts), replacement parts (batteries, sensors), and software updates can add up. Ask vendors for a total cost of ownership (TCO) breakdown over five years—this includes everything from initial purchase to disposal. Compare TCO across brands, not just sticker price. A slightly pricier robot with a free maintenance plan might be cheaper in the long run than a budget option with steep repair fees.

Grants and financing can ease the burden. Many states offer funding for assistive technology in care facilities, and some vendors partner with lenders for low-interest loans. A nonprofit in Michigan used a federal ｇｒａｎｔ to purchase three patient lifts ; they now use the savings from reduced injury claims to fund resident activities. "You don't have to pay for everything upfront," their director advised. "Do your research—there are resources out there to help."

A robot is only as good as the company behind it. When evaluating vendors, ask: What's their response time for technical issues? Do they offer 24/7 support, or is help only available during business hours? What's the warranty period (and does it cover parts and labor)? A facility in New York learned this the hard way when their exoskeleton vendor went out of business six months after purchase; now they're stuck with a $40,000 device they can't repair. "We should have checked how long the company had been in business," the administrator lamented. "Stability matters."

Training and ongoing education are equally important. Does the vendor offer refresher courses for new staff? Will they ｕｐｄａｔｅ the robot's software remotely, or do you need to schedule a technician visit? A vendor that invests in your team's success is a vendor worth keeping. One facility raved about their incontinence care robot vendor: "They send a trainer every quarter to check in, answer questions, and show us new features. It feels like a partnership, not just a transaction."

At the end of the day, robotics in care isn't about replacing human connection—it's about enhancing it. The right robot can free up staff to focus on what machines can't: a listening ear, a reassuring smile, or a shared laugh. By following this checklist, you'll not only make a smart financial decision but also invest in a future where your residents thrive and your staff feels valued. And isn't that what care is all about?