In response to demographic changes leading to an older population, social companion robots are increasingly considered as possible tools in care for older adults. During the last years, deployments in care homes for older adults have increased, and older adults in different stages of life are living and interacting with social robots daily. Previous research also shows that social robots can decrease loneliness and stress levels, and increase mood and communication among older adults, especially people with dementia. 

In this paper, we argue that this development calls for a greater attention to what happens to the concept and practices of care when care robots are introduced. What does it mean for the care between caregivers and caretakers when a care robot is deployed and what different kinds of care can a social robot provide? We start with posing these questions and exemplify with observations from past studies in care homes. Finally, we conclude with reflections for future studies.