Can AI care for your loved ones?

The question of whether artificial intelligence (AI) can effectively care for our loved ones is becoming increasingly relevant as technology advances. One notable innovation is an app called Painchek, which is designed to help caregivers assess whether individuals are experiencing pain by analyzing their facial expressions. This app exemplifies the growing trend of utilizing technology to support the care of the elderly population in the UK. As the number of older individuals continues to rise, the demand for quality care is also increasing. However, experts caution against an overreliance on AI in the caregiving sector. Dr. Caroline Green, a prominent figure from the University of Oxford, emphasizes that 'AI can only be part of the solution but not the whole solution. ' She advocates for a balanced approach that includes investing in human caregivers alongside technological advancements. During her presentation at an AI in Social Care Summit, Dr. Green highlighted the potential biases inherent in AI systems, which can lead to discrimination and unfair treatment. Additionally, she acknowledged the concerns many people have regarding the privacy of their personal data when interacting with these technologies. Currently, there is a lack of clear government policies regarding the use of AI in social care, which raises important questions about the future of caregiving. Dr. Green stated, 'We need to be very careful here on what choices people will have in the future. ' This underscores the necessity of considering how AI will shape the caregiving landscape and the options available to individuals in need of support. Thomas Tredinnick, the CEO of AllyCares, has developed a system that employs sensors to monitor care home residents during the night. This technology listens for unusual sounds, allowing caregivers to respond to incidents without the need for constant checks. Mr. Tredinnick explained that this innovation not only enhances the quality of care but also improves residents' sleep by reducing disturbances. Christine Herbert, whose 99-year-old mother Betty resides in a care home utilizing this technology, initially expressed concerns about the AI monitoring her mother. She likened it to a 'baby monitor. ' However, after reviewing data that demonstrated her mother was not disturbed during the night, Christine became more comfortable with the technology. At Elmbrook Court care home in Wantage, Oxfordshire, AI is being employed to assess whether residents are in pain. Aislinn Mullee, the deputy manager, noted that identifying pain in non-verbal residents can be challenging. The Painchek app allows caregivers to scan a resident's face for pain indicators and receive an immediate score reflecting the level of pain experienced. This information has proven invaluable in collaborating with local doctors to determine appropriate pain management strategies. Furthermore, it has provided reassurance to family members that their loved ones receiving end-of-life care are not suffering. At the University of Oxford's Robotics Institute, researchers are exploring the potential of AI to train caregivers. Dr. Marco Pontin, a Post Doctoral Research Assistant, is part of a team that has developed a robot capable of responding to human touch. This robot can simulate pain and react accordingly, providing a safe environment for students studying to become occupational therapists. Dr. Pontin explained that the robot serves as a 'digital twin' of real patients, allowing caregivers to practice their skills without the need for actual patients. As the population ages, the challenge of providing adequate care becomes more pressing. Currently, there are approximately 12 million individuals in the UK aged 67 or older, a figure projected to rise to 13. 7 million by 2032. In the fiscal year 2023/24, local authorities in England allocated £23. 3 billion to adult social care, making it the second-largest area of council expenditure after education. The reliance on overseas workers in the care sector presents another significant challenge. Recent data revealed that only 27,000 visas were issued for health and social care jobs in the UK during the year leading up to December 2024, representing an 81% decrease compared to the previous year. Lee-Ann Fenge, a professor of social care at Bournemouth University, emphasized the importance of not using technology as a substitute for human care. She stated, 'It needs to be seen as a tool that enhances the work that is already happening. ' Fenge also highlighted the need to consider the ethical implications of monitoring individuals through technology. Dr. Pontin reiterated the potential of the robot as a 'digital twin' of real patients, which could help caregivers understand their patients' needs without being physically present. In February, both the UK and US governments declined to sign an agreement that aimed to promote an 'open,' 'inclusive,' and 'ethical' approach to the development of AI technology. This decision coincided with the UK government's announcement of its intention to take a leading role in the public sector to foster innovation. Dr. Caroline Green continues to advocate for a cautious approach to AI in caregiving. She stated, 'AI can help with some of the administrative work, but it cannot replace that human touch. ' Green warned against viewing AI as a panacea for the challenges facing social care, particularly the shortage of staff and the increasing demand from an aging population. She stressed the importance of continuing to invest in human caregivers who can provide the necessary support. A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care affirmed their commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform social care. They noted that promising developments are already being observed in the sector, including AI-powered fall detection systems and tools that automate paperwork, allowing staff to focus more on caring for individuals. The spokesperson emphasized that making better use of AI in social care aligns with the goals outlined in the 10 Year Health Plan, which aims to shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention and from hospital-based care to community-based solutions.