A New Face in the Care Home
At Elmbrook Court, a care home in the quiet town of Wantage, Oxfordshire, a nurse gently lifts her phone and scans the face of an elderly resident. She’s not taking a photo—she’s using a tool called Painchek. This smartphone app uses AI to detect signs of pain in non-verbal patients, offering carers a real-time score to guide care decisions.
“It’s made a huge difference,” says Aislinn Mullee, the deputy manager. “We’ve used the results to work with GPs and ensure residents get the right pain relief.”
For families, the app brings peace of mind. One resident’s daughter, watching her loved one receive end-of-life care, found comfort in knowing her mother was not in pain—even when words failed her.
When Sensors Replace Night Rounds
In a care home in Southampton, technology is changing the night shift. Sensors installed in residents’ rooms listen for anything unusual while they sleep. If something seems off—a fall, a cough, or even silence when there shouldn’t be—an audio clip is sent instantly to the carers on duty.
Thomas Tredinnick, head of AllyCares, believes this tech is already preventing hospital admissions. “It’s like a baby monitor for adults,” said Christine Herbert, whose 99-year-old mother is under the system’s watchful eye.
Though she was hesitant at first, Christine says data showing her mother was resting peacefully—and not unnecessarily disturbed—quickly won her over.
Robots in Pajamas: The Future of Training?
Meanwhile, in a robotics lab at the University of Oxford, a robot sits slouched in a chair. Wearing a scarf, hat, and even pajamas, it may look comical—but it’s here for serious work. Created by a team of researchers, this robot can simulate pain responses, even flinching when touched too roughly.
Postdoctoral researcher Marco Pontin calls it a “digital twin” of real patients. Occupational therapy students will soon use it for hands-on training, learning how to care gently and effectively—before they ever touch a real person.
“With the population aging fast, it's getting harder to care for everyone in person,” Pontin explains. “This gives students a realistic way to learn and practice.”
The Warning Signs Beneath the Innovation
While these technologies offer exciting possibilities, experts are urging caution. Dr. Caroline Green from the University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI is clear: “AI can support care—but it can’t be the solution on its own.”
At a summit earlier this year, Dr. Green highlighted the risks: biased algorithms, lack of personal choice, and the uncomfortable reality of being constantly monitored. With no formal government policy on AI in social care, she fears a future where technology replaces meaningful human connection.
“People need to know whether they can opt out,” she says. “And we need to ask—what will care really look like if AI takes over?”
Professor Lee-Ann Fenge from Bournemouth University echoes these concerns. While she agrees AI can help with paperwork and routine tasks, she warns against using it to fill the growing gaps left by staff shortages.
“We rely on migrant workers to keep social care running,” she says. “Replacing them with machines doesn’t solve the root problems. It just hides them.”
The Bigger Picture: Aging, Costs, and Care
The UK’s elderly population is rising fast. By 2032, nearly 14 million people will be aged 67 or over. In 2023/24 alone, councils in England spent over £23 billion on adult social care—second only to education.
At the same time, new Home Office data reveals a sharp drop—over 80%—in the number of visas issued for overseas care workers. It's a double blow: rising demand, but fewer hands to help.
The government, for its part, is taking a "test and learn" approach. A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care said AI is already delivering benefits—from fall detection tools to software that frees staff from paperwork.
“This is the kind of digital transformation our 10-Year Health Plan aims to support,” the spokesperson said, emphasizing a shift toward community-based and preventive care.
A Future with AI—But Not Without People
As AI becomes part of the care landscape, voices like Dr. Green’s continue to advocate for balance. “We mustn’t treat AI as a silver bullet,” she says. “The real solution lies in combining smart tools with smart people.”
Technology can lighten the load. It can help us detect pain, monitor health, and train better carers. But when it comes to holding a hand, offering comfort, or sharing a smile—some things are still best left to humans.
Comments
Post a Comment