I recently attended a social care conference where a session on AI stood out. What surprised me most wasn’t the tech – it was the caution (and even distrust) around it.
Here’s the truth: AI is already here, working quietly in the background. And while there are challenges, I believe AI could be transformational – especially for families supporting loved ones with dementia.
1. Intelligent Monitoring & Prevention
Imagine a smart system (“Eve”) that learns what normal looks like for someone living with dementia – daily routines, movement, fridge use, even subtle changes like more frequent bathroom trips.
When something unusual happens, Eve alerts family and care teams early, potentially preventing hospital admissions. She can even offer reminders, companionship, and gentle prompts (“Don’t forget your meds!”). All while respecting privacy.
2. Supporting Care Professionals
AI is already reducing admin for care agencies by summarising notes and improving care plans. But its real potential?
- Reviewing thousands of cases instantly to help manage waiting lists.
- Sharing data and updates between professionals seamlessly.
- Communicating with families at scale, keeping them informed.
This frees humans to do what only we can – deliver compassionate, personal care.
3. Myths, Ethics & Safeguards
Yes, AI still has issues: bias, “hallucinations,” and privacy concerns. But these can be addressed with strong governance, informed consent, and clear boundaries between sensitive health data and general life data.
AI won’t replace human care – it’s about freeing carers to spend more time on the personal, human moments that matter most.
I left the conference optimistic: AI isn’t the enemy of care – it’s a powerful ally. The question is: are we ready to embrace it?