Technology is rapidly changing the landscape of care in the United Kingdom. Tools such as robots used to train carers, monitoring sensors, and smartphone applications that detect pain are transforming how elderly and vulnerable individuals receive support. As the number of people aged 67 or over is projected to reach 13.7 million by 2032, the demand for efficient and scalable care solutions has never been greater.
Table of Contents:
- Monitoring technology at Oaklands Rest Home in Southampton
- Facial recognition app used in Oxfordshire
- Robot-assisted training at Oxford Brookes University
- Workforce and funding challenges in the social care system
Monitoring technology at Oaklands Rest Home in Southampton
This shift involves a combination of digital monitoring systems, automated responses to emergencies, and artificial intelligence that assists care providers in daily operations. The government is now exploring a "test and learn" funding strategy for AI in social care, aimed at boosting innovation. Alongside this, concerns have been raised about data privacy, ethical implications, and the role of human carers in an increasingly automated environment.
Sensors installed in rooms monitor noise levels at night, alerting carers only when necessary. At Oaklands Rest Home in Southampton, this technology enables staff to reduce the number of routine nightly checks, helping residents sleep more peacefully. When an anomaly such as a fall is detected, audio recordings are sent directly to staff who assess the need for intervention.
The system has shown promising results. Families of residents have reported higher confidence in safety measures, and staff report fewer preventable incidents like falls or undetected infections. This technology not only reduces unnecessary hospital admissions but also allows for quicker reaction in emergencies.
Facial recognition app used in Oxfordshire
At Elmbrook Court care home in Wantage, a smartphone application is used to identify pain in non-verbal residents. The app scans the person’s facial expressions and provides a percentage score indicating their level of discomfort. This tool assists carers in adjusting medication more accurately and allows general practitioners to respond faster with treatment plans.
Key benefits of the app include:
- Better assessment of non-verbal residents.
- Immediate feedback on a patient's pain level.
- Use of the data to comfort families in end-of-life scenarios.
The app's data remains protected by password and accessible only to staff. It also provides clear documentation that supports collaboration with local health professionals.
Robot-assisted training at Oxford Brookes University
Researchers at the University of Oxford’s Robotics Institute have developed a robot that simulates human pain responses. This machine reacts to touch in ways that help train carers to handle patients gently and appropriately. The robot is programmed to mimic real conditions found in elderly patients, helping students practice correct caregiving techniques.
The device is being trialled with occupational therapy students to serve as a “digital twin” of human patients. This allows trainees to test real-life scenarios without risk, preparing them more thoroughly for professional environments. The goal is to use these replicas to make caregiving more precise and empathetic.
Workforce and funding challenges in the social care system
While AI brings new capabilities, the care sector faces deep-rooted workforce and funding issues. In 2023–2024, local authorities in England spent £23.3 billion on adult social care, making it the second-highest area of expenditure after education. However, the sector continues to struggle with staff shortages and reliance on foreign workers.
Recent data show that 27,000 visas were issued for care work in the year leading to December 2024. This represents a sharp 81% drop from the previous year, following the rollback of temporary visa policies. The drop has intensified concerns about the sector’s dependency on migrant labor.
Experts stress that while technology can assist with routine tasks and reduce paperwork, it should not be seen as a substitute for professional caregivers. The future of social care will depend on striking a balance between innovation and maintaining personal, human-based services.
As AI gains ground in social care, its development and implementation must consider ethical implications, protect personal data, and support-not replace-the human touch that remains central to caregiving.
Source: BBC