AI monitoring
can access it, and how it benefits them. Transparency is key to building trust and ensuring residents feel comfortable with the technology. Another critical aspect of privacy is data
security. Care homes are responsible for ensuring that all collected data is stored securely and that access is limited to the appropriate individuals. Also, having robust cybersecurity measures in place is important to protect against any potential data breaches or unauthorised access.
2. Balancing human and AI interaction While AI monitoring systems provide invaluable support, they should not replace human interaction. Care is, at its core a human-centred practice, so the technology should be seen as a tool to enhance, not replace, the work of the carers. Maintaining human interaction is so important. AI systems can take care of routine monitoring, but the human touch is still necessary for emotional support, meaningful conversations, and delivering personalised care. Care homes that understand that this technology complements rather than replaces human interaction are the ones achieving the better care outcomes. The technology enables carers to spend more time caring and less time on other activities, such as room checks.
What does the future hold for AI in resident care? For me, integrating AI monitoring systems within care homes is fundamental to a bigger future.
Firstly the sophistication of the algorithms and predictive analytics in monitoring systems is likely go further into helping anticipate issues before they arise or providing more insight to inform care decisions. For example, an increase in a resident’s coughing could signal a potential chest infection. Right now health professionals will also make informed decisions based on how the cough sounds. AI has the potential to assist with this analysis, leading to earlier detection of chest infections and alleviating some of the diagnostic workload. Secondly a key future development is the intelligent integration of AI monitoring systems data with other care data. I do not just mean passing the data between the two systems, but actually the software starting to join the dots between the data. To start, datasets from care records,
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residents’ sleep quality while maintaining independence.
That said, it is important to remember when integrating this kind of technology that privacy must be respected, and the human element of care must be preserved. When implemented thoughtfully, I have seen how AI monitoring systems have completely transformed residents’ lives. I look forward to seeing how the
technology will advance but the future of resident care looks increasingly promising, with AI playing a central role in ensuring that every resident receives the care they need to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
References 1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pmc/articles/PMC9423621/
AI monitoring systems help reduce the workload on carers
eMar, and vital signs systems must be fully integrated as by combining this data, it enables smarter workflows and earlier, more accurate prompts suggesting causes and actions. For example, if a prompt shows a resident is more agitated, currently staff have to determine what may have caused this and then look into the other data, such as a medication change, any new visitors, or if there might be an infection developing. This process is time-consuming but can be streamlined with AI-powered workflows to allow care teams to act faster and spend less time investigating.
The future will bring smarter AI powered
workflows for care teams, reducing their time spent analysing data and instead increasing their time spent making positive changes to care plans.
But – and there is a but – this system is only as good as the data that is inputted. We have seen first-hand that having a complete care picture – from observed and unobserved care to vital signs and medication – is essential for success.
Conclusion: completing the care picture with AI It is clear to see that AI monitoring systems signify a major step forward in completing the care picture for residents. The provision of unobtrusive monitoring fills critical gaps in traditional care models, and using AI technology enhances safety, and improves
Thomas Tredinnick
An aerospace engineer turned innovator in resident care, CEO and co-founder of Ally Cares Thomas Tredinnick established the company to deliver safer care to residents and address the challenges faced by care staff by using AI, motion, and sound technology to reduce falls by 63 per cent, hospital admissions by 56 per cent, and freeing up 30 per cent of staff time, according to a study with NHS Digital and other ICBs and care homes. Thomas is committed to leveraging technology to transform residents’ lives.
2
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/ ageing-and-society/article/abs/time-spent- in-bed-at-night-by-carehome-residents- choice-or-compromise/81CDD3B6D04CFDDB AAC993C2E52C42AE
3
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Sleep:_ Older_People
4
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih- research-matters/lack-sleep-middle-age- may-increase-dementia-risk
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com October 2024
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