Can AI Ease Loneliness for Adults in Care?

By Jody O’Neill, CEO and Founder of Curam (www.curamcare.com)

By 2030 one in six people in the world will be aged over 60 (including me!). The WHO now outlines ‘loneliness’ as a key risk factor for the wellbeing of people in later life. As a potential solution, we’re increasingly seeing AI ‘companions’ championed for being virtual friends who will listen and talk to individuals. With loneliness and feelings of isolation rife amongst the elderly and vulnerable, it begs the question: could AI chatbots be beneficial in care?

In short, we would argue no. Here’s why…

Interpersonal relationships are key
Complex issues such as loneliness cannot be solved by technology alone. AI chatbots may seem like a promising solution, but they cannot replace the human element of companionship and care that is so essential, especially for those who are vulnerable and have complex needs.

Carers play a vital role in providing not only basic physical care but also emotional support and understanding. This is especially important for individuals with disabilities who may feel isolated due to their condition, or those with cognitive challenges and degenerative conditions such as Dementia.

Chatbots are not suitable for everyone. And in such cases, human empathy is necessary to interpret the needs and communicate effectively with the patient.

Empower carers and patients through technologies
The use of technologies such as AI in care must be evaluated to ensure it complements and enhances human connection rather than replacing it. This means there must be careful consideration when proposing how to fit technology into the roles of those who may be the people patients see and talk to most, as well as how it can be used to make the care journey better for patients.

Although chatbots cannot replace human carers, a combined approach of AI and other technologies can help care providers and facilitators.

For example, currently, a typical caring schedule often includes three in-person visits per day for each patient. However, due to time constraints, caregivers may have to rush these visits. In this case, we would argue, that technology can be used to allow carers to perform a more thorough in-person visit and follow up with two video check-ins, based on the patient’s needs (these video care calls can even, of course, be instigated from overseas).

Remote intelligent monitoring and predictive analytics can also be used by carers to capture an accurate overall picture of a patient’s well-being to design better care programmes in advance, rather than spending too much time during an in-person appointment on data capture.

As well as improving patient-centricity, AI has the potential to streamline services for care facilitators by taking on mundane tasks and freeing up the caregiver’s time and talent for creativity and innovation. For example, the administrative work involved in the daily operation of care providers and facilitators. AI can handle emails, user inquiries, and information requests, enabling users to access information quickly so management can focus on solving more complex issues efficiently.

Don’t implement tech for the sake of it
Ultimately, the current care system is dealing with legacy and complex technology which has held back much-needed innovation. While AI can be a potential solution, many care providers see AI as a cost-cutting solution without first addressing the underlying issue of an inadequate care model.

Digital transformation within the care sector should instead prioritise the needs of patients and carers rather than simply implementing technology for the sake of it. Technology should add value to the care journey, for example making it safer by vetting carers’ ID and training documents with banking-standard technology or reducing the time carers spend doing admin so they can focus on their vocation. Similarly, it should enable patients to access care easily and quickly, so that they aren’t stuck in the hospital and have better care outcomes.

Patient-centricity for unlocking AI’s potential
The successful implementation of AI in the care sector requires careful consideration of how it can meet the needs of patients. And for that reason, it’s not an effective way of combatting the loneliness of people in care. AI cannot replace the crucial interpersonal relationships between carers and patients that build trust, safety, and companionship.

However, it can help ensure carers have more time to put the needs of patients at the heart of their work. The key to successful AI implementation in the care sector is putting the patient first.