By Cheryl Guest – Part of the Women in Technology Series
Care is, and always will be, about people. It’s about connection, compassion, and understanding the unique needs of everyone. But right now, the care sector is facing immense pressure: staff shortages, rising demands, and increasing administrative burdens that take precious time away from those who need it most.
According to Skills for Care, England’s adult social care sector has around 152,000 vacancies at any time. At the same time, administrative tasks can take up to 30% of a care professional’s day, reducing the time spent with those in need.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often seen as a threat to the human touch in care. The headlines make it sound like robots are replacing carers, stripping away warmth and empathy. But that’s simply not the case. AI isn’t here to replace people; it’s here to support them – to take care of the background noise so care professionals can do what they do best: care.
As someone deeply passionate about technology and person-centred care, I believe AI can enhance, not replace, the human connection at the heart of care.
AI in Care: A Helping Hand, not a Replacement
Care isn’t about ticking boxes or filling out endless paperwork; it’s about people caring for people. AI steps in to handle the repetitive, time-consuming tasks, allowing care staff to focus on what truly matters: building relationships, offering emotional support, and delivering high-quality care.
How AI Supports Person-Centred Care:
- More Time for Human Connection – Less admin means more meaningful time with service users. As humans, we crave that interaction and genuine conversations that help strengthen the carer-client relationship.
- Smarter, More Personalised Care – AI can help spot early warning signs, allowing carers to act before issues escalate. This provides comfort to carers, clients, and their loved ones, ensuring quick and appropriate action.
- Better Use of Resources – AI helps care teams be in the right place at the right time, ensuring no one is overlooked. AI can help automate repetitive tasks, freeing up valuable time to focus on key areas of a care business.
- Less Paperwork, More Caring – AI-driven documentation keeps records up to date without adding to the workload.
Real-World Examples of AI Supporting Care:
- AI-Powered Scheduling That Puts People First – AI can tailor work schedules to match not just availability but also relationships, thus ensuring the right carer is paired with the right person for consistency and trust.
- Predictive Analytics That Keep People Safe – Rather than waiting for a fall or illness to happen, AI can identify risks early by helping carers step in before a situation worsens. A study by Stanford University found that AI-assisted healthcare could reduce hospital admissions by 15%.
- Virtual Assistants That Provide Support, Not Substitutes – AI-powered assistants help answer routine questions, not replace human conversation, freeing up staff to focus on personal, in-depth care.
- Automated Documentation That Gives Time Back – Instead of manually writing up care notes at the end of a visit, AI can record and organise them in real-time, ensuring accuracy while allowing carers to focus on their next visit.
- Smart Monitoring That Enhances, Not Intrudes – Wearable technology and AI-powered monitoring can track vitals and alert staff when needed without compromising independence or dignity.
Commonly asked questions I have had about AI within the care sector:
- “Does AI take away human interaction?”
Not at all. AI increases face-to-face time by reducing admin and background tasks. A recent pilot in domiciliary care found that AI-driven scheduling reduced admin time by 40%, freeing up more time for direct client interaction. - “Is AI too expensive for care providers?”
AI solutions are becoming more accessible and often save money in the long run by improving efficiency. - “Can AI really be trusted in care?”
AI is designed to support human decision-making, not replace it. The best AI solutions are built with ethics, transparency, and accountability at their core.
The Role of Women in Tech: Driving Ethical AI for Care
As women in technology, we bring a deeply human perspective to AI in care. We know that data and automation alone aren’t enough, as care must remain compassionate, ethical, and person-centred.
Women in technology understand the empathy behind innovation. We ask: “How does this help the person receiving care? How does it support the people delivering that care?“ That’s the approach we take at Unique IQ.
“Ethical AI in care isn’t just about making processes more efficient. It’s about ensuring that bias, fairness, and transparency are considered in every step of AI development. AI must be used responsibly, with robust data governance and clear guidelines on accountability.”
At Unique IQ, we are proud to be champions of ethical AI in the care sector, ensuring technology remains a force for good.
The Future of AI in Care: Keeping It Human
The future of care isn’t about choosing between humans and technology; it’s about bringing the two together in a way that makes care more personal, more effective, and more sustainable.
AI is already making a difference today, but only when used with people at the heart of it. The challenge isn’t whether we should adopt AI in care; it’s how we can ensure it enhances the human experience rather than replace it.
Women in Tech Driving AI Innovation in IQ:caremanager
At Unique IQ, women in technology are pivotal in shaping AI within IQ:caremanager; by blending technical expertise with a deep understanding of care, our team ensures AI is being developed with empathy, ethics, and real-world impact.
Designing AI with a Human Touch
Our approach focuses on real carer challenges, ensuring AI solutions prioritise dignity, respect, and person-centred outcomes. By integrating insights from care professionals, we develop technology that enhances, rather than replaces, human interaction.
Ethical AI and Responsible Data Use
We are committed to eliminating bias in AI models and promoting fair, transparent decision-making. From predictive analytics to automated documentation, IQ:caremanager AI offering is being built to support carers with inclusive and ethical AI.
Enhancing Efficiency Without Losing Compassion
AI-driven scheduling, smart monitoring, and automated records reduce administrative burdens while keeping personal, human-centred care at the forefront.
A Future Shaped by Diverse Perspectives
Gender diversity in AI development brings a broader, more inclusive outlook to technology in care. At Unique IQ, we believe women in tech are essential in ensuring AI remains aligned with the values of compassion, dignity, and person-centred support.