Above all, AI in social care must never lose sight of the human element. It should enhance, not replace, the human touch that defines our sector. AI can be a powerful tool for relieving administrative burdens and enabling staff to spend more time with those in their care, but it should never detract from the personal, face-to-face relationships that are at the heart of good care.
Case Example:
In a care home setting, AI was introduced to manage staff scheduling and routine task allocation. Initially, there were concerns that the use of AI would dehumanise care by focusing too much on efficiency. However, the system was designed to take over only the administrative tasks, freeing up more time for care workers to spend with residents. As a result, staff had more meaningful interactions with residents, building stronger relationships and improving the quality of care. The AI didn’t replace the human touch—it amplified it. That’s what it means to prioritise humanity in the use of technology.
