Artificial intelligence is making its way into Britain’s care system. With the NHS now trialling AI-powered companions for elderly patients, questions are mounting: Is this a meaningful breakthrough in addressing chronic care shortages, or simply a digital plaster on deeper structural issues?
By Stuart Kerr, Technology Correspondent
Published: 1 July 2025
Last Updated: 28 July 2025
Contact: [email protected] | Twitter: @LiveAIWire
Author Bio: About Stuart Kerr
What the Trials Look Like
As of mid-2025, the NHS has rolled out an early-stage programme using AI companions to assist elderly people in their homes. These companions, which resemble smart speakers or tablet-integrated avatars, offer medication reminders, conversation prompts, emergency alerts, and remote monitoring functions.
According to NHS England, the technology is already predicting falls and viral illnesses with over 97% accuracy. In parallel, a separate trial involving AI-enabled robots is delivering over 3,000 care visits a week to vulnerable individuals across the UK (Digital Health).
This builds on broader NHS ambitions to integrate AI into safety monitoring systems, as detailed in The Guardian, where predictive alerts will flag patient risks long before human carers might.
Addressing a Workforce Crisis
The trials come at a time of acute staffing shortages in both hospital and home care environments. With an ageing population and stretched public funding, there are simply not enough carers to meet the demand. AI systems offer scalability, 24/7 availability, and a degree of personalisation that traditional call-centre triage can’t match.
This aligns with themes explored in The Automation Divide, where automated systems step in not just to enhance service, but to replace unavailable human labour entirely.
Human Connection or Simulated Care?
Critics argue that while AI companions may fill logistical gaps, they risk deepening loneliness under the guise of care. A tablet asking "How was your sleep?" may be helpful, but it cannot replace the emotional intelligence of a human visitor. Others warn of data privacy and consent issues, especially for older adults who may not fully understand what they’re agreeing to.
A medRxiv study highlights the importance of integrating robotics ethically, especially in populations where cognitive decline or vulnerability may impact informed consent.
Personalisation and Prediction
Advocates point to the power of AI in improving preventative care. Systems can learn user behaviour over time, adjusting alerts and responses accordingly. Some models are already capable of detecting voice pattern changes that signal early signs of respiratory distress or cognitive decline.
As explored in Invisible Infrastructure, this kind of behind-the-scenes intelligence may offer huge benefits when deployed thoughtfully and transparently.
What’s Next for NHS AI Care?
Policymakers remain cautiously optimistic. Feedback from pilot participants is reportedly positive, particularly among patients who live alone or have limited family support. Meanwhile, reports such as the Age-in-Place Technology Report suggest the UK is on the cusp of becoming a leader in age-tech innovation.
But the long-term question remains: Will AI care ever be care enough? Or is it merely a temporary patch on a more fundamental resourcing dilemma?
About the Author
Stuart Kerr is the Technology Correspondent for LiveAIWire. He writes about artificial intelligence, ethics, and how technology is reshaping everyday life. Read more