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Australia Explores AI in Aged Care Amid Regulatory and Ethical Debates

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Australia Explores AI in Aged Care: From Robot Companions to Clinical Support

The Australian aged care sector is exploring the potential for increased use of artificial intelligence (AI), including robot companions, monitoring systems, and clinical support tools. The federal government has launched a strategy to guide this integration, while experts and regulators have raised concerns about safety, efficacy, and the need for appropriate oversight.

Government Strategy and Current Applications

In July 2024, the Australian government launched its first Aged Care and Digital Strategy, which includes a framework for AI. The Department of Health and Aged Care is assessing existing AI research, guidelines, and safety controls as part of a five-year plan. This plan includes a pilot program for up to 20 health sector professionals to test AI's potential in providing information.

According to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, AI is already being used in healthcare settings to improve diagnoses, treatment, and service operations. In aged care, current applications are focused on administrative and clinical support:

  • Workflow Efficiency: AI tools like digital scribes for documentation and multilingual communication supports are used to streamline tasks.
  • Clinical Support: AI assists with clinical assessments and is paired with CCTV or wearable devices to detect falls, elevated pain levels, or unusual changes in behavior and daily routines.

Liana Donleavy from Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) stated that these applications aim to create workforce efficiency, allowing frontline staff to spend more time on direct care.

AI Companions and Addressing Loneliness

A key area of exploration is the use of AI-enabled robots to provide companionship and social engagement for older people. Tom Symondson, chief executive of Ageing Australia, stated that some providers are using such robots to supplement human care, particularly for residents who experience loneliness.

Two specific robot companions mentioned in use are:

  • Abi: Developed by Australian tech start-up Andromeda, deployed in 2022. It is reported to be fluent in 90 languages, capable of facial recognition, remembering conversations, and participating in activities.
  • Daisy: Created by Singapore's Dex-Lab in partnership with the Australian Nursing Home Foundation. It is designed specifically to assist older Australians living with dementia and can lead group exercises, play music, and speak multiple languages.

This exploration occurs against a backdrop of reported loneliness among older Australians. A 2023 State of the Nation report by Ending Loneliness Together found at least 39% of Australians aged over 65 reported feeling lonely, with 16% experiencing it often or always. The same report found eight in ten Australians over 65 reported feeling socially isolated.

Concerns and Calls for Regulation

Several experts and regulatory bodies have expressed concerns about the rapid and unregulated adoption of AI in aged care.

  • eSafety Commissioner: The office of eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has raised concerns about the ethics of unregulated AI use and potential negative behavioral changes. It has flagged risks including harmful content, manipulation, over-reliance on systems for emotional support, and social engineering—where malicious actors could exploit AI to deceive individuals. The office advocates for a "Safety by Design" approach with strong safeguards and transparency.
  • Research Gaps: Pei-Chun Ko, a sociologist from Monash University, noted there is little existing research proving whether AI can have a positive and lasting impact on reducing loneliness. Dr. Ko also expressed concern about AI platforms collecting personal information that is stored by technology companies rather than health professionals.
  • Industry Expertise: Michelle Lim, chair of Ending Loneliness Together, warned of risks from AI developed by technology companies without aged care experience, calling for greater regulation. She noted that AI frameworks are typically developed by engineers rather than psychologists or healthcare workers.

The eSafety Commissioner's office advocates for a "Safety by Design" approach with strong safeguards and transparency.

Implementation and International Context

Industry representatives acknowledge the need to balance innovation with safety. Ms. Donleavy stated that providers working with ARIIA prioritize safety and that best practice guidelines are needed, but cautioned that excessive regulation could hinder the implementation of low-risk, beneficial tools.

Internationally, while some Southeast Asian nations and the United States have embraced AI technology in aged care more widely, its experimental use in Australia is described by sources as being in its early stages. Mr. Symondson suggested Australia could follow other nations in adopting AI devices more broadly, citing workforce challenges as a driver for such investment in countries like Japan.