Collaboration for Improved Care
Aston University has teamed up with Lee Mount Healthcare (LMH) to develop an AI-driven ‘Smart Care Home’ system designed to enhance the quality of care for residents.
Key Features of the Smart Care Home System
- Utilizes machine learning to automate routine tasks and compliance reporting.
- Integrates various sources of resident data, including:
- Health metrics
- Care needs
- Personal preferences
- Facilitates the creation of individualized care plans.
- Provides easy access to updates for residents’ next of kin.
Addressing Current Challenges in Social Care
Over half of social care providers in the UK still rely on manual and paper-based methods for care management. The Smart Care Home system aims to:
- Enhance care quality while reducing costs.
- Free up staff from administrative duties, allowing more time for resident interaction.
Vision for the Future
Manjinder Boo Dhiman, director of LMH, stated, “Our focus has always been on innovation and breaking barriers. This project builds on years of progress towards digitization. We aim to improve the image of the care sector and attract top talent.”
Partnership Structure
This initiative is supported by Innovate UK and is structured as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), which involves collaboration between a business, a university, and a qualified research associate.
Expertise in AI Development
LMH is collaborating with the Aston Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Application (ACAIRA) at Aston University to leverage specialist AI expertise. The center focuses on creating AI solutions to tackle significant social, health, and environmental challenges.
Research Insights
Dr. Roberto Alamino, a lecturer in applied AI and robotics at Aston University, emphasized the importance of establishing a common language between researchers and technology users. He noted, “Understanding the challenges faced by users is crucial for developing practical solutions.”
Dr. Alamino will lead the KTP project, supported by Dr. Harry Goldingay, a senior lecturer in computer science at Aston University.
Related Developments
In a related initiative, CareBrain, an AI-powered support app for carers, was trialed by Trinity Homecare in May 2025. This app is designed to assist carers in real-time by:
- Answering care-related questions
- Providing training support
- Offering immediate access to essential information