Experts say Australia is on the verge of an AI boom in the aged care sector, as new technologies begin to reshape how care is delivered. From improving health outcomes to enhancing day-to-day support, AI has the potential to help combat loneliness among older Australians and improve overall quality of life.

In the United States and parts of South East Asia — including Japan — the use of AI in aged care is already becoming more common. Among the innovations include tools such as robotic companions and monitoring systems being introduced into care settings. Australia is widely expected to follow this trend as demand for aged care services continues to grow.

In 2024, the Australian Government launched a new five-year Aged Care and Digital Strategy.  This includes a focus on AI research, guidelines and safety controls. The move signals a clear intent to integrate emerging technologies into the sector. However it also addresses the risks that come with them.

So, what opportunities does AI present for the aged care sector?

Opportunities of AI in aged care

Improve diagnosis & treatment

According to the Department Of Health, Disability & Aging AI is being used in healthcare settings to improve diagnoses, treatment and the operation of services for people.

Improve workforce efficiency

It can also be used to improve workforce efficiency that sees staff able to focus on caring for the needs of older residents. For example, it can be used as a digital scribe for note taking and documentation. It can also be used to help with clinical assessments of patients.

Surveillance and fall prevention

AI is also being paired with CCTV cameras and wearable devices to detect when an older person may fall or experience higher levels of pain.

Reduce lonliness

Some aged care providers are using robots in aged care to supplement human interaction for residents, helping to combat the issue of loneliness in aged care.

According to Tom Symondson CEO of Aging Australia it is critical that this doesn’t replace human interaction. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not beneficial.

“You don’t want this kind of technology taking away from the human carer,” Mr Symondson told the ABC.

“But, if all of your carers are doing other tasks, there isn’t as much time to spend on social benefits.

“Some of the things that robots can do is they can walk down the corridor and can just check in on people while the human staff are busy, maybe helping someone with medication or feeding somebody or taking them to the shower.”

Risks of Artificial Intelligence in aged care

However, the use of AI in aged care is not without its risks. For example, many AI systems require you to enter sensitive personal data into them, increasing security risks.

It’s also important AI systems are regularly monitored by health professionals to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.

As AI continues to shape the aged care sector, it is also changing what employers look for in candidates. Alongside strong interpersonal skills, there is a growing emphasis on digital literacy and the ability to work with new technologies. For job seekers, this means highlighting both their hands-on care experience and their ability to adapt in an evolving industry. This can make a real difference in a competitive job market.

Are you looking for a new career? Aged Care Resumes can help. We are pleased to offer various services including our resume writing service and selection criteria writing service.

Article References

Cooper, L (17 April 2026) ‘Australia on the verge of an aged care AI boom but experts warn of high risks’, ABC News, accessed 17 April 2026.