How will AI transform care?
May 22, 2025
First, let’s agree on a definition of AI.
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is the term used to describe when computers are programmed and trained to think and learn like humans. These machines can do things like solve problems, understand language, recognise patterns, and make decision, especially with massive data sets, much faster or more accurately than people can.
But AI is not intelligent, at least, not in the human sense.
AI can:
- Learn patterns from large amounts of data
- Predict outcomes, for example what you’ll type next, or if someone might fall over
- Answer questions or perform tasks based on training
- Mimic human behaviour, like chatting, playing games, or recognising faces
But AI cannot:
- Think or feel like a human
- Understand context the way we do
- Have emotions, ethics, or true awareness
- Make sense of the world without being trained on it
AI is already beginning to reshape a number of roles and industries, including the care sector, and its impact is expected to grow significantly over the coming years. For example, AI is already making big strides in medical diagnosis by analysing scans, like X-rays, MRIs and CT scans, to spot tiny signs of disease that humans might miss or by sifting through thousands of test results, clinical notes, and patient histories to flag unusual patterns to help with diagnosing complex or multisystem conditions like autoimmune diseases.
AI tools can also analyse speech, facial expressions, and behaviour patterns to help identify depression, anxiety, or even early dementia. While still developing, this could support early intervention and personalised care. And as AI systems get better the more data they process, they will learn from millions of patient outcomes from around the world, which over time, will lead to more accurate, faster, and even predictive diagnoses.
But AI is a tool, not a decision-maker. It can assist clinicians and support workers by providing recommendations, but it cannot replace their judgment.
AI won’t replace human carers—but it can reduce administrative load by automating tasks like documentation, rostering, and reporting. Smart sensors and monitoring systems can alert staff to issues, for example, falls, wandering or unusual behaviour in real time.
Of course, there has been lots of discussion about whether AI will replace humans and yes, some jobs will be replaced. AI excels at repetitive, rules-based, and data-heavy tasks, so jobs that are highly predictable are most at risk, such as:
- Data entry clerks
- Telemarketers
- Basic customer support
- Routine financial processing
But AI will not replace care workers, although it is very likely to change how they work and, in many cases, enhance their roles rather than do away with them.
AI can certainly assist with repetitive tasks like documentation, medication reminders, scheduling, and reporting. It can provide predictive alerts for falls, health risks, or behavioural changes using smart monitoring as well as support training by simulating real-world scenarios for carers to learn from.
But what AI can’t do, and why people are irreplaceable in the care sector, is provide emotional connection, empathy, and compassion, which are all core parts of quality care. AI cannot handle complex human situations, such as conflict, grief, or trauma, or build trusting relationships with clients, patients and families over time.
At its core, care work, whether in aged care, disability support, youth care, medicine or nursing — is about empathy, trust, and human connectivity. These are things that AI simply can’t replicate. A computer can remind someone to take their medicine, but it can’t offer genuine comfort, read complex emotions, or respond with compassion in difficult moments.
AI can analyse data, but it lacks emotional intelligence. Support workers and carers constantly assess mood, tone, body language, and non-verbal cues and respond with sensitivity. That level of intuition and adaptability requires human insight.
And finally, real-life care doesn’t always follow scripts or systems. People may have off days, health emergencies, or sudden emotional needs. AI works best with patterns and predictability, while human carers are trained to respond to nuance, crisis, and change.
In care settings, relationships are everything. Clients often rely on their carers for emotional safety, companionship, and support through vulnerable moments. It’s about being seen, heard, and valued. That trust can’t be outsourced to a machine.
AI will augment healthcare and support workers roles, but it will never replace them.
Share this post
As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to switch gears: to reflect on the past 12 months, recharge over the holidays and perhaps start to think about what comes next. If you’re working in the healthcare sector - whether nursing, allied health, aged care or medical support - now is an excellent time to give some thought to your next career step . At Talent Quarter, we have fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and we’d love to get you connected. Get in touch with us today and let’s make your next step the best career move so for you. Below is our career-checklist and some practical tips to help you approach a job move in the new year - with less stress, more clarity and even while you enjoy your holiday downtime. Why now could be a smart time for a change Even though the labour market has its fluctuations, the healthcare sector in Australia continues to show strong underlying opportunities.
Working in rural and remote healthcare isn’t just a career move, for some, it’s a calling. For many nurses, it’s about stepping into communities where access to healthcare can be limited, and where your presence actually makes a world of difference. One of our incredible nurses, Brittanie , has spent the past three years working across remote Australia - and she shared what this experience has meant to her, she says: “After spending time in rural areas, I realised how much impact you can have in small communities. Every day is different - from emergency response and CareFlight retrievals to outstation visits and primary healthcare - and you never stop learning.” Connection is at the Heart of Care What stands out most about rural nursing isn’t just the variety of work, it’s the connection. In these communities, you’re not just a clinician; you’re a massive part of their lives. You're able to see the results of your care first-hand and watch families grow across generations. The landscape, culture, and pace of life bring a sense of purpose and grounding that’s hard to find elsewhere. “Being surrounded by country and culture gives you a real sense of meaning. It’s not just healthcare - it’s connection, belonging, and learning from the strength and resilience of the communities you serve.” At TQ, this is a first-hand example of what we call Connections with Impact.
Working in Aged Care means giving compassion, patience and heart every day. But in a sector built on care, your own wellbeing matters just as much as the people you support. What the Numbers Say Recent Australian research shows wellbeing in aged care is under real pressure: Around 1 in 4 workers experience burnout symptoms like fatigue and emotional exhaustion (ARIIA, 2024). Burnout rates increased and resilience has declined (Medical Journal of Australia). Over half of workers in some studies have considered leaving due to workload and emotional strain. These aren’t just stats - they’re the lived reality of the people caring for our most vulnerable. Why It Matters Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the slow build-up of long shifts, emotional load, and never-ending demands. But you matter too - your health, your energy, your purpose. It’s okay to pause, take leave, ask for help, and reset. Caring for yourself is part of caring for others - you can’t pour from an empty cup! Alexiss, our Head of Aged Care at TQ, puts it perfectly: “Pause and reconnect with your purpose. Remember what drew you to aged care, because those meaningful connections can reignite your spark when you need it most.” What Helps Reduce Burnout in Aged Care Smarter workloads, better schedules: When shifts are balanced and you have more control over your work, burnout drops - and job satisfaction rises. Strong support systems - Good leadership and supportive teammates make all the difference. Care work is relational, and carers need care too. Spot pressure early - Noticing stress points before they build helps keep teams steady and safe. Extra hands when needed - Partnering with Talent Quarter means having qualified staff ready to step in when workloads peak. Hiring for the long haul - Bringing in the right permanent staff creates stability, strengthens teams, and helps prevent burnout before it starts. 🤝 Connections with Impact At TQ, we really do believe that great care starts with supporting the carers . We’re here to help connect you with workplaces where you feel valued, supported and able to thrive - physically, mentally and emotionally. Let us help you find an Aged Care role that’s right for you! And remember, it’s okay to pause. To take leave. To ask for help. To reset. The best carers are those who know when to look after themselves first. Because when you’re well, the positive impact you create ripples through everyone around you. If you’d like support, guidance, or simply someone to talk to, our Aged Care Team is here for you. Get in touch! 📩 Alexiss: Alexiss.Macneil@talentquarter.com
