Defining a ‘responsible approach’ to AI in the long-term care of older persons: Human rights, dignity and wellbeing
Presenter:
Caroline Green, University of Oxford; Samir Sinha, Sinai Health; Kristina Kokorelias, University of Oxford
Abstract
As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly integrated into long-term care systems, they bring significant potential to support aging populations. From intelligent monitoring systems and assistive robotics to predictive analytics for care planning, AI is reshaping how older persons receive support in residential, home and community-based care settings. However, these developments also raise complex ethical, legal, and social questions. Who defines what constitutes “responsible” AI in the care of older persons? How do we ensure that technologies support—not undermine—human rights, dignity, and wellbeing?
This workshop invites participants to critically explore and co-develop a framework for a responsible approach to AI in the long-term care of older people, inspired by the lessons learnt in the UK. Grounded in international human rights principles and a commitment to person-centered care, the session will examine how responsibility can be operationalized across the design, implementation, and governance of AI systems.
The workshop begins with a brief overview of current and emerging uses of AI in long-term care, with examples that illustrate both positive impacts and areas of concern. Participants will then engage in facilitated discussion around key themes, including:
• Human Rights and Autonomy: How do AI systems respect the rights of older persons to privacy, informed consent, and self-determination? What safeguards are needed to protect against surveillance, coercion, or exclusion?
• Dignity in Care: How can we ensure that AI technologies enhance rather than diminish the dignity of people drawing on care?
• Wellbeing and Quality of Life: What role can AI play in promoting holistic wellbeing, beyond physical health metrics? How can we design systems that respond to emotional, social, and cultural dimensions of aging?
• Inclusion and Voice: Are older persons being meaningfully included in conversations about AI that affect their lives? What participatory methods can ensure that their perspectives inform design and policy?
• Ethical and Practical Accountability: Who is responsible when AI systems cause harm or fail to deliver promised benefits? How can transparency, explainability, and regulatory oversight be built into AI governance?
Participants will work in small interdisciplinary groups to identify principles, priorities, and practical actions that can guide responsible AI in long-term care. The workshop will use interactive tools such as case studies, personas, and ethical dilemmas to stimulate dialogue and reflection. Outputs from the session will contribute to the development of an international approach to “Responsible AI in Long-Term Care”, which will be shared with participants and stakeholders for further input.
This workshop is aimed at researchers, practitioners, policymakers,, ethicists, and advocates with an interest in aging, AI, and care. By bringing together diverse voices, the session seeks to move beyond abstract ethical debates and toward actionable strategies for embedding rights, dignity, and wellbeing into the heart of technological innovation in long-term care.
This workshop invites participants to critically explore and co-develop a framework for a responsible approach to AI in the long-term care of older people, inspired by the lessons learnt in the UK. Grounded in international human rights principles and a commitment to person-centered care, the session will examine how responsibility can be operationalized across the design, implementation, and governance of AI systems.
The workshop begins with a brief overview of current and emerging uses of AI in long-term care, with examples that illustrate both positive impacts and areas of concern. Participants will then engage in facilitated discussion around key themes, including:
• Human Rights and Autonomy: How do AI systems respect the rights of older persons to privacy, informed consent, and self-determination? What safeguards are needed to protect against surveillance, coercion, or exclusion?
• Dignity in Care: How can we ensure that AI technologies enhance rather than diminish the dignity of people drawing on care?
• Wellbeing and Quality of Life: What role can AI play in promoting holistic wellbeing, beyond physical health metrics? How can we design systems that respond to emotional, social, and cultural dimensions of aging?
• Inclusion and Voice: Are older persons being meaningfully included in conversations about AI that affect their lives? What participatory methods can ensure that their perspectives inform design and policy?
• Ethical and Practical Accountability: Who is responsible when AI systems cause harm or fail to deliver promised benefits? How can transparency, explainability, and regulatory oversight be built into AI governance?
Participants will work in small interdisciplinary groups to identify principles, priorities, and practical actions that can guide responsible AI in long-term care. The workshop will use interactive tools such as case studies, personas, and ethical dilemmas to stimulate dialogue and reflection. Outputs from the session will contribute to the development of an international approach to “Responsible AI in Long-Term Care”, which will be shared with participants and stakeholders for further input.
This workshop is aimed at researchers, practitioners, policymakers,, ethicists, and advocates with an interest in aging, AI, and care. By bringing together diverse voices, the session seeks to move beyond abstract ethical debates and toward actionable strategies for embedding rights, dignity, and wellbeing into the heart of technological innovation in long-term care.
Bio(s):
Dr Caroline Green is Director of Research and Head of Public Engagement at the University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI. Caroline’s research focuses on AI and human rights, specifically in the fields of health and social care. Caroline holds a LLB (Hons) from the University of Edinburgh, an MSc in Human Rights from the LSE, a MA in Investigative Journalism from City University and a PhD in Gerontology from King’s College London. As Director of Research, Caroline also leads the Accelerator Fellowship Programme at the Institute for Ethics in AI. Caroline has co-hosted a care sector wide collaboration to co-produce a responsible framework for the use of AI in long-term care in the UK. She is an expert in co-production methodologies and inclusive stakeholder processes.
Dr. Kristina Kokorelias works as the Senior Program Manager for the Department of Medicine’s Healthy Ageing and Geriatrics Program at Sinai Health and the University Health Network in Toronto. Kristina also has status appointments as Associate Scientist (Sinai Health) and Assistant Professor, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto and also serves as an Associate Fellow with the National Institute on Ageing. Her program of research aims to understand the experiences and needs of family caregivers and older adults with complex care needs with the aim of using this information to develop, evaluate, and implement timely family-centered care programs and services. Kristina received her PhD from the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto and completed post-doctoral fellowships in Implementation Science and Alzheimer’s Diseases with St. John’s Rehab within the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
Dr. Kristina Kokorelias works as the Senior Program Manager for the Department of Medicine’s Healthy Ageing and Geriatrics Program at Sinai Health and the University Health Network in Toronto. Kristina also has status appointments as Associate Scientist (Sinai Health) and Assistant Professor, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto and also serves as an Associate Fellow with the National Institute on Ageing. Her program of research aims to understand the experiences and needs of family caregivers and older adults with complex care needs with the aim of using this information to develop, evaluate, and implement timely family-centered care programs and services. Kristina received her PhD from the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto and completed post-doctoral fellowships in Implementation Science and Alzheimer’s Diseases with St. John’s Rehab within the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.