B&M Care has introduced PainChek, an artificial intelligence tool, at Montrose Care Home in Watford after successful use at Ryeview Manor and Dalton Lodge. The tool assesses pain in residents, especially those with dementia who struggle to communicate, by analysing facial micro-expressions via a smartphone or tablet. It produces objective results in under two minutes, enabling prompt and effective care.
At Ryeview Manor, where PainChek was used from March to December 2024, over 2,300 assessments were carried out. This led to a 61% reduction in safeguarding incidents within three months and helped avoid unnecessary transfers to external facilities. There was also a measurable decline in antipsychotic use, indicating better pain control.
Staff at Ryeview Manor observed further benefits. Early pain detection allowed for proactive management, reducing falls, agitation, and hospital admissions. Residents became more engaged and experienced less distress, enhancing overall well-being.
“PainChek has equipped B&M Care with a state-of-the-art tool that revolutionises the way in which we address pain management,” said Caroline Inch, Director of Dementia Care at B&M Care. “This innovative AI technology complements our dementia care strategies, allowing us to provide truly compassionate, person-centred care.”
Inch added that the app improves operational efficiency. “The team at Ryeview Manor can complete a reliable assessment with PainChek in two minutes, whereas paper-based assessments in other homes can take up to an hour. This saves time while increasing accuracy and quality of care.”
By streamlining the assessment process, PainChek frees up staff to focus more on resident interaction. Its ability to deliver rapid, consistent data supports informed clinical decisions – an essential advantage in care homes facing staff shortages and tight schedules.
Montrose Care Home is now implementing PainChek, with B&M Care planning to extend it to all 27 of its UK facilities. The company’s investment in AI mirrors a wider trend in the care sector. A 2024 Care Quality Commission report noted that technology is enhancing care quality, particularly for people with dementia.
This aligns with broader findings in healthcare. A 2025 study reported that AI-driven tools can improve pain detection accuracy by up to 90% in non-verbal patients. B&M Care’s adoption of PainChek demonstrates leadership in using technology to deliver empathetic, high-quality care.
Staff training is underway at Montrose to ensure smooth integration. Families and residents have welcomed the change, noting visible improvements in comfort. Through PainChek, B&M Care is not only advancing pain management but also setting a new standard for dementia care in the UK.
