Boost for Aussies wanting to age at home

Australians can live in their homes for longer, thanks to new tech from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

Our national science agency has developed a new health-monitoring solution to help older Australians live independently for longer at home.

The sensor-based in-home system sends real-time data to the occupant’s healthcare providers, to alert them of any falls, health issues or mishaps in the home.

A YourLifeChoices poll on aged care and home care revealed that older Australians would prefer to age in place, with 54 per cent saying they’d prefer home care and 22 per cent saying they aim to be fully independent until they die.

This new platform could help them do just that.

The ‘Smarter Safer Homes’ algorithm will be integrated into HSC Technology Group’s TALIUS Smart Analytics platform, servicing the aged-care and supported-living sectors and supporting those who choose to live independently.

“Australians are choosing to live longer in their own homes. However, as we age, or as a result of [a] chronic condition, daily tasks can become increasingly difficult, putting our health and safety at risk,” said CSIRO health services group leader Dr Mohan Karunanithi.

“Numerous trials of our Smarter Safer Homes platform across Australia have shown technology-enabled systems and smart sensors can deliver a high-quality, in-home care model suitable for independent living and reducing these risks.”

The platform will monitor daily life activities such as meal preparation, mobility, hygiene and grooming and will help older people self manage at home. It will supply 24/7 healthcare information to medical care teams and clinicians while simultaneously keeping healthcare providers and family members up to date via a smartphone app and web portal.

Medical professional and healthcare workers can also use the data to assess necessary changes to treatments or care support or intervene early if an emergency is predicted.

“Our mission is to help the sector shift from reactive to proactive care for those who need it. Our end-to-end technology solutions offer clients privacy but transparency and comfort to loved ones and healthcare providers with 24/7 access to information,” said HSC Technology Group managing director Graham Russell.

“As we grow older, certain day-to-day activities can become difficult. Within our own homes, the risk of falls and related injuries increases. Our ageing population requires improved and cost-effective ways to reduce these risks and manage age-related health issues.

“We’re developing a low-cost, non-invasive sensor, monitoring and support system to enable older people to live in their own homes for longer.

“To help older people live in their own homes for longer and reduce the strain to them, their families and the health and aged care systems, there is an opportunity to create smarter and safer homes for the elderly and help improve their quality of life.”

Would you be happy to trust this platform with your in-home care needs?

If you enjoy our content, don’t keep it to yourself. Share our free eNews with your friends and encourage them to sign up.

Related articles:
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/health/your-health/australians-attitudes-towards-ageing
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/retirement/living-in-retirement/home-care-versus-aged-care
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/health/your-health/what-aussies-really-think-about-ageing

Written by Leon Della Bosca

Publisher of YourLifeChoices – Australia's most-trusted and longest-running retirement website. A trusted voice on Australia's retirement landscape, including retirement income and planning, government entitlements, lifestyle and news and information relevant to Australians over 50. Leon has worked in publishing for more than 25 years and is also a travel writer and editor, graphic designer and photographer.

Leave a Reply

Calls to change carer laws

Raw deal on gap fees