As the government grapples with rising aged care costs, a consortium of universities and industry players is proposing a innovative solution: using sensor technology to enable older Australians to stay in their homes longer, potentially saving billions in healthcare expenses.
The Healthy at Home initiative, led by the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN), aims to create a tech-driven care model that could significantly reduce the strain on hospital and residential aged care facilities while improving the quality of life for seniors. This comes as the government spends over $30 billion annually on aged care services.
NSSN Human Health Leader Catherine Oates Smith explains the potential of this technology: “Sensors can capture lifestyle and biometric data such as body position, movement and activity, sleep quality, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, body temperature, heart rhythm and rate, blood oxygen, fatigue levels and respiration rate.”
This data could be crucial in preventing health emergencies. “For example, there are sensors that can predict if someone will soon have a fall,” Smith adds. “This information can trigger urgent, preventative alerts to family, carers and telehealth operators so that action can be taken to support the ageing person in their home.”
The initiative involves six NSW universities, seven Australian innovation companies and three NSW Local Health Districts. They are conducting three key projects, including a survey of older Australians’ attitudes towards in-home sensor technology. The consortium believes their solution could offer a more cost-effective alternative to traditional care models.
Professor Jason Prior from the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures is leading a survey to gauge public opinion on the technology. “We want to know more about how older Australians feel about using sensors in their home to monitor their health. We’re asking them if they feel confident using the technology, how much they would be willing to pay for it, and if they are concerned about data security.”
Another project aims to develop a set of health measures for at-home care similar to the “Between the Flags” system used in hospitals. Additionally, a 12-month trial is underway to incorporate hearing loss screening into routine Meals on Wheels checks.
Despite the clear benefits, the consortium notes that governments have been slow to adopt such innovative solutions. Smith concludes, “If technology can be deployed to help them do that, then this is what the Healthy at Home initiative is all about.”
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
