Bridging the gap between in-home aged care and tech
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A new framework designed to help in-home aged care providers integrate digital technologies into their services has been launched in Melbourne.
The “Framework for Enabling Technology Supported Aged Care at Home,” developed through a collaboration between the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) and Silverchain, addresses a critical need in Australia’s evolving aged care landscape.
As the population ages and more seniors opt to remain in their homes, the demand for technology-supported care has surged. However, many providers have struggled to implement these innovations effectively.
Associate Professor Frances Batchelor from NARI explains, “We’ve heard from in-home aged care providers that there are substantial barriers to introducing technology in the home environment, such as difficulties in encouraging uptake and embedding technology into service delivery processes.”
The framework offers a step-by-step guide for providers, covering everything from selecting appropriate technologies to training staff and supporting clients.
Dr Tanya Davison, Silverchain’s Director of Research Discovery, emphasises the importance of careful implementation: “Simply making technology available isn’t enough for success. We need to make sure the specific technologies selected and the ways we implement them are carefully designed.”
This initiative aligns with the Australian government’s broader strategy for aged care. Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney praised the project, stating, “Your work on best practice implementation of health-related technology in home care settings perfectly aligns to our strategy and is representative of the kind of sector leadership that represents the best possible future for aged care.”
The framework’s development was informed by extensive research, including surveys of current clients and consultations with home care workers. This collaborative approach ensures that the needs of both care recipients and providers are addressed.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
