Charles Sturt University is spearheading a project that could transform aged care in Australia by using cutting-edge technology to detect health issues in older adults before they become critical, whether they are ageing at home or in care facilities.
The initiative, led by a team of health and computer science specialists, aims to address the escalating challenges posed by the country’s rapidly ageing population.
The project, titled “Investigating non-intrusive technology for real-time anomaly detection in elderly behavioural patterns,” leverages sensor technology and predictive analytics to monitor daily activities of older adults. This approach enables early detection of anomalies such as falls, providing timely alerts to caregivers and potentially reducing the emotional and financial strain on families and the healthcare system.
Dr Sabih Rehman highlighted the urgency of innovative solutions in the face of a looming care worker shortage. “By 2050, it’s predicted that there will be a shortfall of 200,000 care workers,” Dr Rehman said. “Our project aims to lessen the need for constant checks on the elderly, allowing for smarter use of resources.”
The technology, still under development, is designed to be adaptive, learning from the user’s behaviour to minimise false alarms and improve reliability. This advancement is crucial as Australia faces a doubling of its over-65 population within the next 40 years, a demographic shift that will significantly strain existing aged care services.
Dr Shanna Fealy from the Charles Sturt School of Nursing, Paramedicine, and Healthcare Sciences emphasised the potential impact on healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. “Our system’s ability to notice subtle changes, like shifts in someone’s daily routine, could give early warnings of potential health issues,” Dr Fealy said. This capability could lead to fewer hospital visits and more responsive care, making it a valuable tool in improving the quality of life for older Australians.
The project is supported by the Charles Sturt Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute (AICFI) and involves a collaborative effort across various university departments.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
