The aged care sector is facing significant financial challenges, but technology may hold the key to a more sustainable future. A consortium of universities and aged care industry players, led by the NSW Smart Sensing Network, is exploring the use of sensors in homes to help older Australians age in place.
These sensors can monitor various health metrics, such as body position, movement, sleep quality, and heart rate, providing valuable data to families, carers, and telehealth operators. This approach not only enhances the quality of life for older adults but also reduces the need for hospital visits and residential care, leading to substantial cost savings.
The consortium’s “Healthy at Home” initiative is part of a broader effort to reform aged care and support financially sustainable home-based care solutions. By leveraging technology, the aged care sector can better meet the needs of an ageing population while alleviating the financial burden on the system.