Pressure injuries (PIs), also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, remain a persistent and costly challenge in aged care. These injuries not only diminish quality of life but also strain healthcare resources, with global treatment costs estimated in the billions. In Australia, it is estimated that pressure injuries cost the healthcare system over $9 billion per annum, with 36 to 49 per cent of hospital patients and 91 per cent of aged care residents deemed ‘at-risk’ of pressure injury. On average, a facility will incur an average incremental cost of over $13,000 to $32,000 per pressure injury.
The growing acuity of residents, staffing shortages and evolving compliance standards have pushed aged care facilities to seek smarter, data-driven solutions. Traditional methods, such as timed repositioning schedules, often fall short in personalising care or adapting to individual resident needs. This gap has spurred innovation, with providers exploring technologies that enhance preventive care while easing staff burdens.
Collaboration and evidence-based solutions
The fight against preventable pressure injuries is gaining momentum through partnerships between industry and academia. Recent trials, such as a collaboration between Lenexa Medical and the University of Canberra (UC), highlight the importance of grounding solutions in rigorous research.
The study assessed the effectiveness of LenexaCARE® – a system that undertakes pressure areas mapping and identifies the most appropriate turn regime developed by B2B medical equipment and service provider Lenexa Medical.
Early findings from their study demonstrate a significant reduction in key PI risk factors, underscoring the potential of data-driven approaches to complement traditional care practices.
“Partnering with Lenexa in this research provides an exciting opportunity to understand how individualised pressure data can support appropriate and timely repositioning, reduce risks and improve outcomes. Importantly, the project will provide valuable information from staff perspectives about how the system drives clinical decision making and optimises patient care,” says Associate Professor Ash Smyth from the UC Centre for Ageing Research & Translation.
A data-driven shift in care delivery
These evidence-based approaches are now translating into practical tools for providers. Real-time monitoring systems, such as LenexaCARE®, exemplify this shift. By tracking resident positioning and pressure points, caregivers receive actionable insights to intervene proactively, replacing rigid schedules with individualised care.
These systems also streamline compliance with international pressure injury guidelines, a growing priority as regulators demand higher standards.
By integrating real-time data with proven practices, providers can address both resident well-being and operational requirements—proving that innovation, when grounded in evidence, can turn preventable challenges into solvable ones.
ValleyView is an aged care provider that has begun using LenexaCARE®, with their experience underscoring the potential of solutions that prioritise prevention through realtime risk monitoring.
Valley View Chief Executive Officer Mark Sheldon-Stemm says, “To date, we have had nobody develop pressure injuries who have been on LenexaCARE®.”
The road ahead
For providers, the message is clear: proactive, personalised care is no longer optional. With PI treatment costs soaring and resident expectations rising, investing in scalable solutions is key to sustainable care.
While technology like LenexaCARE® is a powerful tool, its success hinges on integration with staff training and compassionate care.
The future of aged care lies in blending human expertise with innovation – ensuring every resident receives the right care at the right time.
Lenexa Medical