Consumers welcome tech to age at home
A large number of older people and carers consider technology-supported care would enhance safety, independence, and their ability to live at home for longer.
Researchers have found that if older Australians are permitted to stay at home and age, they would be willing to allow government-funded technology into their abode.
These are among early findings of an Australian-first national survey drawing on the attitudes of 1,000 older Australians, their families and carers.
Led by the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures in collaboration with the NSW Smart Sensing Network and the University of Newcastle’s FASTLab and funded by the Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise, the outcomes from the survey are hoped to inform existing initiatives across academia, industry, and the NSW state and federal governments.
Five NSW universities, three NSW Local Health Districts and 10 Australian innovation companies were involved in the survey, which explored technology-supported care at home and the vital role it played in assisting with aged care and taking pressure away from the health system.
FASTLab founder and director Professor Paul Egglestone said it was evident from the results that seniors support technology.
“Older Australians are ready to use technology that empowers them to stay at home longer,” Mr Egglestone said.
“This data will guide how we roll out these solutions to keep people independent while easing the burden on our healthcare system.”
Findings from the survey also highlight that technology that can detect or alert a carer or family member about an emergency, such as a fall, are the most valued to the public.
UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures, Professor Jason Prior said that although technology-supported care in the home is appealing to participants for enhancing safety, independence, and an ability to live at home for longer, their “acceptance of technology-supported care at home is nuanced” with varying levels of engagement and some “reservations” and cautiousness.
“While technology-supported care was valued by many participants in emergencies and for extending independent living, privacy concerns were also evident for many,” Mr Prior said.
“While the cost of these technologies was a concern for many participants, many also indicated that they were willing to pay varying amounts for the technologies.”
NSSN Human Health lead Catherine Oates Smith said sensor-driven alert systems powered by AI and data have the potential to lower fall incidents among frail and elderly individuals considerably, most notably at nighttime.
“These systems can generate both preventative and emergency alerts, complementing the care provided to older adults, and may also incorporate telehealth services,” she said.
“This ecosystem approach helps ease the burden on caregivers by reducing the need for frequent in-person checks, enabling elderly individuals to remain safely at home, whatever home means for them, while reducing pressure on our busy hospitals.”
The preliminary results, where were released last Friday at the NSSN’s 3rd Ageing Forum at NSW Parliament House, arrive as the federal government and opposition agreed to aged care reforms to help ease the weight of Australia’s swiftly ageing population.
The final survey results will be published next year with a plan to launch a real-world trial of technology in older people’s homes.
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My tablet self destructed a couple of weeks ago. Over $500 repairs to fix it. I was advised to get a new one.
Sent the report to my provider and asked for a replacement. I was told the guidelines have changed and as I wasn’t homeless or risk of homelessness I no longer qualify. Given I have Parkinson’s Disease and spent over 90% of time at home I find it contrary to the goals of a home care package and very short sighted.