Feros Care technology hub changing aged care experience
A repurposed wearable device that helps prevent falls and a modified home security system which will help reduce carer fatigue are just some of the products available or being tested at the state-of-the-art technology hub opened by Federal Minister for Aged Care, the Hon. Ken Wyatt AM, MP this week.
Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt at the opening of Feros Care’s Experience Centre
Feros Care’s Experience Centre is devoted to the research, design and implementation of digital technologies that deliver smart and emerging technologies for seniors and people with disability. The hub includes a research lab where new technologies are rigorously tested and piloted by consumers and the Plug and Play centre where clients and health professionals can look, touch, feel and experience exactly how the equipment works.
The hub’s Knowledge centre includes face to face and online workshops in the use of smart and emerging technologies and there is a virtual care team with clinical staff remotely monitoring and supporting high risk clients with chronic conditions.
Ms Jennene Buckley, Feros Care’s CEO highlights the technology revolution is at our door step.
“Therefore it is critical for health and aged care organisations to build a significant capability in delivering digital service models to remain relevant to our current and future consumers of our services,” she says.
“Gone are the days when technology and aged care were at opposite ends of the spectrum. Today, we can provide so many more options of care by including technology and digital solutions into both residential and home care.”
While Feros Care’s initial focus has been on aged care, Ms Buckley says its commitment in the next five years is to focus on virtual health and wellbeing for people of all ages. “This includes people with chronic disease, people with disability and virtual care (hospital in the home),” she says.
“Our new product suites for community care include our virtual senior centre, wearable technologies, senior friendly tablets and training, wearable technologies, 12 week remote chronic disease rehabilitation with wearable technologies. The list will be grown constantly with our new Experience Centre,” continues Ms Buckley.
Minister Wyatt says the Australian Government welcomes Feros Care’s investment and promotion of innovation and technology in aged care. “Access to quality, accurate and timely information is vital to support consumers, and their families, to make informed choices about their care,” he says.
“It’s important for the aged care sector to harness technology to support Australians everywhere to make their own choices, to be able to seek support as they wish, when it suits them and in ways that work for them.”
The new hub is based at Tweed Heads, but has a national presence through state based service partners, national distribution network and online services.
