New technology to help seniors live longer at home

The funding will enable IT company Ericom to trial its Monitoring Data Response Solution (MDRS) system, which allows early detection and intervention, should safety issues arise for older people living at home.

Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt says the technology would go a long way to increase the wellbeing of senior Australians as well as peace of mind for family members and loved ones.

“This is Australian innovation at its best, enabling remote monitoring and tracking of an aged care recipient’s daily routine, to help prevent misadventure or the possible deterioration in their wellbeing,” he says.

A nominated individual, such as a family member, will receive notifications when the care recipient’s behaviour deviates from their regular routine.

“Our Government is committed to meeting the wishes of senior Australians, the majority of whom want more help to live at home,” Mr Wyatt says.

“While there will never be a substitute for the value of personal visits and community connections in supporting our senior Australians, leading edge technology like this has great potential to improve independence and support sustainable home aged care.”

Ericom will partner with a number of aged care service providers to trial the system in the homes of 50 senior Australians from January to December 2019.

The University of Wollongong will undertake the evaluation of the trial, with the final evaluation report to be publicly available to share the potential benefits of this technology across the aged care sector.

“The $260,000 has been made available through the $34 million Dementia and Aged Care Services fund, which supports innovative projects to improve seniors’ quality of life and our sweeping aged care reform agenda,” Mr Wyatt says.

“This funding builds on our Government’s record $5 billion aged care boost, including the landmark More Choices for a Longer Life package announced in the 2018-19 Budget to support better quality of care and better ageing.”