CSIRO scientists have created an at-home health monitoring system that is able to send real-time data to healthcare providers, providing a sense of security for older Australians living independently at home.
CSIRO’s Smarter Safer Homes technology is a sensor-based in-home monitoring system created for the aged care and supported living sectors.
With Australia’s ageing population predicted to rise to 22% by 2056, and more than 80% of senior Australians over 60 opting to live at home, aged care facilities and the broader healthcare system are facing increasing pressure to provide transparent, high quality care.
Ensuring a strong focus on consumer-directed care while addressing aged care quality standards such as access to personal and clinical care, and access to daily living support services, has become critical.
CSIRO Health Services Group leader, Dr Mohan Karunanithi said technology can support greater quality and provide more informed continuity of care for citizens who choose to live independently, keeping their families updated remotely, while also providing 24/7 healthcare information to medical care teams and clinicians.
“Australians are choosing to live longer in their own homes. However, as we age, or as a result of chronic condition, daily tasks can become increasingly difficult, putting our health and safety at risk,” Dr Karunanithi said.
“Numerous trials of our Smarter Safer Homes platform across Australia have shown technology-enabled systems and smart sensors can deliver a high quality, in-home care model suitable for independent living and reducing these risks.”
The CSIRO Smarter Safer Homes Objective Activities of Daily Living algorithm will turn collated sensor data into measures of an individual’s daily life activities such as meal preparation, mobility, hygiene and grooming.
This information will offer users a secure way to self-manage at home, while simultaneously sharing medical information with healthcare providers and family members via a smartphone app and web portal.
Healthcare providers will be able to use the data to detect and assess changes to treatments or care support, intervene early if an emergency is predicted, and create accurate reports for transparency and accountability.
HSC Technology Group Managing Director, Graham Russell said CSIRO’s advanced technology was essential to providing accurate information for real-time care.
“Our mission is to help the sector shift from reactive to proactive care for those who need it. Our end-to-end technology solutions offer clients privacy but transparency and comfort to loved ones and healthcare providers with 24/7 access to information,” Mr Russell said.
“We’re delighted to have CSIRO’s innovative technology an integrated part of our platform, enabling us to deliver on our commitment of offering customers simple and meaningful solutions.”
Interest in smart monitoring technology has risen in recent months due to COVID-19.
With over 850 coronavirus-related deaths reported in elderly Australians over 60 years to date, demand for contact-free assistance and care has increased to help limit the spread of infection and disease.
Smarter Safer Homes technology was developed by CSIRO’s digital health research team at the Australian e-Health Research Centre.
For more information about HSC Technology Group, visit www.hsctg.com.au
