A team from RMIT University Micro Nano Research Facility will lead the program to integrate the flexible sensors developed by Melbourne company Sleeptite into bedding products to allow nurses and carers to monitor the health and sleep of residents in aged care and assisted living in real-time.
Canadian biometric data specialist Hexoskin and Melbourne-based manufacturer Sleepeezee are also involved in the project.
Sleeptite says the technology will help to cut down on night-time intrusions by alerting workers to movements or potential areas for concern.
Resident privacy has been a hot button topic in the sector. Japara introduced a policy to not look in on residents at night in May – a fact that was seized on by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Association (ANMF) in its campaign against the for-profits.
