A CSIRO trial has shown that a new sensor-based technology platform can improve quality of life for older people living at home, and help them stay out of residential care for longer.
Smarter Safer Homes (SSH), developed by CSIRO following consultations with aged care providers, combines sensors with artificial intelligence to produce a data dashboard for family members, service providers and caregivers, enabling them to monitor patterns in an older person’s behaviour including any unexpected changes.
In trials, CSIRO found “statistically significant evidence” suggesting that SSH reduced social-care-related quality-of-life decrease by 10 times when compared to the control group. Liesel Higgins, co-author of the study, said the platform can help connect families living apart.
“Say there’s a family member in Brisbane, another in Adelaide and an ageing parent living in a rural town. SSH would help the family to support their parent from a distance. In addition to community aged care supports, the technology could allow the parent to stay in their home for longer, if they wish.
“This technology takes the guesswork away from the question of your family’s wellbeing when you’re not around,” she said.
The 195-participant trial began in 2019, with participants saying SSH gave them safety and comfort while providers found the quantitative data useful to track clients’ independence over time.
