Empowering an Ageing Population with the Internet of Things

One in seven Australians is aged 65 or older, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Predictive analytics, new technologies and reimagined facility design principles are preparing aged care organisations to handle the needs of this growing population. 

Perhaps one of the most exciting new applications in aged care is the Internet of Things (IoT), or the physical network of digitally connected devices. 

In this article, we examine how IoT and other technology innovations are shaping the future of Australian aged facilities and giving residents a greater level of care.

The Internet of Things: a Digital Transformation in Aged Care

Many aged care services in Australia are already incorporating technology and new service insights to meet the needs of their residents. In particular, Internet of Things enabled devices are gathering, processing, and transmitting information day and night to connect caregivers and residents like never before.

From medical equipment such as ultrasound and EKG systems, to patient communication with families and telemedicine connections with medical providers, the Internet of Things (IoT) is enabling flexible data flow on an as-needed basis throughout aged care facilities.

Machine learning and data sciences are also helping to provide improved, up-to-date care based on evolving population insights, while still focusing on individual resident needs. These new tools and technologies are providing aged care organisations with up-to-date information for active facility management, and significantly improving security monitoring and emergency response. 

Designed Like Home, Safe for Wanderers

Ageing facilities are being designed with increasingly homelike touches, socially active common areas, and restaurant-style meal areas for mobile residents. They are also incorporating IoT tools like RFID readers to track resident movement, using devices such as “smart gowns” with microchips sewn into them. 

These allow caregivers to administer responsive help when a resident’s portable heart monitor, for example, indicates a need for urgent attention. For memory support units (MSUs), these readers can also control door access.

• Inexpensive RFID chips are assisting staff in a variety of other ways, including:
• Smart bracelets and pendants for resident, staff and visitor access control and tracking
• Equipment identification
• Medical record location and identification
• Computer system access control
• “Smart cabinets” for supply and pharmaceutical access control
• Logging staff and visitor access to patient rooms
• Meal identification and tracking
• Resident identification for telemedicine purposes

IoT Devices and Staff Communication

Liberating staff from traditional nurse stations, portable devices based on IoT technology can both keep track of staff and relay alarms and status information, messages and other information to them. The result is a more dynamic approach to care provision, based on operational and patient needs.

Similar technologies can also connect medical equipment to computer servers for instant wireless bedside data transmission, and even save time by quickly locating stray equipment.

Machine Learning, Predictive Technology and Data Science Insights

As care providers face a busier day, technologies now available at hospitals can help to provide quality care in residential settings, as Healthcare IT News notes. Decision support systems help to identify emerging situations, improve response times and anticipate situations before emergencies arise. Real-time data collection from activity monitors like the familiar FitBit device can help create a better picture of resident condition than hourly bed checks.

Incorporating Wireless Networking in Aged Care Design

Wireless networking is essential to many of the new technologies being deployed in aged care facilities. Endpoint placement, management, and security will be an important element of new facility design and must be considered in upgrades to existing buildings. 

Coverage must be seamless, responsive, and must supply high bandwidth data flow throughout the facility. Data services will support communications, data gathering, patient monitoring, device location, imaging and future technologies. For example, the innovative project at the New Royal Adelaide Hospital offers an insight of how comprehensive wireless data coverage can benefit healthcare organisations.

A Revolution in Care and Quality of Life

The digital transformation in aged care supports both more effective medical care and a more natural lifestyle, helping residents move freely, order meals and enjoy homelike common areas, libraries, and social areas. New facility designs benefit from innovations in computing and wireless networking which are making life for carers and residents more enjoyable. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how Donald Cant Watts Corke are delivering aged care facilities of the future,  Contact us today.

 Author: Bill Douglas |  Managing Director, QLD and Aged Care Sector Lead