FROM driverless cars to laser beams, technology is shaping the future of aged care. Here’s the latest on digital developments.
Driverless cars
IT MAY still be a few years until we see driverless cars zipping along the freeway or at the traffic lights. But from this year, seniors in Canberra who want a lift to a medical appointment, or to catch up with friends, will be able to cruise around their aged care facility in autonomous vehicles.
Residents at IRT Group’s Kangara Waters lifestyle community are taking part in a trial of the driverless Pod Zero shuttles, the product of a world-first partnership with UK-based technology firm RDM Autonomous.
Residents can hail the Pod Zero via an app on their phone or tablet. The vehicles are fitted with multiple sensor technologies and have a top speed of 24km/h, and an operational range of 96km.
Robots on a roll
In Queensland, multicultural aged care service MiCare has two robots to help staff and make life easier for residents. The autonomous mobile robots were introduced into the Prinz Willem Alexander Village with plans to roll them out into two Victorian facilities.
The robots are named after a long standing resident (Nell) and the snowman character from the film Frozen, Olaf, who likes warm hugs. They are designed to do tasks including delivering meals and collecting dirty linen and picking up the rubbish. The trollies can carry up to 130kg.
Laser beams and more
A NEW state-of-the-art residential aged care facility in western Sydney is setting new standards in the use of technology to support residents’ safety and wellbeing.
Innovations at RSL LifeCare’s John Edmonson VC Gardens include laser beams and floor sensors in bedrooms to alert staff if a resident moves around at night or falls, and sensors that monitor and report on residents’ locations.
There is a smart medication system and access to health specialists through video conferencing.
Staying connected
RESIDENTS can stay connected with family and friends through social media and apps such as Skype thanks to a new guide for aged care organisations.
Southern Cross Care spiritual wellbeing co-ordinator Beate Stellar wrote the Tech Connect guide launched by Meaningful Ageing Australia. The ebook aims to support spiritual wellbeing by helping residents maintain important connections with the people and occasions important to them and through conversations before and after a call or event.
This can range from assisting relationships with simple one-to-one Skyping/messaging between a resident and family in Australia or overseas, to enabling residents to “virtually” attend events such as family weddings.
iPads for all
New residents at Queensland’s Elements Retirement Living in Springwood get more than a welcome bottle of wine when they move in: every household is provided with an iPad to connect residents with village administration, their families and friends.
Managing director Chiou See Anderson said the initiative made social, financial and environmental sense, with the iPads pre-programmed with all the information and services needed in village life.
For example, residents requesting a home repair can record a video to show management the problem, communal areas can be booked in real time, appliance manuals can be downloaded and social activities organised.
The iPads also patch into the village’s security cameras so residents can see visitors at the entry before remotely opening the gates.
Telehealth
Telehealth is changing the way seniors live. According to Anthony Bacon, who heads Feros Care’s Lifelink Operations, seniors want to trial new solutions if they see a benefit.
“One way of helping seniors stay living at home for longer has been the traditional button and box, or pendant you wear around your neck to call for help in an emergency,” he said. “However, we are now seeing a trend where clients want more stylish and modern solutions.”
Telecare products have become digital, enabling passive monitoring. Homes can be set up to keep residents safe and provide peace of mind for adult children.
As for the future of telecare, Mr Bacon predicts more people will use their smartphones and download free or low-cost apps that will provide falls detection, voice activation and passive monitoring.