Meaningful Measures in the Home

The Challenge

More than 1.3 million people used aged care services in Australia in 2019-20, and the number is expected to grow as the population of Australians over 65 increases. The current aged care system is under severe financial stress, with over 58 percent of aged-care providers reporting an operating loss in 2020/21. Lack of capacity in aged-care facilities is adding pressure to hospitals. The number of NSW regional patients awaiting discharge to an aged-care facility nearly tripled between Dec 2021 to Jun 2022. Some of this demand could be mitigated through innovative models of home-based care that support older Australians in maintaining their health and independence incorporating the adoption of technology to support new models of care.

Many models of care rely on IoT sensors to measure physiological and other parameters in the home, including vital signs, activity and movement tracking, diet and nutrition, and medication adherence. Despite their widespread use, the effectiveness of the measurements they provide in active home environments is clinically questionable. In order to unlock the potential of home based IoT sensor devices to provide actionable insights that improve care and quality of life whilst reducing healthcare costs, a universally clinically agreed set of 'meaningful measures' is needed.

The Solution

This project will identify a subset of meaningful measurements that provide a comprehensive understanding of older people’s wellbeing at home. A novel, clinically endorsed approach leverages data collected from intelligent, low-power, wirelessly connected sensor devices deployed in the home or as wearables. These devices measure, process, capture and protect the data collected by sensors, including body position, movement and activity, sleep quality, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, body temperature, heart rhythm and rate, blood oxygen, fatigue levels, respiration rate, and multiple other parameters. These insights will inform personalised care models, enabling proactive interventions preventing significant events and subsequent hospital admission. This seminal research will guide the refinement of existing sensors and inspire the development of innovative devices.

Industry Partners

University Partners