Background
Innovative technologies continue to develop and many quickly become a normal part of our everyday lives, for example, smartphones and fitness trackers. Aged care services are embracing innovative digital technologies to improve the care experiences of older people and to enable care workers to do more with less staffing and financial resources.
On this page, you will find some of the common technologies being used in aged care or which have potential applications in the sector. For each technology type, we include:
- Information about how these technologies might be used in aged care.
- Information about how these technologies may benefit the aged care sector.
- Examples of Australian technologies where possible.
This list is not an endorsement of specific technologies, but a resource for services to use to determine how different technologies might improve care delivery.
If you want to find out what the research literature says about each of these technology types in aged care, including evidence of their benefits and how people perceive them, try using the one-click PubMed searches that accompany each technology section.
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the use of technology to mimic human cognitive functions. [3] However, AI can process large amounts of information in ways that people cannot. AI may be used for visual perception, speech or pattern recognition, and decision-making.
How is AI used in aged care?
Artificial intelligence is increasingly playing a role in care of older adults. Artificial intelligence is often combined with closed-circuit television (CCTV) or a wearable device and might be used for detecting:
- Falls or requests for help
- Pain levels
- Changes in human behaviour (e.g., wandering)
- Changes in routine that may indicate a health issue (e.g., bathroom trips or eating behaviour). [4]
This information may be used to alert family or aged care services.
How can AI benefit the aged care sector?
AI may improve care and allow older adults to remain in their own home for longer, improve quality of life, and help families feel more comfortable. However, it is important to note that the introduction of AI is often accompanied by fear or concerns over privacy. [5]
Examples of artificial intelligence technology in aged care
Research driven artificial intelligence technologies include:
- PainChek® A universal pain management app that can be used to identify the presence of pain, even when it’s not obvious using AI technology.
- HomeGuardian: Uses AI to look at a room/ area and determine what it and what is not normal, it can be used to detect curtains being closed in the afternoon or an oven left on and is able to make a phone call or active an alarm in response.