Australians, like people in other countries, are living longer lives than ever before.
According to a report by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the number of Australians aged 85 years and over will increase to more than 1.5 million by 2058 – up from 515,700 in 2018-19.
As the population ages, there will be greater demand for aged care services.
Studies show that most people living in residential aged care are aged 85 years or older. From 2009-2019, the number of residents aged 90 years and up increased by 40%.
While exact figures may have changed in the recent past, it is undeniable that the increasing average age of residents, as well as the associated health conditions, has increased the demand for aged care facilities.
As people get older, they may need help caring for themselves. While the type of assistance required will vary depending on the resident, seniors in their advanced years will require more care and support.
Illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease are common among the elderly, so they must take their medication on time.
Nutrition and diet must be tailored to their health conditions and medication.
The risk of dementia rises with age, which can result in memory loss and other impairments.
Physical disability is common, and it can cause mobility and gait issues, increasing the risk of falling.
While aged care facilities strive to deliver the highest level of care, they have their work cut out for them.
A lack of Government funding, overworked and underpaid workers and a lack of technological resources make it difficult for them to deliver quality care.
As a result, residential care workers frequently lack the time to:
- Conduct routine checks on seniors to monitor their vital signs
- Check in to see if they’ve taken their medication
- Bathe, clothe, and feed residents
- Or even spend a few minutes talking with them and providing the companionship that some of them crave
While frequent visits may be unnecessary, a lack of technology may result in caregivers being unaware when seniors become ill unexpectedly, or if they fall and injure themselves.
Falling is a serious health risk for older people and can result in broken bones and brain injuries.
According to CDC data, at least three million older people are treated in emergency rooms each year for fall injuries.
Falls that go undetected can even lead to dehydration and hypothermia.
This apparent lack of attention and failure to meet basic health demands may lead seniors to leave a residential aged care facility in search of another.
While it may appear that aged care facilities are fighting a losing battle with their backs against the wall, there is still hope.
Assistive technology for the elderly provides that hope.
Introducing eazense Powered by SOFIHUB…
eazense employs radar technology to provide real-time fall detection and continuous, non-invasive monitoring, allowing for the efficient use of care resources.
This passive monitoring solution does not require seniors to wear or do anything. eazense can monitor a range of events, including:
- A resident falling
- Movement patterns
- Or, if anyone else is in the room.
When anomalies are detected it sends notifications to carers allowing them to respond immediately.
eazense provides residents security while preserving their independence and privacy.
For caregivers, it saves time and reduces the number of unnecessary visits, resulting in significantly lower healthcare costs.
eazense is an excellent example of elderly assistive technology that enables aged care facilities to provide care when it is most needed, increasing their ability to attract new residents.
Visit SOFIHUB to know more about eazense.