As the fastest growing sector in Australia, the aged care industry now faces unforeseen challenges. Among these, the increasing demand for home care services, regulatory oversight, poor staff training, and a lack of coordination and communication between all parties involved, are some of the most pertinent.

In order to tackle these head-on, the industry, similar to most others, has resorted to technology and innovation in order to dispel the harsh effect of these realities. In an attempt to uncover and understand these tools, our blog this week is dedicated to the use of technology and innovation in Australia’s aged care industry. Keep reading to discover how aged care software and other tools have transformed operations in this sector!

Seamless customer engagement platforms

While apps that allow service providers to interact with care receivers aren’t new, in the aged care industry, this trend is only beginning to take flight.

With these types of automated platforms, all parties involved in this process can communicate easily without the need for excessive phone calls and hassle. By streamlining data collection and scheduling processes between home care providers and their clients, companies experience tangible savings in terms of money, effort, and time. The benefits, however, aren’t one-sided.

Customers and their families also benefit from convenient tools for communication, scheduling, and payment. Aged care software that takes the form of customer engagement platforms are also pivotal in improving customer experience. In an industry which oversees the active participation of around 80,000 service providers, standing out from the rest through satisfied customers is one way to become an industry leader.

Robotic assistance

Given the trend toward robotic assistance in many industries, it’s unsurprising that the aged care sector is heading in this direction as well.

More than merely meeting the seemingly insurmountable demand for trained care professionals, robots also come with a range of AI capabilities that have the power to transform care. By familiarising themselves with the needs, schedules, and lifestyles of particular clients, these automatons can eliminate the loss caused by human error, time wastage, and other factors that result in the loss of thousands of dollars every year.

Beyond improved efficiency, however, robots are also being used to provide companionship. In Japan, in fact, robots now even wake the elderly up from their beds and prevent them from becoming socially isolated. Sydney’s LifeCare Facility recently introduced a robotic seal called PARO who also entertains residential care receivers. By allowing residents to hug and cuddle or talk to this doe-eyed robot, the distress associated with the end of the day, ‘Sundowner Syndrome’, is alleviated effectively. Described as a ‘wonderful tool of diversional therapy’, these types of robots are likely to feature a huge part of the future.

Wearable devices and smart home networks Another trend in the aged care industry is the emergence of wearable devices and smart home networks.

Through this type of technology, remote monitoring and the support of a more mobile workforce are exciting new features companies can leverage. With high-tech biosensors, home care providers can now track vital signs and other health indicators, syncing these with their records and notifying nearby hospitals in the event of an emergency. These systems are so sophisticated, certain service providers are even notified when patients haven’t opened their fridge or left their bathrooms within a specific timeframe. Notifications are also enabled in the event that a care receiver falls or suffers any kind of accident.

Key takeaways

For a sector that faces unprecedented levels of growth and potential like the aged care industry, relying on technology and innovation to solve everyday woes is a matter of survival. With the Australian market set to experience high levels of saturation in terms of increasing service providers, aged care software and other tools are essential to increase competitiveness and stand apart from the rest.

By adopting effective customer engagement platforms, automated tools, wearable devices, and even robots, becoming an industry leader is only a culture change away.

For home care providers keen on leveraging aged care software that can make a difference, hayylo is the company that can help. Contact us today for more information