My Smart Home

“Although older people often wish to remain in their homes, lack of personal safety and wellbeing at home is a key trigger for older people moving into long term residential care.”

- Gordon

Increasing numbers of older people, especially women, are living longer and alone in their own homes.

Goal

Help older people stay in their homes for longer.

Aims

Determine if wellbeing and perceived safety changed due technology in homes of older people.
Determine individual needs and goals for improving safety and security.
Maximise choice, minimise cost and offer brands people are familiar with and can integrate with products they already own.
Assess participants’ feelings of safety and wellbeing before and after the installation of the technology package.

Researchers

From Flinders
Professor Sue Gordon

Grant Details

Commonwealth Home Support Programme Innovation Funding: $50,000

Chief Investigator: Prof. Sue Gordon

Commenced: 2020
Completed: 2020

Results

Technologies to provide reminders and alarms, video communication, and fall monitors were associated with the greatest self-reported improvements in confidence and safety.

A key barrier to adopting new technology was lack of knowledge on how to use devices, not a lack of interest, and the technology coaching was highly valued by the participants.

An ongoing coaching service would support older people in utilising technology in their homes.