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New assistive technologies to help predict and prevent falls among residents will be trialled in one Victorian aged care home.
Tech company, HomeGuardian has partnered with Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) and Deakin University to test an artificial intelligence (AI) device for fall reduction.
The technology received a $2.65 million grant through the Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) earlier this year.
Falls are considered the number one preventable injury in aged care, representing 42 per cent of hospitalisations and 40 per cent of deaths.
VMCH chief information officer, Maria Paz, said 'the technology has the potential to help reduce hospital admissions and injuries and save lives.'
"Even when falls don't cause injury, they can trigger a loss of confidence and an ongoing fear of falling," Paz said.
"This technology would help boost independence that is so important to maintain as people age, plus provide peace of mind for families and carers."
Paz said HomeGuardian is a "world-first" device that uses predictive variables to prevent falls.
The AI technology operates sensors that map out a room and learn a person's movement through the space.
If someone behaves abnormally, such as swaying or a lack of movement, the device alerts on-site staff and carers of a potential fall.
The company started gaining momentum in 2020 after winning three Australian Brand awards and the 2021 people's choice award at CareFactor.
HomeGuardian chief Kane Sajdak said the device could take significant pressure off Australia's healthcare and aged care system.
It's projected the aged care workforce will be short of 110,000 people within the next decade.
"By predicting falls, the technology has the potential to prevent the leading cause of traumatic injuries and death among older people," Sajdak told Downsizing.
"Our technology is also designed to free up staff in aged care residences to prioritise care among all residents rather than respond to falls.
"This is especially impactful with the current nurse staffing shortage that is only worsening exponentially over the coming 20 years."
The project will run until December 2025.
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