As our population ages, the demand for home care services continues to grow. With this increasing need, it has become essential to incorporate technology into home care to enhance the quality of care provided, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. However, the implementation of technology in home care requires financial support. This article explores the reasons why financial support for technology in home care services is crucial.
Catherine Oates Smith, the human health lead for the NSW Smart Sensing Network, expressed concern over the inadequate funding for assistive technology in government home care packages. She emphasized that the current lowest funding level of $500 is insufficient to meet the needs of older Australians.
Ms. Oates Smith pointed out that a basic smart watch alone costs over $300, not including the necessary internet plan. She stressed the importance of increasing the funding tier for the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme to allow more older Australians to live independently with dignity and improved quality of life.
The consortium, which includes five NSW universities, healthcare providers, local health districts, and the NSW Smart Sensing Network, recommends the use of wearable technology such as smart watches, phones, or rings to track and report lifestyle and biometric information. This technology can provide vital alerts about falls and seizures to family members and caregivers.
A recent report funded by Maridulu Budyari Gumal, the Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research, and Enterprise (SPHERE), revealed that nine out of 10 family carers and older individuals surveyed believed that smart-sensor technologies in the home should be funded through home care packages or other government assistance programs.
Professor Paul Eggleston from the University of Newcastle’s FASTLab emphasized the importance of government investment in smart technologies to enable Australians to age in place for as long as possible.
The Benefits of Technology in Home Care Services
Technology has the potential to revolutionize home care services. With telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and other innovative solutions, technology can help home care providers offer more personalized, effective, and efficient care. Telehealth enables providers to conduct virtual consultations, reducing the need for in-person visits and saving both time and money. Remote patient monitoring allows providers to track patients’ health in real-time, reducing hospital readmissions, and improving overall health outcomes.
In addition, technology can help address the challenges posed by the shortage of home care workers. Automation and artificial intelligence can assist with tasks such as medication reminders, scheduling, and communication, reducing the workload of home care workers and allowing them to focus on more critical tasks. Furthermore, technology can help improve patient and family engagement, empowering them to take an active role in their care.
The Need for Financial Support
Despite the potential benefits, the implementation of technology in home care services requires significant financial investment. Home care providers need to purchase new equipment, software, and infrastructure, as well as train their staff to use these new tools effectively. These costs can be prohibitive, especially for smaller providers, who may struggle to secure the necessary funding.
Financial support for technology in home care services can come from various sources, including government programs, private insurance, and philanthropic organizations. These organizations can provide grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance to help home care providers implement technology solutions.
Government programs, such as Medicare, can play a significant role in supporting the adoption of technology in home care. These programs can provide reimbursement for telehealth and other technology-enabled services, helping to offset the costs of implementation. Private insurance companies can also provide financial support for technology in home care services, offering coverage for telehealth consultations and remote patient monitoring.
Philanthropic organizations can also play a critical role in supporting the implementation of technology in home care services. These organizations can provide grants to home care providers to help them purchase new equipment, software, and infrastructure. They can also support research and development efforts to create new technology solutions tailored to the needs of home care providers and their patients.
Professor Eggleton stated that Australians are sending a clear message: they desire smart technology to assist them in remaining in their homes for a longer period, leading healthier lives, and feeling more secure. This goes beyond mere convenience; it is about preserving dignity, and independence, and alleviating the burden on our healthcare system. By making the right investments in smart technologies, we can empower our elders to enjoy the quality of life that we all wish for them.
The implementation of technology in home care services has the potential to greatly improve the quality of care provided, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. However, financial support is necessary to help home care providers implement these solutions. Government programs, private insurance, and philanthropic organizations can all play a role in providing the necessary funding to help home care providers adopt technology and improve the lives of their patients. By working together, we can ensure that home care services are equipped with the technology they need to provide the best possible care to our aging population.