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University researchers are embarking on a project that could detect “anomalies” among the elderly in real time.
A team of researchers at Charles Sturt University are working on a proactive, sensor and predictive analytics-based project to monitor and detect anomalies in older Australians and hopefully revolutionise aged care both here in Australia and abroad.
The project – called “Investigating non-intrusive technology for real-time anomaly detection in elderly behavioural patterns” – focuses on utilising an array of technologies to monitor changes in the health and behaviour of the elderly in both at-home and aged-care settings.
The project aims to use non-intrusive sensors to monitor daily activities, with the data collected to be analysed by machine learning algorithms to identify patterns that may indicate potential fall risks and other problems before they become acute.
The system, the researchers say, will be able to learn the behaviours of those being monitored, thus reducing false alarms and other errors.
Dr Gea Rahman, lecturer in computing at the Charles Sturt School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering, said the project will be vital to addressing an ageing population.
“One in every six Australians is currently aged over 65 years, and this population demographic is set to double with the number of centenarians projected to increase six-fold,” Dr Rahman said in a statement.
“So, we are facing pressing issues with the provision of aged-care services, with an escalating need for innovative strategies to ensure older Australians ‘age well’.
“This project aims to leverage technology to address these challenges, reducing the emotional and financial burdens on individuals and the government, and influencing policy changes.”
The project will also help address workforce challenges in the aged-care sector.
“By 2050, it’s predicted that there will be a shortfall of 200,000 care workers,” Dr Rahman said.
“By harnessing the power of technological solutions, our project aims to lessen the need for constant checks on the elderly, allowing for smarter use of resources. This means care can be tailored more precisely to each person’s needs, boosting efficiency in the process.”
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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