Take the lead in aged care’s digital transformation journey

When we talk about the future of aged care, we’re not looking into a crystal ball hoping to see what might happen in 20 years. We’re talking about how the present-day sector implements systems in preparation for what’s next.

Aged care is coming up against its biggest challenge yet: a rapidly ageing Australian population that will start placing more pressure on the sector by the end of the decade.

• Statistics show Australia’s population includes more than 4.2 million people aged 65 and over, which is roughly 16% of the total population
• That figure will rise to almost 18% by 2030, with long-term projections indicating almost one-quarter of the population will be over 65 by 2066
• As we live longer, the number of people aged 85 and over will also amplify over the next four decades from one in eight people to one in five people 

There’s no time to waste in planning for an increasing number of aged care recipients. It’s essential to have the infrastructure available to support a growing older population before the peak hits. This will ensure the sector’s prepared and ready for people with a diverse range of needs. 

Many of them are already having a vocal impact on what they want in aged care; they want to age within their own homes, maintain independence for as long as possible and be active and social. So how can you provide diverse care when workforces are already stretched?

Ascom is a leader in the digital technology space, providing a number of products and services for the aged care and healthcare sectors. Their communication and coordination systems enable effective care support and resident monitoring, offering residents and care recipients increased independence even though aged care staff are always one notification away.

Impactful digital technology

Implementing new technologies can be difficult as identifying when and where to change existing processes is no straightforward process. And that’s why it’s important to start your journey with conversations on new technologies, to hear from your peers and technology experts, uncover new insights, find the right solution and discover how you can support its implementation. 

This will be explored when Ascom, along with PainChek and industry alliance partner, Ageing Asia, hosts the roundtable discussion The Time is Right for Digital Transformation. 

Moderated by the Founder and Managing Director of Ageing Asia, Janice Chia, the webinar features industry experts David Williams (Country Manager, Ascom Australia and New Zealand), Carla Beheram (COO of Anchor Excellence) and Andy Hoggan (Head of Operations, PainChek). They will lead the discussion, offering advice and suggestions on the transformation process.

“Technology has a place, but it’s about the journey – implementing technology that has associated outcomes [that] can be built on, modular or scalable,” said Mr Williams.

Ascom itself brings a considerable amount of knowledge to the table. Some of their innovative technologies are familiar to aged care professionals; nurse call systems and alarms, telehealth and wearable devices. But rather than being relatively one-dimensional with no interoperability, their modern systems provide complete continuity of care.

Take the resident response systems that communicate with specialised smartphones; aged care staff and carers have instant access to dedicated apps, alerts and technological tools that would have previously been spread across different devices and computers. 

Then there are the wearable devices that discreetly track movement, helping to alert carers when a resident is wandering or in a potentially dangerous situation. This new technology has already benefited aged care staff as Ascom’s products can be found throughout several Australian and international aged care facilities.

“These technologies make a tangible difference: providing our care staff with more streamlined workflows and [enhancing] enhancing our clients’ freedom, safety and comprehensive care,” said Bernie Poh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Allium Healthcare.

Digital transformation starts with you. Register today for The Time is Right for Digital Transformation to hear from aged care experts and peers.