Assistive Technologies for the Frail Elderly, Chronic Illness Sufferers and People with Disabilities – a Case Study of the Development of a Smart Home

Abstract

This paper reports on initial stages of a case study of building a consortium to undertake research into advanced technologies and telecommunications that support the notion of an assisted care 'Smart Home'. The aim is to through research and development to provide greater independence, improved quality of life and reduce unnecessary hospital admission for the dependant being cared for in their own homes including the frail elderly, chronic illness sufferers and people with disabilities. The primary outcome is the intent to support families and professional carers, reduce costs and, where possible, identify commercial opportunities for new products and services. Queensland Smart Home Initiative (QSHI) is discussed as a case study together with the
Consortium’s first Smart Home at an aged care facility in Queensland, Australia.