Older Australians and carers call for government-backed smart tech to support ageing at home

SPHERE has funded an Australian-first survey revealing that older Australians, their families, and carers are ready to embrace government-supported smart technologies to enable ageing at home.

Led by the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures in collaboration with the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) and the University of Newcastle’s FASTLab, the survey of 1,000 respondents found that most participants believe smart-sensor technologies should be funded through Home Care Packages or other forms of government assistance. However, over half of the participants were also willing to contribute a small monthly amount towards these technologies.

The preliminary findings were unveiled at the NSW Smart Sensing Network’s (NSSN) 3rd Ageing Forum at NSW Parliament House. The forum highlights how technology-supported home care can address Australia’s aged care crisis, enabling older Australians to live independently longer and reducing pressure on the healthcare system.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park opened the NSW Smart Sensing Network’s 3rd Ageing Forum praising the work being done to improve aged care across the country.

“Your work is an example of the kind of innovation that will define the future of aged care—not just in NSW, but across Australia. Together, we are proving that technology isn’t just a tool; it’s a lifeline for an ageing population and a foundation for a more resilient healthcare system,” he said.

The survey highlighted that the most valued technologies are those designed to detect emergencies, such as falls, and promptly alert carers or family members.

“A large number of older people and carers who participated in the survey saw technology-supported care in the home as a valuable tool to enhance safety, independence, and their ability to live at home longer,” said Professor Jason Prior, Lead of SPHERE’s Healthy Populations and Environments Clinical Theme, based at the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures.

“However, their acceptance of such technologies is nuanced. While many recognised the benefits for emergencies and independent living, there were also reservations about privacy and costs. Despite these concerns, participants showed a willingness to pay varying amounts for these solutions.”

This research comes at a critical time, as the federal government introduces aged care reforms to manage the challenges posed by Australia’s ageing population. By 2057, the number of Australians aged 65 and over is expected to double, intensifying demand for aged care services. Reforms aim to create more home care arrangements, delaying the transition to residential care.

SPHERE funded the survey as part of a collaborative project led by the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures, in partnership with NSSN and the University of Newcastle’s FASTLab.

"SPHERE supported this work in collaboration with our academic and industry partners because the data will be the consumer-led cornerstone on which all future developments in technology enabled care for our elderly as they age in place could be based," says SPHERE Executive Director, Professor Chris White.

The project involved ten Australian innovation companies, five NSW universities, and three NSW Local Health Districts. Final survey results will be published next year, with hopes that the data will guide initiatives across academia, industry, and government, leading to real-world technology trials in older Australians’ homes.