‌The federal government needs to boost funding for technology in home care packages if it is serious about allowing older Australians to age at home to take pressure off hospitals and aged care facilities according to a NSW consortium of industry, university and government.

The Healthy@Home consortium says technology such as a smart watch, phone or ring could take pressure off hospitals and aged care facilities.

The consortium includes five NSW universities, healthcare providers, local health districts, and the NSW Smart Sensing Network.

The recommendation comes as the federal parliament passed major changes to the aged care system to alleviate the demands of Australia’s rapidly ageing population. The changes mean residents who have the means will pay more for in-home care. The federal Minister for Aged Care, the Hon Anika Wells MP, says the once-in-a-generation reforms acknowledge older people want to stay in their own homes for longer so they can remain healthy, active and socially connected.

The aged care system’s new Support at Home program includes an Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme which will give participants access to between $500 and $15,000 of assistive technology and/or home modifications from 1 July 2025.

Professor Jason Prior from the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures says the Australian-first survey made clear that older Australians want to use technology to stay home as long as possible, but more research is needed.

“The findings from the recent survey suggest most older Australians and their carers are willing to use smart sensor technology to stay at home longer, but further research is still needed to better understand the types of technologies they use and their cost,” he says.

“This will allow government, carers and older Australians to better plan for a future in which our growing and ageing population can lengthen the amount of time they age in the comfort of their homes.”