New report urges aged care sector to embrace technology

A new report from AI-powered pain assessment tool PainChek has stressed the importance of digital transformation in aged care to meet the needs of an ageing population. In 2016, there were 3.7 million Australians aged 65 and over, around 15% of the overall population; by 2056, this is expected to grow to 8.7 million, or 22% of the population. The report, Digital Transformation in Aged Care: 2022 and Beyond, highlights what PainChek CEO Philip Daffas describes as the “essential role” of technology in improving the support and knowledge available to those caring for seniors and for people with dementia.

“The aged care industry is currently in a state of significant transformation, driven by a growing ageing population, a heightened focus on quality of care, changing business models, ongoing workforce challenges, and technological advancement.  “Technology-based tools and systems are the key to improvements in the quality of care, and to empower staff to build skillsets, and optimise operational efficiencies,” he said.

PainChek is used in more than 1,500 residential aged care homes around the world, including in Australia; it announced a partnership with medication management system provider BESTMED in June this year.