This is a profile of 2024 Future of Ageing Award winners IRT Group and Extranet Systems for their Co-Developed Falls Detector & Health Monitoring Solution. It took the top prize in the Technology – Consumer category.
Launched in the second half of 2023, IRT and Extranet Systems’ Falls Predictor and Health Monitoring solution offers a proactive approach to fall prevention in aged care settings.
Unlike conventional methods, it integrates IoT sensors and health data to predict falls, allowing staff to intervene preemptively. By providing a comprehensive risk profile for each resident, the system helps tailor care plans, modify environments, and recommend exercise or medication adjustments. This innovative tool seeks to reduce falls, enhance resident safety, and improve overall well-being.
Why it came about
Falls in aged care pose a significant risk, with an average of 350 falls per month at IRT facilities, leading to injuries and hospitalisations. Around 40% of these falls result in injury, with 12% requiring hospital transfers. Falls also cause residents to lose confidence and mobility, negatively affecting their quality of life. Staff must handle the emotional and physical aftermath of falls, adding stress to their workload. IRT and Extranet Systems recognised that a proactive solution using AI and sensor technology could prevent falls and improve care and operational efficiency.
Machine Learning Development Process
How it works
IRT and Extranet Systems’ Falls-Predictor and Health Monitoring Solution utilises heart rate monitoring sensors, sleep trackers, and activity data to offer a comprehensive view of each resident’s health. Staff can make informed decisions about care plans by monitoring health metrics such as sleep patterns, activity, and bathroom usage. The system, integrated into IRT’s LoRaWAN network, ensures timely alerts when health changes or falls occur. This allows caregivers to intervene promptly, minimising risks and improving overall care quality.
Outcome and impact
Though still in the pilot phase, the Falls Detector and Health Monitoring Solution is expected to significantly reduce fall incidents, improve resident safety, and optimise staff workloads. The integration of IoT and AI has allowed for data-driven care, providing insights into residents’ health and improving their quality of life. The project has also improved operational efficiency by reducing manual monitoring, leading to better allocation of staff resources. With broader implementation, IRT and Extranet Systems aim to revolutionise aged care standards and expand their technology to other providers.
Evidence of success
Preliminary feedback from pilot programs shows that the Falls Detector has helped staff reduce falls, improve intervention times, and provide personalised care. IRT and Extranet Systems anticipate that the solution will boost resident safety, increase staff efficiency, and reduce operational costs, positioning the company as an industry leader in aged care innovation. Plans include offering the technology as a subscription service and exploring strategic partnerships for further development.
The team from IRT Group and Extranet Systems presented as part of the 2024 Future of Ageing Conference. A video recording and slide deck can be accessed below.
Session 1 – Leading Change- Click to View
- Falls Detector and Health Monitoring Solution – developed by IRT Group and Extranet Systems – Presented by Scott Belgrove (IRT Group Head Infrastructure, Security & Operations) & Amro Elmasry – Infrastructure Architect, Extranet Systems.
