How smart sensor technology can help elderly Greeks live independently for longer

·

Elderly Greeks in Australia want to stay in their own home for as long as possible. For their adult children, it can be worrying. There is always the fear that their ageing parent might slip and fall, unable to call for help.

But advanced smart sensor technology that can track a person’s movements could lessen the worry for families and those caring for an elderly person.

An Australian-first survey of older Australians, their families and carers, found older Australians are happy to accept government-funded smart-sensor technology if it means they can continue to stay in their home.

The survey was released in November 2024 at the NSW Smart Sensing Network’s (NSSN) 3rd Ageing Forum at NSW Parliament House. The forum focused on how technology-supported care at home has a key role to play in the aged care crisis and will allow older Australians to live in their homes longer and take the pressure off the health system.

An example of a robot shown at the forum.
An example of a robot shown at the forum.

The survey also found the most valued technology is one that alerts a carer or family member about an emergency such as a fall.

While most of the survey participants think it should be funded under home care packages or other types of assistance, more than half of the 1,000 respondents were happy to contribute a small amount each month for the technology.

The survey was funded by the Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise, for a project led by the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures in collaboration with the NSSN and the University of Newcastle’s FASTLab.

The final survey results will be published in 2025. It is hoped the survey outcomes will help guide existing initiatives across academia, industry, and NSW and federal governments, and lead to a real-world trial of technology in older people’s homes.

Chair of the Aged Care Industry Information Technology Council, Dr George Margelis said smart-sensor technology is part of a wider assistive technology concept designed to support people to age safely and effectively at home.

He said while assistive technology is funded through the Federal Government, improved funding is needed to enable people to make their homes ‘smart’ in preparation for ageing.

“The amount required varies by need, but we need to cover basic costs like internet connections and support,” he said.

“There is a proposal before the government at present, and it was recommended in the Royal Commission report, where I am quoted.”

The technology is meant to help the elderly stay at home for longer.

One example of this sensor-smart technology is a patch that measures several vital signs and detects falls and heart-rate problems.

“Falls and change of health status are common across all groups but by automating the detection and reporting, these systems remove the language barrier,” Dr Margelis said.

“The sensors are designed to be unobtrusive and fit into people’s homes and lives.

“Supporting people with dementia to stay at home safely by monitoring and using technology to prompt them to do things has been shown to be very useful.”

Greek Australian businesses are also developing smart-sensor technology. One example is Vlepis – a company started by Bill Dimopoulos.

“The technology supports older people to stay at home longer by keeping track of their movements, ensuring they are safe, have not fallen and are doing their normal activities,” Dr Margelis said.

“It detects changes in activities that indicate increased risk of falls, changes in health status, and also helps them communicate with family and friends, as well as their carers.

“A big thanks to the NSW Smart Sensor Network for supporting the research and helping to get the message out.”

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Christopher Pappas among ex-staff suing Temple Christian College over Covid-19 dismissals

Christopher Pappas is taking legal action against an Adelaide school over alleged unfair dismissals linked to Covid-19 vaccine requirements.

Greece’s Culture Minister Lina Mendoni visits Greek Consulate in Sydney

On Monday, 6 October 2025, Greece’s Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, paid an official visit to the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney.

Greek Australian community pays tribute to bouzouki player Chris Felemegas

The Greek Australian community is grieving the loss of Chris Felemegas, a beloved Greek Australian bouzouki player from Sydney.

Warm welcome for Greece’s Culture Minister at Holy Eparchial Synod meeting

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia formally welcomed Greece’s Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, on Saturday.

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos begins official visit with arrival in Sydney

Greece's Deputy Foreign Minister for Greeks Abroad Ioannis Loverdos is in Sydney, marking the start of his official visit to Australia and NZ.

You May Also Like

NSW Senator Andrew Bragg receives highest honorary award by Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

NSW’s Senator Andrew Bragg yesterday received the highest honorary distinction awarded by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. It was the first time that such a...

Greece defeated by France in Euro 2024 qualifier but not without a fight

Greece's national football team fought it out against France on Tuesday in a Euro 2024 qualifier match, but they were defeated 1-0.

Greece, Israel and Cyprus affirm alliance based on shared values

The foreign ministers of Cyprus, Greece and Israel have affirmed in Jerusalem their countries’ close ties, based on shared values.