ITAC Conference paves the way for technology in aged care

The Conference brings the best in Information Technology (IT) which is emphasising independence and assistance in the aged care sector, along with the leaders who have the knowledge on community care, medication management, assistive technologies, and offsite information systems delivery.

This year’s theme is Transforming Independence through Innovative Technology, highlighting how technology can positively impact the service quality of aged care facilities and services without taking away the independence of consumers.

At the Conference, speakers will discuss important aged care topics and provide practical perspectives, while putting a spotlight on managing and maximising aged care service delivery and explaining the evolving nature of enhanced consumer choice.

ITAC 2020 is ideal for individuals or organisations in the aged care sector wanting to expand their current view on assistive technology and its implementation.

Key speakers will present their business and strategic expertise to issues that aged care businesses will be facing now and in the future.

Miranda Starke, Head of The Plug-in from Council on the Ageing South Australia (COTA SA), will be presenting Engaging older consumers in new technology: insights, observations and considerations for developing and marketing technology well with older customers at the Conference.

The Plug-In aims to connect older people with business, industry and researchers, and undertakes targeted consumer engagement and insights research.

Ms Starke says that The Plug-In is able to give a voice to older people so they can feel heard and be more influential through their personal experiences.

Her presentation will be mining different projects The Plug-In has managed and use them as case studies.

“What is important about this conference, it’s not just about technology and aged care, it’s very clearly focussed on supporting independence and that is such an important aspect,” says Ms Starke.

“I think more and more Australians want to age in their own home, they want to stay at home, they are very keen to be independent, and most older people we interact with are very fiercely guarding their independence.

“Most older people are very optimistic and very positive about technology, we find that on the whole, older people are using technology frequently, they feel that it is making their lives better. They are open to the idea of new technology that might help their independence and keep them living at home for longer.

“But we also know there is some issues [among older Australians] when it comes to trusting information… There is definitely nervousness around that aspect of technology. A lot of older people feel that technology removes their choices.”

Ms Starke believes that the Conference focus on supporting the choice and independence of older Australians will be incredibly valuable to the Conference delegates.

She adds that new technology companies and services providers can learn about providing better products and services that will positively impact aged consumers without impacting their choice, independence and freedom.

You can hear Ms Starke’s full presentation on Day 1 of the ITAC conference during Plenary Session 6 in Stream 1 – The Consumer. Co-Design and responding to consumer’s needs running from 3:30 pm – 5 pm.