Over a period of four years, product specialists and executive management at HLS Healthcare worked closely with Scalabrini to design, implement and commission a large-scale living assistance project that will revolutionise how residents are looked after in aged care facilities.

Todd MacRae, NSW Product Specialist at HLS Healthcare, Nick Stehr, Managing Director at HLS Healthcare, Hansen Yuncken and Scalabrini, worked collaboratively over the lifetime of the project, which is now fully deployed. What started as a general inquiry from Hansen Yuncken developed into a full-scale implementation of both Guldmann Ceiling Hoist and Elsi Smart Floor technologies.

Once the proof of concept was made clear with a prototype room installation of the two systems, the full rollout of 127 rooms was approved and executed between April 2017 and February 2018.

Programmable smart floors that discreetly monitor movements and detect falls along with ceiling hoists that aim to ensure the comfort and safety of residents are among the assistive technologies incorporated into all bedrooms at Scalabrini Village’s newest facility in Drummoyne, Sydney.

The assistive technology helps the environment to adapt to the differing and changing abilities of residents, says Elaine Griffin, CEO of Scalabrini.

The sensor floor within each bedroom, for example, is programmed according to the clinically assessed needs of individuals. “We are aware of a resident’s capability and how best to support them. The floor can be programmed accordingly so we can ensure we are not being intrusive, interrupting or disturbing their privacy unnecessarily. That freedom, privacy and dignity is important to us.” Griffin tells Australian Ageing Agenda.

Horton House offers a range of aged care services including dementia care, ageing in place, palliative/end of life care and respite care. Horton House is a female only facility that takes a holistic approach to aged care focusing on health and wellbeing.

What started as a general inquiry from Twilight Aged Care, developed into a full-scale implementation of both Elsi Smart Floor technologies and Ropox toilet and shower supports. Todd MacRae, NSW Product Specialist at HLS Healthcare, Nick Stehr, Managing Director at HLS Healthcare & Star Dang, Twilight Aged Care Facility Manager, worked closely over the timeline of the project, which is now fully deployed and operational.

Horton House now benefits from programmable smart floors that discreetly monitor movements and detect falls to ensure the comfort and safety of residents. The sensor floor within each bedroom are programmed according to the clinically assessed needs of individuals. The floor can be programmed accordingly so that staff can ensure they are not being intrusive, interrupting or disturbing their residents privacy unnecessarily.

Each bathroom is also fitted out with Ropox Accessible bathroom accessories. Ropox toilet support systems are designed to improve the independence and comfort of elderly and disabled individuals in need of extra help when completing daily activities.

Designed to provide ongoing accessibility for those in search of comfort, safety and personal support, Ropox bathroom solutions can help residents to make the most of their bathroom experiences, often without the need of assistance from professional carers.