Smart state and smart homes equal smart future

PROPERTY

The Queensland Smart Home Initiative, a revolutionary demonstration facility showcasing the latest assistive technology , was officially opened late last month by Deputy Premier Paul Lucas.

Located at LifeTec’s premises at Reading Newmarket, the facility allows industry professionals, carers and the general public to touch and feel the technology and see firsthand many of the devices in action.
When installed in the home, these devices assist older people and people with special and ongoing needs to carry out everyday activities and maintain their safety and independence in the home.
The technology can provide quick access to emergency assistance, monitor a residents’ condition to ensure they are carrying out healthy activity in the home, such as regularly using the kitchen and bathroom , and alerting of potentially dangerous situations such as falling over, not getting out of bed in the morning, or leaving gas on or taps running.
The technology can also alert residents and carers of activity being carried out in their home, such as the phone ringing, doorbell chiming, or other assistive devices being activated. Set up by a team of corporate and community organisations, universities and government bodies, the QSHI aims to educate the community and encourage the adoption of assistive technology for older people, people with special or ongoing needs, and people managing chronic conditions.
Professor Jeffrey Soar, the convenor of the QSHI and associate professor at the University of Southern Queensland is a big supporter of assistive technology, regularly researching, writing and presenting on the issue.
“The launch of the Queensland Smart Home Initiative is a major step forward in generating awareness for the use of assistive technology for supporting independent living, providing access to care, improving outcomes and reducing costs”, Professor Soar said.
“The QSHI gives people the opportunity to experience the technology for themselves and see just how simply and effectively it works”. As well as having the latest assistive technology, the QSHI is fitted with appropriate fixtures and fittings, tiles and flooring, taps and toilets, and furnishings to assist older people and people with special needs.
Chief Executive Officer of LifeTec Queensland, James Barrientos, is proud to be hosting the QSHI demonstrator. “Traditionally LifeTec has assisted people with health conditions and other needs to participate to their full potential in everyday activities”, Mr Barrientos said.
“The QSHI adds a new dimension to our services, allowing people to see firsthand the benefits of incorporating assistive technology into their home environment”. The Queensland Smart Home Initiative is funded by LifeTec, Tunstall Healthcare, Queensland Health and the Home and Community Care program in Queensland, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments.

• The QSHI demonstrator is open for viewing by the general public at Level 1, Reading Newmarket, Cnr Newmarket and Enoggera roads, Newmarket. To book a guided tour of the QSHI call LifeTec on (07) 3552 9000.