USQ plays integral role in Smart Home launch

Associate Professor Jefffrey Soar

The Queensland Smart Home Initiative (QSHI), supported by USQ, will launch a revolutionary demonstration facility showcasing the latest assistive technology tomorrow (Friday May 28).

Located at LifeTec’s premises at Reading Newmarket, the facility allows industry professionals, carers and the general public to view the technology and see first-hand 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 resident’s condition to ensure they are carrying out healthy activity in the home, such as regularly using the kitchen and bathroom, and alert to 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 to 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.

Associate Professor Jeffrey Soar, the convenor of the QSHI and associate professor at USQ, 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,' Associate 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.

In addition, the generous support from the University of Southern Queensland, the University of Queensland, U3A Online, Council on the Ageing, ACU, ACQ, Bellman & Symfon, Active Medical, Beaumont Tiles, RAM Tapware and Abode Style Furniture is acknowledged.

From 29 May 2010 the QSHI demonstrator is open for viewing by the general public at Level 1, Reading Newmarket, Cnr Newmarket and Enoggera Rd, Newmarket.

To book a guided tour of the QSHI, please call LifeTec on (07) 3552 9000.

Contact Details:
Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559 or 0400 025 429; Sally Gleaves, Tunstall Healthcare, 0412 213 730