Project summary
James Anthony Group in partnership with Anglicare SA Ltd has been awarded an ARIIA grant for their ‘Validating the benefits of automated video calling devices (CareWindow) within aged care facilities’ project.
For the past couple of years, families have been struggling to prevent separation, and older adults are feeling lonelier. This situation is negatively affecting healthcare outcomes. The CareWindow is a video telepresence communication appliance designed to provide 2-way video and audio communication between those in aged care and their families. It can be easily set up by families and operated by people with MCI / dementia. JAC and Anglicare SA are looking to validate the benefits of this innovative device within aged care facilities.
Project outcomes
Background and Aims
Many elderly residents in aged care facilities struggle to maintain meaningful connections with their families, especially when physical visits are challenging. The CareWindow project aimed to develop a user-friendly technological solution that would help bridge this communication gap, improving the quality of life for aged care residents and providing peace of mind for their families. The project also sought to understand the barriers to adoption and the best strategies for integrating such technology into aged care environments.
What We Did
We developed a specialised two-way video communication device called CareWindow, designed specifically for elderly residents who may not be comfortable or able to use traditional smartphones or complex technology. The device underwent rigorous testing and iterative refinements based on real-world user feedback.
The device features:
- Simple, intuitive interface designed to be easy to use with minimal input required from residents.
- Automatic call answering ensuring residents do not have to manually accept calls, reducing stress and increasing accessibility.
- Privacy controls including do-not-disturb modes and physical camera adjustments to maintain residents’ privacy and autonomy.
- Easy connection with family members allowing seamless and frequent interactions.
Trials were conducted across aged care facilities, including Anglicare SA Trott Park and other facilities such as, Resthaven Marion, and Northeast Community Hospital, with additional usability testing at the Global Centre for Modern Aging. These trials included focus groups, direct resident interviews, and engagement sessions with care staff and families to refine both the device and the onboarding process.
Outcomes
Key barriers identified
- Initial user hesitation: many elderly residents and staff perceived new technology as difficult or intimidating. Trust was only built through live demonstrations and in-person engagement.
- Site management changes: transitioning site managers at Anglicare SA led to disruptions in project continuity, requiring additional training and engagement.
- COVID-19 lockdowns: limited access to facilities delayed deployment and required alternative engagement strategies.
- Privacy concerns: while residents were comfortable with family members "dropping in," some aged care facilities were hesitant due to compliance concerns, which were overcome through educational sessions and privacy control features.
Key Enablers for Success
- Hands-on demonstrations: attending morning tea meetings and showing the device in action helped drive adoption.
- Focus groups and user feedback: iterative refinements were made based on direct user and carer feedback, improving the onboarding experience and usability.
- Flexible and adaptive approach: the project team’s ability to pivot strategies, including engaging with additional aged care facilities and implementing supplementary data collection, ensured the project stayed on track.
- Strong interest from families: high early interest validated market demand and encouraged aged care providers to explore integration.
Impact on Aged Care and Workforce
CareWindow offers multiple benefits for the aged care sector:
- Improved resident well-being through frequent, meaningful family connections.
- Enhanced communication tools for care staff, making it easier to facilitate resident-family interactions.
- Simplified technology reduces barriers to communication, even for residents with limited digital literacy.
- Reduced burden on aged care facility staff, as the device requires minimal intervention to operate.
- Potential application in disability and home care settings, broadening its impact beyond aged care.
Resources Developed
The project created several valuable resources, which can be accessed by emailing enquiries@carewindow.com.au
- CareWindow communication devices – available for purchase or trial deployment.
- User guides and training materials – assisting residents, caregivers, and family members in setup and usage.
- Custom data collection tools – developed to assess impact and user satisfaction, available for research and implementation.
- Comprehensive research reports – detailing project findings, methodologies, and recommendations.
- Workshop and training session materials – designed for aged care providers interested in integrating CareWindow technology.
Next Steps
Future plans include:
- Continuing the study at current aged care facilities to gather long-term data on adoption and impact.
- Expanding to more aged care facilities across multiple regions to validate broader use cases.
- Technological upgrades and new features, including potential voice-command functionalities and integrations with assistive technologies.
- Long-term studies on the device’s impact on social connectivity and emotional well-being.
- Exploring applications in disability and home care sectors to extend accessibility and impact.
- Continued refinement based on user feedback, ensuring that CareWindow evolves to meet the needs of its users.