Impact Analysis of Assessment, Consultation and Education Services to Support the Adoption of Smart Home Technologies, Innovations for Chronic Disease Prevention and Solutions for Independent Living

Aims: To review the impact of the services of LifeTec, a NFP (not-for-profit) statewide community-funded provider of assessment, consultation and education services to support the adoption of smart home technologies, innovations for chronic disease prevention and solutions for independent living. Methodology: a review of service data collected by LifeTec and independently evaluated Findings: LifeTec and other similar ILCs (Independent Living Centres) in Australia and other countries, provide an assessment, consultation and education service that is critical for people with disabilities, the frail aged and others needing support. The services are accessed by consumers, their families, care provider organisations, clinicians and educators; the needs for these services are far greater than currentlyfunded capacity and there will be a need for greater capacity as baby-boomers move into the ages when needs for support will spiral upwards. Summary: The disability support and aged care sectors have not to date taken advantage of assistive and other relevant technologies; there is a massive unmet need for greater support and a significant level of issues that are not addressed. There will need to be a significant increase in funding of ILCs to meet both existing needs as well as to surge at appears to be changing and there is now significant investment in clinical systems and other systems to assist staff in providing care.