Home automation for people with disabilities can reduce dependence on caregivers and have a long-term financial benefit to funding agencies, such as the NDIS.
New research, led by Flinders University’s Caring Futures Institute, found technology greatly improved the independence and quality of life of users.
Lead author Dr Claire Hutchinson said serious long-term injury or disability impacted a person’s ability to manage independently within their home.
“(But) home automation technology can help to control a number of household functions including opening and closing doors and blinds, operating heating and cooling and turning lights on and off,” Dr Hutchinson said.
“Despite this, many people have difficulty obtaining approval for home automation through funding agencies, or they face lengthy delays.”
Dr Hutchinson said the researchers calculated the social impact of the technology, putting forward monetary figures based on various scenarios of different levels of home automation support.
She said for the simplest scenario, installation of automation for heating and cooling, lights, blinds and television operation, the analysis found that for every one dollar invested there was a social value of $38.80.
“While the social return on investment decreased as the technology became more complicated, even the most complex scenario, involving automated doors, intercom and automated taps and showers, a one dollar investment still returned $15.10 worth of social value.
“Even the most expensive systems provide enough social value to repay the investment within the first year,” Dr Hutchinson said.
She said one of the key savings identified in the analysis was the reduction in the need for caregiving hours, either by family members or professional carers.
Co-author Professor Kate Laver said home automation allowed individuals to perform more tasks independently.
“This not only lowers the costs associated with care, but also empowers people with disabilities to live more autonomous lives,” Professor Laver said.
“Our study showed that by investing in home automation there are a number of tangible outcomes, not just the reduction in caregiver hours, but also improved mental health and wellbeing, increased social connections, increased dignity and improved physical and psychological safety.”
Read the full paper in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal.
