Feros Care wins prestigious Global Ageing Network award for innovative technology
Feros Care has been recognised internationally by the Global Ageing Network (GAN) for the development and implementation of a number of new technologies that have the potential to ‘revolutionise the global aged care industry’.
Feros Care received GAN’s Excellence in Ageing Services Award for groundbreaking technologies, which were described as ‘innovative and applicable world wide’, empowering seniors to be independent, safe and connected while remaining in their own home.
Feros Care CEO Jennene Buckley said the not-for-profit organisation had invested heavily in developing tools to benefit seniors Australia-wide.
“We are committed to helping people live bolder, healthier and more fulfilled lives no matter their age or ability, and believe technology plays a pivotal role in supporting the ageing population,” she said.
“The technologies recognised by GAN were entirely imagined, developed and implemented by our team, who are collectively driven by a desire to have a positive impact on aged care globally.
“We are fortunate to see firsthand how this technology improves the lives of our clients and hope it can ultimately benefit seniors around the world.
To be recognised on the international stage with such a prestigious award puts us one step closer to achieving our dream of creating a healthier, better connected and happier future for seniors everywhere.
Revolutionary technologies by Feros Care
The technology includes the MyFeros portal – a system that allows seniors to self-manage their services, view schedules, change carers and budgets, and send and receive messages – all via a personalised portal on a computer, smart device or television, negating the need to call a contact centre.
Following the launch of the MyFeros Portal, Feros Care’s Chief Information Officer, Glenn Payne, noticed a client with Parkinson’s disease was struggling to use the technology.
“I realised very quickly we could be doing a better job catering for the needs of people with impairments that might affect their ability to use technology such as dexterity or sight issues, which is quite a significant proportion of seniors,” said Mr Payne.
“To remedy this, we introduced Google Assistant technology that allowed seniors to interact with their portal via voice-connected devices.”
The Australian-first initiative allows Feros Care clients to hear up-to-the-minute details of their care with a simple voice command from the comfort of their lounge chairs. Its success has resulted in a partnership with global tech giant Google to develop further possibilities in this space.
Feros Care fights social isolation
Other technology recognised as part of the GAN Excellence Award is Feros Care’s Virtual Senior Centre – a first-of-its-kind platform ensuring those at risk of social isolation can join others via video-link and enjoy facilitated sessions such as Tai Chi, book club and poetry reading.
“Given the large numbers of people at risk of social isolation, and the physical and mental health issues associated with it, we committed to transforming lives by developing innovative technology to connect isolated seniors right across Australia, in a rich and interactive online community,” said Mr Payne.
“The Virtual Senior Centre was awarded a $1 million grant by the Federal Government and its success has prompted Feros Care to self-fund the expansion to continue to tackle loneliness for senior Australians and broaden its scope to include other vulnerable cohorts such as carers and younger people with disability.”
Ms Buckley said creating these technological initiatives had been a collaborative effort that included everyone from care support workers, allied health professionals and wellbeing managers to contact centre staff and the marketing team.
“Feros Care values and cultivates our reputation as leaders in aged care technology, but it is the notion that our ideas can improve the lives of seniors the world over that is our drive,” she said.
These technologies have been developed to make a positive social impact, to empower seniors and those living with a disability to make choices, be independent, stay safe, be connected and live well at home.
“We are honoured to be recognised by the industry and our peers with this well-respected global aged care award, and vow to continue to work towards a better tomorrow for seniors and those living with disability.”
Feros Care was presented the award during a Global Ageing Network conference in Toronto, Canada on September 17, 2019.
