Researchers trialling heat warning system for seniors
Researchers from Griffith University are testing a digital in-home warning system they’ve developed for older people facing extreme heat in their homes.
Researchers from Griffith University are testing a digital in-home warning system they’ve developed for older people facing extreme heat in their homes.
Using small sensors, the system monitors temperature and humidity in the home and sends an alert to users when these levels become dangerous, with personalised cooling options.
The research team is also keen to connect with people working in the aged care space –especially personal aged care workers, gerontologists and geriatricians – to collaborate with and sit on the steering committee.
The trial is part of the Ethos Project – Extreme Heat and Older Persons – and features a smart device developed by the team. The aim is to find out older people’s summer exposure to temperature and humidity in the home and identify how acceptable, useable and functional the in-home heat early warning system is, said project leader Professor Shannon Rutherford.
“With this year’s El Niño predicted to be a scorcher, the Ethos Project is looking for older persons interested in trialling our system this summer,” Professor Rutherford said.
The system provides real-time monitoring of the environment and helps residents recognise when there is potential for their body temperature to be elevated and how to cool it to a safe temperature, Professor Rutherford said. The data collected “will help us to better understand the diverse household temperature and relative humidity exposures across the summer period of a range of households,” she said.
Extreme heat – which can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke – kills more people in Australia than any other natural disaster. In Queensland alone more than 100 lives are lost each year from exposure to high temperatures, said Professor Rutherford.
Heat can decrease sleep quality, worsen medical conditions and put a greater pressure on the heart, and while heat can impact anyone’s health, people over the age of 65 are at an increased risk of experiencing such health consequences, he added.
The trial this summer is part of a large research project funded by Wellcome that aims to develop an individualised early warning system for heatwaves that can be used across diverse settings.
Findings about how participants engage with the system in this first phase will inform system refinements and modifications for an additional round of trials in phase 2 over summer 2024-2025.
Trial details
The research team is currently recruiting for the in-home trials. Participants must be:
- at least 65 years old
- living in south-east Queensland
- without a diagnosis of a cognitive or psychological disorder, such as dementia or schizophrenia
- willing to complete a confidential health history questionnaire.
All participants will receive a $50 supermarket gift card at the end of the trial, or a pro-rata payment if they withdraw early. Express interest in participating by calling 07 5552 7903, emailing ethos@griffith.edu.au or via the project’s website.
Those interested should not be concerned about navigating new technology, said Professor Rutherford. “Our research team will provide you with continuous support and you’ll have several opportunities to chat with fellow participants and share experiences throughout the trial.”
Main image: Ethos Core Team L to R (back): Connor Forbes, Dr Aaron Bach, Dr Sebastian Binnewies, Dr Steven Baker, (front:) Dr Zhiwei Xu, Mehak Oberai, Professor Shannon Rutherford and Ella Jackman
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