HomeGuardian.AI Passes Sterile Environment Trials

A Major Step Forward for AMCS and Assistive Technology in Aged Care

At Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) , we are thrilled to announce that the HomeGuardian fall-monitoring device has successfully cleared the sterile testing phase of our assistive technology trials. This milestone is a significant step in our commitment to pioneering innovative solutions for scaling care in home settings, particularly for Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

HomeGuardian is a passive fall monitor, purposefully chosen by AMCS to address the unique needs of the most vulnerable members of our community. Unlike active monitors (such as wearable devices, pendants, or watches), passive monitors do not require direct interaction from the user. This makes them ideal for older Australians who may have impairments that prevent them from using active devices effectively. Issues such as forgetting to wear the device, not charging batteries, or removing wearable monitors for comfort are eliminated with passive systems like HomeGuardian , which operates seamlessly in the background.

Why Passive Monitoring is Essential for Aged Care

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older Australians, yet many incidents go unreported—particularly in home care settings. Passive fall monitors like HomeGuardian address this gap by detecting and logging falls even when individuals are unable to report them. This capability is crucial for providing accurate and timely care, as well as improving our understanding of a client’s fall risk over time.

Tracking fall incidents allows care providers to observe trends, identify an increase in fall risk, and adapt care plans accordingly. Under the new Support at Home Program, set to begin in July 2025, this data-driven approach aligns with the program's emphasis on preventative care and early intervention (Australian Government, 2024). Recognizing and addressing fall risks early can prevent more serious injuries, reduce hospital admissions, and ultimately allow older Australians to live independently at home for longer.

How AMCS is Leading the Way: Research and Collaboration

AMCS, in collaboration with ARIIA (Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia) and Flinders University , has undertaken a rigorous three-phase testing approach to evaluate assistive technologies like HomeGuardian . Our methodology includes:

• Sterile Testing: Controlled evaluations in simulated environments to assess fundamental functionality and reliability.
• Volunteer Testing: Trials in diverse, real-world settings to evaluate performance in various environments.
• Consumer Testing: Validation with older Australians, including those with mobility impairments, to test effectiveness in natural settings.

During sterile trials conducted at our testing facility in Narre Warren, Victoria, HomeGuardian was tested across multiple scenarios, including fall detection, false positive triggers, and environmental factors like low light and multiple occupants in the room. Having cleared this stage, the device is now advancing to volunteer testing, where it will be evaluated in more dynamic settings.

Seamless Integration with AMCS Systems

AMCS has fully integrated HomeGuardian into our Humanetix care management platform (ACE), transforming how fall incidents are logged and acted upon. The device’s standard functionality—alerting family, friends, or emergency services when a fall is detected—is enhanced with Humanetix by:

• Recording the incident automatically in AMCS case notes.
• Flagging unattended falls in our incident management system.
• Notifying the care advisor, ensuring timely follow-up with the client.

This integration not only provides real-time support but also allows us to maintain a comprehensive record of fall incidents. This information is invaluable for monitoring trends, adjusting care plans, and meeting the new aged care program's reporting requirements.

Scaling Care with IoT and Assistive Technology

At AMCS, we believe that Internet of Things (IoT) devices and assistive technologies are the future of aged care. Passive systems like HomeGuardian.AI allow us to:

• Scale services without adding to the workload of overstretched caregivers.
• Improve accuracy in incident reporting, even in cases where clients cannot remember a fall.
• Proactively respond to increasing risks, enabling preventative care that reduces serious injuries.

This proactive, scalable approach is innovative and industry-leading, empowering older Australians to stay safe and independent in their homes while ensuring their care remains efficient and personalized.

Acknowledgments

The success of our research and trials has been made possible through the generous support of the Footscray Rotary Action Club (FRAC).

The sterile testing team: Michael Locke , David Pearce , Vesna Trampevska Talevska , Antonio Vaira

Our original visionary: Elizabeth Drozd OAM

Ongoing support to set new horizons: The AMCS Board, and our CEO Maryanne Tadic

What is next?

At AMCS, we are proud to lead the way in integrating assistive technologies like HomeGuardian into aged care. By combining cutting-edge technology with culturally informed care practices, we are creating a future where every older Australian—regardless of their background—can access the care they need to live with dignity and independence.

References

Australian Government. (2024). Support at Home Program handbook. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/support-at-home-program-handbook

HomeGuardian.AI. (n.d.). HomeGuardian overview. Retrieved from https://www.homeguardian.ai