As Australia’s and New Zealand’s populations age, the demand for innovative and sustainable aged care solutions has never been greater. For instance, Australia will have over 4.5 million people aged 65-74 by 2066, and New Zealand forecasts over 1 million people aged 65+ by 2028.

With this demographic shift comes the urgent need to rethink how we support older people to live independently, safely, and with dignity. At the forefront of this transformation is Artificial Intelligence (AI)—a technology already reshaping industries, and now poised to revolutionise elderly care.

In this blog:

The Growing Need for Smarter Elderly Care
What Is AI and How Does It Apply to Elderly Care?
Real-World AI Applications in Aged Care
Ethical Considerations and Privacy
The Australian Policy Context
New Zealand Policy Context
Challenges to Overcome
The Future: A Partnership Between Humans and Machines
Enhance Elderly Care with Tunstall Healthcare

For organisations like Tunstall Healthcare, which has long been a leader in Connected Care solutions, AI offers powerful tools to enhance quality of life, improve service delivery, and future-proof the sector.

The Growing Need for Smarter Elderly Care

Australia’s aged care system faces numerous challenges: increasing care demands, workforce shortages, rising operational costs, and the need for more personalised care plans. At the same time, many older Australians express a strong desire to age in place—remaining in their own homes for as long as possible.

AI can help bridge the gap between these needs and available resources by supporting healthcare professionals, family carers, and aged care providers in real-time decision-making and care coordination.

What Is AI and How Does It Apply to Elderly Care?

Artificial Intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence by machines. It includes machine learning, natural language processing, predictive analytics, and computer vision. In elderly care, AI applications range from smart fall detection systems and virtual health assistants to predictive algorithms that can forecast health deteriorations before they become emergencies.

Importantly, AI doesn’t replace human carers—it augments their capabilities. When integrated into a holistic care strategy, AI can free up staff for more meaningful human interactions, reduce burnout, and ensure faster, more accurate responses to patient needs.

Real-World AI Applications in Aged Care

Let’s explore some of the most promising AI-driven solutions already making an impact in elderly care, many of which Tunstall Healthcare is actively exploring or implementing:

1. Remote Monitoring and Predictive Alerts

AI-enabled sensors and wearable devices like epilepsy sensors collect real-time health data such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and movement. Advanced algorithms analyse this data to detect anomalies that might indicate a fall, seizure, infection, or cognitive decline.

Tunstall’s Connected Care solutions use smart technology to deliver early alerts to carers and clinicians, helping prevent hospitalisations and improving health outcomes. For instance, AI can flag behaviour patterns like increased bathroom visits or reduced mobility, prompting timely interventions.

2. Fall Detection and Prevention

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in Australians over 65. AI-powered fall detection systems go beyond traditional panic buttons by using depth sensors and computer vision to identify a fall as it happens, even if the person is unconscious or unable to call for help.

More advanced systems use predictive analytics to assess fall risk by analysing gait, balance, and behavioural changes over time, allowing carers to proactively adjust care plans or living environments.

3. Virtual Companions and Cognitive Support

Loneliness and isolation significantly affect mental health and cognitive function in older adults. AI-driven virtual assistants, such as conversational bots or voice-activated companions, offer not just reminders for medication or appointments but also emotional engagement.

These tools can hold simple conversations, encourage daily routines, play music or cognitive games, and even detect early signs of dementia through speech pattern analysis. While they can’t replace human companionship, they can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and provide mental stimulation.

4. Medication Management

Medication mismanagement is a common issue among older adults, often leading to adverse health outcomes. AI-powered medication dispensers and reminder systems help ensure medications are taken on time and in the correct dosage.

Some systems can even learn and adapt based on user behaviour, escalating alerts if doses are missed or integrating with digital care platforms to notify family or clinical staff.

5. Resource Allocation and Workforce Optimisation

AI can also support the operational side of aged care. By analysing staff availability, resident needs, and historical data, AI systems can optimise rostering, prioritise care tasks, and identify areas where resources may be stretched.

This not only improves efficiency but also helps reduce caregiver stress, an essential factor in staff retention and job satisfaction.

Ethical Considerations and Privacy

As with any new technology, the use of AI in elderly care comes with ethical considerations, particularly around privacy, data security, and consent. AI tools must be designed and implemented with transparency, fairness, and user autonomy..

At Tunstall Healthcare, we advocate for a human-centred approach where technology serves to enhance, not replace, personal relationships and choice. This means involving older adults and their families in the decision-making process and maintaining the highest data protection and ethical use standards.

The Australian Policy Context

The Australian Government is actively exploring how digital technologies, including AI, can support its aged care reform agenda.

Even as early as 2021, the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommended greater investment in technology to improve care outcomes, and initiatives like the Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy are paving the way for more integrated, AI-enabled care systems.

However, adoption must be carefully managed. Training, funding, and robust regulation are key to ensuring AI benefits are accessible and safe for all Australians, particularly those in rural or disadvantaged communities.

New Zealand Policy Context

New Zealand is also embracing AI as part of health system reforms driven by the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022.

With an ageing population and increasing demand for home-based care, the government’s Digital Health Strategic Framework supports the integration of technologies like AI to enhance service delivery and equity, particularly for Māori and Pacific communities.

Predictive analytics, remote monitoring, and virtual care models are key focus areas. This presents an opportunity to align smart care solutions with national goals for a more connected, culturally responsive health and aged care system.

Challenges to Overcome

While the potential of AI in elderly care is enormous, there are challenges to address:

Digital literacy: Some older adults may struggle with using digital tools, so intuitive design and support are crucial.
Infrastructure gaps: Reliable internet and power supply are necessary for many AI solutions, which can be a barrier in remote areas.
Workforce training: Care providers need training to effectively use AI tools and interpret data outputs.
Cost and scalability: Initial setup costs can be high, so long-term planning and scalable models are essential.

Note that there’s also a risk of dehumanisation of care. In this case, AI needs to work with people, not for people, to ensure personalized and empathic elderly care.

The Future: A Partnership Between Humans and Machines

AI is not a silver bullet—but it is a powerful ally in the quest for better aged care. By automating routine tasks, predicting health risks, and offering personalised insights, AI allows human carers to focus on what truly matters: building relationships, offering compassion, and providing person-centred care.

Tunstall Healthcare believes that the future of aged care lies in this partnership between technology and humanity. We’re committed to delivering solutions that respect the individuality and dignity of each person, while harnessing the power of innovation to make lives safer, healthier, and more connected.

Enhance Elderly Care with Tunstall Healthcare

AI integration into elderly care is not just about keeping up with technological trends—it’s about addressing real-world challenges with smarter, more responsive care. In an era where demands on the aged care sector continue to rise, embracing AI offers a path toward more sustainable, personalised, and empowering support for older Australians and New Zealanders.

By choosing to lead with care, ethics, and innovation, Tunstall Healthcare can ensure that ageing is not a burden to be managed, but a life stage to be supported with intelligence, empathy, and grace. Contact us today to learn more about Tunstall’s Connected Care solutions.

Further Reading: Top 10 Benefits of Technology for Seniors

The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Aged Care