PRESS RELEASE: Elderly & vulnerable in danger of missing out on tech benefits in COVID-19 pandemic
The latest gathering restrictions announced by the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, have even further slammed home one of the most universal difficulties in the fight against COVID-19: being unable to see or be close to family and friends.
“So many people have been turning to technology such as Houseparty, or Zoom, Skype and other video conferencing apps to stay connected and stay safe,” said Peter Apostolopoulos, director and co-founder of Australian virtual care technology experts, mCare Digital.
Mr Apostolopoulos is a public e-health and telecare expert with direct experience managing both the SARS and Avian influenza outbreaks in Hong Kong and Singapore in the early to mid 2000s.
“This technology is wonderful, but the fact is that many of the most vulnerable and at risk, who might need to be connected even more than others, are missing out. They are simply unable to use or access this kind of technology,”
That’s where more specialised virtual care and well-being related solutions can help. And, according to, Mr Apostolopoulos, demand for the most accessible and easy-to-use options is on the rise now.
“The Prime Minister has now even more strongly urged certain people to self isolate: those aged over 70, anybody aged over 60 with a chronic illness and Indigenous people over the age of 50. As absolutely necessary as these measures are, those people, their families and friends are now experiencing even more intense anxiety as they struggle to find ways not just to keep connected, but to stay safe while in self-isolation – and know they can get help at the touch of a button if they need it.”
mCare Digital specialises in keeping families connected with a range of remote based technological options developed with the elderly and other vulnerable people in mind. Its ConnectiveCARE™ software, mobile personal alarms and wearables are in popular use both by individuals throughout the community and in aged care and other facilities.
“The features that are really appealing to people at the moment are things like a single touch SOS button that calls pre-set numbers if there’s a problem, automatic fall detectors and advanced locator functions, so everyone can be sure they know where their loved ones are – and that strict social distancing and self-isolation requirements to safeguard their well-being are being met,” said Mr Apostolopoulos.
One of mCare Digital’s newest solutions, the mCareMate, is gaining particular attention. It’s a personal alarm developed after extensive consultation with individuals, families and organisations which support the elderly and people with disabilities.
“We found that sometimes, alarm devices are too complex. The so-called ‘best’ technology isn’t the best if it’s just left in the bedside drawer and never used,” said Mr Apostolopoulos.
“The mCareMate overcomes this. It’s multi-function but also very easy to use, waterproof so you can wear it in the shower, and can be clipped to a belt or worn around the neck. It has automatic back up with a total of six SOS numbers, and it will keep calling until one of them answers, plus GPS locator and other functions.”
Mr Apostolopoulos said another popular feature of the mCareMate was that it arrives pre-configured, so there’s no need to worry about complex set-up or technology know-how.
“We get the basic information from you when you buy, set it all up and send it to you. It’s an easy process and you’re fully supported by our all-Australian team if you have any issues or questions,” he said.
“It seems to us that when a lot of our society is already being left behind on technology that now more than ever before, we need to ramp up what we’re doing. Be smart, be inventive, use what’s out there and that will give us all the best chance to keep everyone safe and get through this,” he concluded.
The mCareMate is available online from $299 plus setup fee and the annual service plan. Find out more about mCareMate and other mCare Digital solutions to support safety, independence and peace of mind at www.mcarewatch.com.au
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For more information or an interview:
Media Contact: Paul Apostolis +61 423 387 201; [email protected]
www.mcarewatch.com.au
Case studies available
About mCareDigital
mCare Digital is a fully Australian-owned and run assistive technology provider. Its technology is developed to help those most vulnerable in our society continue being themselves and maintaining their dignity, independence and safety, with products and services for both consumers and enterprises.
Launched in 2012 with a range of solutions for aged care, mCare Digital has since expanded into the disability sector and into personal safety, for example for remote and lone workers and domestic violence support.
Its technology is designed to complement existing care and promote transparency, trust and collaboration to improve care plans. Its solutions are easy to use, reliable and cost effective.
mCare Digital managing director and co-founder, Peter Apostolopoulos, was an advisor to the Department of Health in Hong Kong and the Ministry of Health in Singapore in the early and mid 2000s. He helped oversee the development and implementation of the Public Health Information System / Crisis Management Systems to manage the communicable diseases during the SARs and Avian Flu outbreaks in those countries.
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