A split-second delay in accessing critical patient data in an aged care facility can have life-threatening consequences. Connectivity failures aren't just technical glitches—they're a crisis in patient care. As Australia's elderly population continues to grow, the urgency to establish reliable and connected care infrastructure has never been greater. Managed networks offer a crucial solution, enabling aged care facilities to deliver the safe, compliant, and efficient care that our aging population deserves.
This blog will explore the challenges of connectivity in aged care, the benefits of managed networks, the role of government policies, and practical steps for implementation.
Australia's projected population
Figure 1: Projected population growth in Australia from 2017 to 2066, showing three scenarios: High series (optimistic growth with higher birth rates and migration), Medium series (moderate growth based on current trends), and Low series (pessimistic growth with lower birth rates and migration), along with a scenario with zero net overseas migration. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Population Projections (Australia 2017 -2066)
The connectivity challenges in aged care
Aged care facilities encounter challenges related to the integration of diverse IT systems and ensuring reliable connectivity. These obstacles often result in inconsistent communication, delays in data access, and potential compliance risks.
Fragmented IT systems: The impact on care coordination
Challenge: Fragmented systems
Aged care facilities often use a mix of on-premise and SaaS solutions, each tailored to different aspects of care, such as medication management, care plans, and communication with government and state services. These systems typically operate independently, leading to fragmented information that hinders seamless care coordination. For instance, if a doctor updates a resident’s medication plan but the change doesn’t automatically reflect in the care plan software used by nurses, it could result in medication errors. When these systems don’t communicate effectively, maintaining accurate records for government reporting becomes challenging, increasing the risk of non-compliance.
Solution: Unified connectivity
By implementing a unified connectivity solution, aged care facilities can integrate these previously siloed systems, allowing them to effectively communicate with the facility’s central server. This integration ensures that when a doctor updates a medication plan, the information is instantly available across all connected systems—nurses can access the latest care plans in real-time, and accurate records are automatically maintained for compliance purposes. This streamlined access to up-to-date information enables coordinated and efficient care delivery, reducing errors and improving overall resident safety.
Slow data access: Hindering timely decision-making
Challenge: Slow data access
In aged care, delays in retrieving patient records, lab results, or treatment plans can significantly hinder the delivery of timely and effective care, particularly in telehealth services. Inadequate connectivity can also prevent residents from accessing public internet or participating in video calls with family members, further isolating them.
Solution: Connectivity-driven operational efficiency
Implementing robust network connectivity ensures caregivers can access essential patient data without delay, supporting prompt and effective care delivery. As facilities grow and adopt new technologies like telehealth and Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, a scalable network ensures these innovations are implemented without compromising performance or reliability. Reliable internet and WiFi also enable residents to stay connected with their families and participate in telehealth services, ensuring they remain connected to their families and healthcare providers.
Compliance risks: Navigating the regulatory landscape
Challenge: Compliance risks
Maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations is essential in the aged care sector, where facilities must adhere to stringent standards for data security, patient privacy, and accurate record-keeping. However, fragmented systems and poor connectivity can increase the risk of non-compliance. For instance, if a facility’s medication management system isn’t properly integrated with its reporting system, discrepancies in patient records could occur, leading to errors in audits and potential regulatory penalties.
Solution: Enhanced compliance
Implementing a fit-for-purpose modern managed network is crucial in mitigating these risks. Such networks are designed to improve the facility’s security posture against unwanted threat actors, ensuring that patient data is protected from breaches and unauthorised access. By integrating real-time monitoring, encryption, and secure access controls, managed networks protect sensitive resident data from unauthorised access and cyber threats. Additionally, these networks streamline data collection and reporting processes, ensuring that facilities remain audit-ready and fully compliant with stringent healthcare regulations. By integrating all systems within the facility, a managed network not only reduces the risk of non-compliance but also enhances overall security, allowing aged care providers to focus on delivering high-quality care while confidently managing their regulatory obligations.
Government policy and managed networks
Government policies play a crucial role in advancing technology adoption in the aged care sector, 
particularly in enhancing connectivity through managed networks. The Australian government has made significant investments, such as the $500 million allocated for IT infrastructure upgrades, enabling facilities to modernise their systems and enhance connectivity. Additionally, grants like the Aged Care Technology Grant and tax incentives reduce financial barriers, making it easier for facilities to adopt advanced IT systems. By leveraging these resources, aged care providers can implement managed networks that support better patient care, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Beyond direct funding, the government also offers various grants and tax incentives to lower the financial barriers to adopting advanced IT systems and managed networks. The Aged Care Technology Grant 2023, for instance, provides up to $100,000 per facility to support the purchase and implementation of new technologies. The government has also launched several training programs aimed at upskilling aged care staff in IT competencies, ensuring that facilities adopt new technologies with a capable workforce to manage and maintain them.
Recognising the complexity of IT management, the government encourages facilities to consider outsourcing to specialised providers. The Aged Care Funding Report 2023 highlights that outsourcing IT services can result in cost savings and operational efficiencies. Facilities that have outsourced their IT management have seen a 20% reduction in operational costs and a 30% improvement in system reliability. Outsourcing allows aged care facilities to focus on delivering high-quality care while ensuring their IT systems are managed by experts. When selecting an IT service provider, facilities should consider factors such as onshore support, 24/7 availability, and the provider's expertise in the aged care sector.
Steps to implement managed networks in aged care
Implementing managed networks in aged care facilities requires a strategic approach to ensure that the transition enhances connectivity, improves care delivery, and supports regulatory compliance. Below are the key steps to guide this process:
Step 1: Assess current connectivity
- Identify and document areas where connectivity issues are most prevalent, such as slow data access or inconsistent WiFi coverage.
- Evaluate your current network infrastructure and pinpoint areas for improvement to enhance your daily operations.
Step 2: Select a managed network provider
- Choose your provider based on reliability, performance, and scalability. Ensure they offer robust security features and comprehensive support for your facility.
- Questions to ask:
- How do you ensure network uptime and reliability?
- What specific security measures do you implement to protect sensitive patient data?
- Can your services scale with the growth of our facility?
- What kind of support and training do you provide during and after implementation?
- How do you ensure compliance with healthcare regulations?
Step 3: Develop an implementation plan
- Create a detailed plan with the provider that outlines each phase of the transition, including timelines, milestones, and contingency plans.
Step 4: Conduct pilot testing
- Pilot tests in selected areas identify issues before full-scale implementation, minimising disruption when the network goes live.
Step 5: Train staff and provide ongoing support
- Ensure comprehensive training for all staff on how to use the new network. Arrange for ongoing support and continuous learning opportunities to keep staff updated.
- Partner with your managed network provider to offer regular refresher courses and 24/7 support, ensuring your team can confidently manage the system and address any issues that arise.
- This approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement, essential for maintaining the highest standards of care and operational efficiency.
The Path Forward for Aged Care Connectivity
Enhanced connectivity is the foundation of effective aged care, supporting everything from real-time patient monitoring to regulatory compliance. By prioritising the upgrade of your connectivity infrastructure and implementing managed networks, you can ensure your facility is equipped to deliver high-quality, reliable care. These steps are essential for meeting the needs and expectations of our aging population, ensuring they receive the best possible care and support.
Ready to future-proof your aged care services? Contact us today to assess and upgrade your facility’s connectivity infrastructure, and explore how a managed network can ensure you’re prepared for tomorrow's challenges.
