A locally-designed, sticker-like sensor could be the key to monitoring the hydration levels of aged care residents, and in turn help keep them in better health.
Developed by health technology company WearOptimo in association with Australian National University (ANU) and distributor Aspen Medical, the device uses electronic microsensors to measure the wearer’s critical signs, including their hydration levels.
ANU Professor Mark Kendall (pictured right) is the brains behind the device, and says it could be used to significantly improve the way we monitor aged care residents’ health.
“We might think, ‘What’s the big deal? Have a glass of water.’ But as we get older our ability to know when we’re dehydrated, those receptors get weaker and weaker. That drops off, and becomes another thing people providing care have to respond to,” he said.
“We use little colour charts on the walls of toilets – people are asked to inspect the colour of their urine. We use a pinch test. People get weighed before and after (urinating). These are poorly managed approaches not in step with the technology available today.”
Professor Kendall says the device could also be useful in tropical climates or at occupations where people are at an acute risk of dehydration or heat stress.
Sounds like a winner to us! Well done.
