IRT is installing the home monitoring system in a number of locations as part of a project to enable elderly residents to live independently in their own homes for longer.

IRT Group’s Head of Business Transformation John Vohradsky said the sensors were small – around the size of a smartphone – and did not record sound or video.

‘’The data collected during the pilot will be used to establish benchmarks indicative of a normal household routine, such as when doors open and close,’’ he said.

‘’When there's an exception to this routine, an alarm can be activated to alert care employees or a text message sent to relatives to flag a potential problem.’’

Kerryn Stephens said her 74-year-old mother volunteered for the pilot so her family would know what’s happening on a daily basis.

‘’The sensors were installed last week and they are small and unobtrusive, and only record movement and light,’’ Ms Stephens said.

‘’It’s a way of trialling a simple technology that could provide lots of benefits for people as they age, who want to stay in their own homes.

‘’If their usual movement – or routine – alters, then family members can be alerted, and can pick up the phone or drop by to make sure their loved one is okay.

‘’The sensors are relatively inexpensive … but the peace of mind they give is priceless.’’

Ms Stephens said her mum had moved into her Wollongong apartment 18 years ago after selling the family home, and was keen to stay independent as long as possible.

‘’My sister and I call in on mum regularly but we both work during the day so if anything happens early we can find out straight away.’’

Mr Vohradsk said only a handful of aged care providers were trialling this sort of technology in Australia.

‘’IRT is embarking on this pilot in collaboration with two Wollongong-based businesses, Fibre Optics Design and Construct, and Microsolve. It really goes to show that innovation is alive and well in the Illawarra.’’