Impacts of new and emerging assistive technologies for ageing and disabled housing: AHURI Final Report No. 372
Our summary
The Impacts of New and Emerging Assistive Technologies for Ageing and Disability Housing report (AHURI Final Report No. 372, 2022) investigates how digital and physical assistive technologies are reshaping housing design, accessibility, and support models for older Australians and people with disability.
Commissioned by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) and prepared by a research team led by Professor Andrew Beer, the study examines technological innovations such as home automation, smart monitoring, telecare, and adaptive design. It highlights the opportunities these technologies present to enhance safety, independence, and social connection — as well as the barriers related to cost, digital literacy, and uneven access.
Drawing on case studies, policy analysis, and stakeholder interviews, the report outlines the implications for housing policy, community care, and support service delivery. It emphasises that effective adoption depends on cross-sector collaboration between technology developers, housing providers, and human services organisations.
The research concludes that while assistive technologies have the potential to transform how people age and live with disability, they must be integrated with person-centred housing design and policy reform to ensure equitable access.
This report is a valuable resource for policymakers, aged care and disability service providers, researchers, and housing professionals seeking to understand how technology can promote inclusion and independence across Australia’s ageing and disability populations