Warrigal to trial Australian-first predictive health monitoring technology

Warrigal, in partnership with Ericom, is launching a 12-month trial of Care Companion at Warrigal Goulburn, marking the first time this radar-based health monitoring technology has been used in an Australian healthcare setting. Care Companion is powered by the Xandar Kardian contactless patient monitoring sensor, which is included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.

The small, ceiling-mounted devices monitor changes in heart rate, breathing and movement patterns to generate a Probability of Baseline Change (POBC) score using radar technology with no video or sound recording. Rather than responding after an incident occurs, this score is designed to support earlier identification of subtle health changes, prompting timely clinical assessment and intervention.

International evidence from previous use of the technology indicates that changes in POBC scores have been observed prior to approximately 75 per cent of hospital transfers, around 70 per cent of falls, and may signal the early onset of infection up to three days before visible symptoms emerge. Warrigal emphasises that the technology does not replace clinical judgement, or face to face care, instead acting as an early indicator to support proactive care.

Warrigal CEO Jenni Hutchins said the trial reflects the organisation’s commitment to innovation that is purposeful and grounded in improving care for older people.

“Innovation isn’t just about adopting new technology. It’s about being willing to explore new ways of supporting better outcomes for older people.”, she said.

“This trial is a considered step to explore what’s possible. We already use a range of approaches to support and monitor resident wellbeing, and this technology allows us to test whether an additional layer of predictive insight could further assist residents, families and staff. As with any trial, careful evaluation will determine what comes next.”

Residents and families at Warrigal Goulburn have responded positively to the trial, with more than 90 per cent of residents choosing to participate. Feedback has reflected genuine enthusiasm for what the technology may mean for their safety and peace of mind. For many families, the prospect of earlier detection of subtle health changes, without intrusive monitoring or recording of video or sound, has been a particular point of reassurance.

Staff at Warrigal Goulburn will work with the technology as part of their day-to-day care routines, supported by targeted training designed to embed the radar’s insights into everyday practice. The trial will be monitored closely over its 12-month period, with findings used to evaluate the technology’s impact on resident safety, care quality and operational efficiency.

Warrigal will closely monitor outcomes and share learnings as the trial progresses. The organisation notes that innovation involves risk, and not all trials lead to long-term adoption, but believes responsible exploration is essential to advancing technology in aged care for better outcomes.

“This is about leading with care, curiosity and accountability,” Ms Hutchins said. “If we want aged care to improve, we need to be prepared to test new technological approaches while keeping older people at the centre of every decision.”

Kyle Page, Ericom CEO said, “We’re proud to partner with Warrigal on this Australian-first deployment. Care Companion uses contact-free radar technology to monitor changes in heart rate and respiratory patterns, with no cameras, microphones or wearables required. It delivers proactive, privacy-preserving monitoring designed to support clinical teams, not replace them. This trial is a meaningful step toward improved care outcomes for older Australians, and we are committed to supporting Warrigal throughout.”

ENDS

Warrigal Media Contact: Elsbeth Olalia

Marketing, Events & Public Relations Manager | 0436 655 808