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ETHICAL ISSUES FACING THE USE OF TECHNOLOGIES
FOR THE AGED COMMUNITY

T he Australian government takes a strong interest in the use of IT for the direct and
indirect care of the aged community. Indirect care includes the administrative
aspects of aged care in nursing and aged care communities. No doubt, IT has the
potential to improve the quality of lifestyle for the aged. For example, access to the
Internet makes the aged feel more in touch with the rest of the world and, in many cases, can
assist with day-to-day living such as online grocery purchases, online bill payment and check-
ing bank statements. However, this is conditional upon various factors such as their feeling
comfortable with computers, having the computer knowledge and skill and, of course, a trust
in online transactions.
Increasingly, new ideas are generated through research and development in an effort to
enhanceet chronic illnesses like heart conditions, and diabetes. It is particularly the use of
these technologies that poses a plethora of ethical issues of concern to healthcare providers
and consumers. The ‘Smart House’ is a Sydney initiative, designed to allow future generations
to remain in their own homes while ageing. It uses a range of ‘telecare’ sensor technology.
“This Smart House technology includes passive infrared detectors and a door-entry sys-
tem, which will allow the resident to see who is at the door, via their TV, and open the door
remotely. The technology also features emergency pendants and pull cords to trigger an emer-
gency monitoring system, along with bed and chair sensors. Future incorporations into the
Smart House will include central locking systems, electric windows and doors, electric curtain
and blind openers and other devices.” (BCS, 2006).
A recurring ethical issue in the use of such technology is invasion of the aged consumers’
privacy. Many may not feel comfortable about being monitored in their own homes, 24-hours
a day, even though they may see the benefits of such systems. There is also the question of
awareness, consent, ownership, and access of any data collected from these aged consum-
ers. Health-related data is particu-
larly very sensitive and, thus, should
not be given public access without
prior privacy, security, and safety
considerations. Socially and cultur-
ally, these systems may also not be
acceptable as a replacement for tra-
ditional human carers (most often
close family members) who can
produce a much more personalised
level of care. In Australia, a number
of aged care providers focus on dif-
ferent minority groups (for example
Chinese and Koreans) and there is
increasing awareness that the tech-
nology adopted for them must be
socially acceptable and culturally
competent, with the facility to adapt
to the social and cultural needs of
these minority groups (for example,
use of appropriate language - voice
or textual - interface, or exhibiting
understanding of the living habits
and preferences in the design of the
technology). © Ocean/Corbis
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