Transforming Care: Insights from Silvia Pfeiffer at ITAC 2025

At the Innovation Transforming Aged Care (ITAC) 2025 Conference, industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of care—how we can rethink traditional models and harness technology to create better, more inclusive solutions.  

One of the standout voices at the conference was Dr. Silvia Pfeiffer, Chief Product Officer at CARED, who presented a bold vision for innovative digital models of care.  

Let’s examine some of Dr. Pfeiffer’s exciting ideas, which highlight how care delivery can be reimagined, creating adaptable models that evolve with the changing needs of communities worldwide.

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Why We Need a New Model of Care

The aged, disability, and community care sectors are changing rapidly. Traditional care models are struggling to keep up with demand, workforce shortages, and the shifting needs of an aging population.  

However, rather than tweaking the old systems, Dr. Pfeiffer called for a fundamental rethink. She challenged us to break away from outdated structures and design care models that are flexible, personalised, and technology driven.

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The Three Pillars of a Modern Care Model

Dr. Pfeiffer outlined three key dimensions that define any care model:

1. Where is the care being delivered?

2. What conditions or challenges is the care addressing?

3. How is the care being delivered, and what role does technology play?

Each of these factors determines the effectiveness of a care model. Let’s explore them in more detail.

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Rethinking the Where: Care Beyond Institutions

Today, care settings extend far beyond the walls of hospitals and aged care facilities. The future of care is hybrid, combining in-home, community, and digital care solutions.

Dr. Pfeiffer discussed how different settings influence care delivery:

• Home Care: More people want to receive care at home for as long as possible. Smart home technology, telehealth, and mobile allied health services are making this easier.

• Independent Living & Supported Accommodation: Shared living models—like Vertical Villages, where people of all ages live in integrated communities—are redefining how we provide care in residential settings.

• Residential Aged Care & Hospitals: Even in more intensive settings, automation, AI-driven health monitoring, and digital care coordination are improving efficiencies and personalising care.

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The What: Tailoring Care to Specific Needs

Care models need to adapt to the specific health challenges they address. Dr. Pfeiffer highlighted four common conditions that require distinct approaches:

• Hypertension: Can be managed through remote monitoring, lifestyle coaching apps, and smart medication reminders.

• Chronic Kidney Disease: Home dialysis, at-home pathology testing, and dietary tracking tools help people manage their condition with greater independence.

• Falls Prevention: Wearable sensors, AI-assisted gait analysis, and home modifications help reduce fall risks.

• Depression & Mental Health: Digital therapy platforms, AI-driven companionship tools, and community-based engagement programs offer scalable solutions.

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The How: Technology as an Enabler, not a Replacement

In the modern world, technology is often framed as a disruptor, but Dr. Pfeiffer positioned it as an enabler of better human care. Innovations aren’t about replacing caregivers and healthcare professionals, but about helping them provide more effective, personalised support.

She identified several technologies that allow these people to level-up the support they offer:

• AI-Powered Diagnostics & Predictive Analytics: Machine learning helps predict patient deterioration and facilitates early interventions.

• Sensor-Based Health Monitoring: Devices that track vital signs and activity levels allow for real-time health insights without intrusive hospital visits.

• Telehealth & Digital Allied Health Services: Companies like CARED are making it easier to access physiotherapists, speech therapists, and psychologists remotely.

• Automated Care Coordination: Smart scheduling tools help match clients with available carers in real time, reducing cancellations and improving service reliability.

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A Framework for Building a Better Care Model

For providers looking to future-proof their services, Dr. Pfeiffer proposed a simple yet effective framework:

1. Identify the care setting (home, independent living, residential care, etc.).

2. Define the primary health challenges (chronic conditions, rehabilitation, mental health, etc.).

3. Integrate technology strategically—focus on solutions that enhance care without replacing human touch.

By using this approach, organisations can develop flexible, adaptive models that meet evolving needs.

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Why This Matters Now

Australia’s aged and disability care sectors are at a crossroads. Consumer expectations are changing, and the workforce is under increasing pressure. Simply put, the old models just aren’t sustainable.

But by embracing new models of care—ones that are technology-enhanced, person-centred, and scalable—providers can deliver higher-quality services and improve outcomes for those who rely on them.

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What’s Next? The Role of CARED in Shaping the Future

At CARED, we’re not just watching these changes unfold—we’re leading them. We believe that the future of care is proactive, digital-first, and deeply personalised. That’s why we’re building cutting-edge platforms that connect people to the allied health services they need, when and where they need them.

Whether it’s delivering expert therapy via telehealth or coordinating in-home care with precision, we are redefining what it means to provide exceptional care in Australia.

Do you need reliable, expert, instantly available allied health services for you or someone you support? Reach out to a member of our team and discover how CARED is delivering the future of healthcare today.  

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