The growing demand for smart home technology in Australia’s disability and aged care sectors presents a transformative opportunity for electricians. Paul Skelton writes.

In Australia — and indeed, globally — the demand for accessible and adaptive living environments is on a rapid incline. Factors like an ageing population, the expansion of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and recent government reforms in aged care are pushing the need for smart home technologies to unprecedented levels.

For electricians interested in diversifying their businesses, particularly into the smart home integration market, now is the time to consider the potential of this sector. The growing market for specialist disability accommodation (SDA) and aged care not only presents a substantial business opportunity but also offers a meaningful chance to make a difference in people’s lives.

A sector on the rise

The statistics surrounding Australia’s ageing and disabled population illustrate just how significant the need is. Nearly 18% of Australians have some form of disability and the country’s population aged 65 and older is expected to double by 2050 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. As life expectancy increases, more people are living with disabilities and age-related impairments, leading to a growing need for accessible housing that allows these individuals to maintain their independence safely.

Meanwhile, the NDIS provides funding for disability services and support, but it only covers about 10% of Australians with disabilities, leaving others to rely on other forms of assistance and technology​. This gap, combined with the recent Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, has led to the introduction of new policies, such as the Assistive Technologies and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme for in-home aged care. This scheme aims to ensure that older Australians have timely access to technologies that support their independence, placing ‘smart home technology’ under the category of essential home modifications.

The promise of independence

For many people with disabilities or age-related impairments, smart home technology offers more than convenience; it’s a tool for autonomy and self-reliance. Consider the power of something as simple as an automated door system for an individual with limited mobility. What might seem minor in a traditional residential setting can be life-changing for a high-needs client.

At ‘No Coal Street’, a custom smart home project in Newcastle, NSW and winner of three awards at the 2024 CEDIA Asia Pacific Smart Home Awards, CEDIA member Custom Integration and Electrical showcased how technology integration can restore independence. A resident with progressive Multiple Sclerosis can now control aspects of his home — like lighting, doors and even an elevator — using just his smartphone​. These advancements allow people to move through their spaces freely and securely, maintaining a degree of autonomy that’s essential to their quality of life.

Yet, stories of poorly executed installations reveal the risks of an industry lacking proper standards. We hear far too often about bed-bound people unable to turn their lights off, forced to endure constant light 24 hours a day.

Worse, some contractors cut corners, providing subpar systems for exorbitant prices. The most offensive installation I have heard about involved an electrician who installed an Amazon Echo Dot and a wireless Sonos speaker and claimed it was a fully automated nurse call system, for which he was paid over $10,000. This industry cannot accept cowboy behaviour or inadequate installations when lives and well-being are at stake.

Becoming the experts: An industry-wide responsibility

Despite the potential of smart home technology to transform lives, the disability and aged care sectors often lack awareness of what’s possible. Many occupational therapists (OTs), carers and even the end users themselves are unfamiliar with the capabilities of current technologies. This knowledge gap places the onus on the electrotechnology industry to act as trusted advisors.

As a professional in the field, staying informed about the latest advancements and certifications is essential. This is where CEDIA plays a vital role.

In 2023, CEDIA made a submission to the NDIA, recommending that integrators be certified to a minimum level of Integrated Systems Technician (IST) to ensure the highest standard of smart home installations for SDA projects. The ‘Grand Central Towers’ project in Canberra, installed by integrator eXperience ONE in partnership with property developer Summer Housing and independently verified by integrator Wired By MJD, became the first in Australia to meet these rigorous standards, setting a new benchmark for integrated technology in SDA under NDIS​.

CEDIA’s continued efforts to establish global best practices in smart home installations — guided by a coalition of integrators, disability advocates and OTs — are creating new standards for this niche market.

Electricians interested in specialising in this area would benefit from aligning with these standards and even becoming certified as an IST, which can provide a competitive edge in the market (note: Tasmanian electricians can earn CPD points by undertaking the IST certification coursework).

The government’s push for smart home technology in aged care

The Australian government’s reform in aged care further underscores the opportunity for smart home technology in this sector. The reformed in-home aged care program aims to replace existing programs, like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP), with a streamlined system that emphasises user choice and autonomy. This shift aligns perfectly with the capabilities of smart home technology, from health monitoring systems to emergency call features and voice-controlled lighting.

Electricians who offer these services could find themselves at the forefront of a wave of government-funded home modifications.

The new AT-HM scheme specifically mentions wired smart home technologies as important home modifications. By investing in the skills and certifications necessary to install these systems, electricians can position themselves to take full advantage of any new funding models.

CEDIA’s contribution and how you can be involved

As a trade association, CEDIA’s mission is to advocate for and elevate the smart home technology industry. Recognising the growing demand within the disability and aged care markets, CEDIA is pioneering global best practices for technology installations in properties for people with disabilities.

This initiative, headed out of Australia, is a collaborative effort that includes integrators, occupational therapists and disability advocates to ensure these standards are comprehensive and effective.

CEDIA’s initiative is not just a project — it’s an opportunity for industry professionals to shape the future of accessible housing. For those in the electrotechnology field, this is an invitation to join working groups and task forces that will help set the standards in this emerging sector.

By participating, electricians and integrators can not only gain insights into the latest technology but also influence the practices and benchmarks that will define accessible smart home installations worldwide.

The business case: Why electricians should care

For electricians, adding smart home integration for the disability and aged care sectors is more than an ethical decision — it’s a sound business move. The aged care sector alone is anticipated to grow substantially due to Australia’s ageing population, while the NDIS provides funding and support for disability services, fuelling demand for skilled integrators. Diversifying your services to include smart home technology integration can open new revenue streams and position your business as a leader in a growing market.

Moreover, many clients in the disability sector require ongoing support and maintenance of their systems. Offering these services can lead to long-term relationships with clients and steady, reliable income.

In a landscape where traditional electrical work is competitive and sometimes commoditised, moving into the realm of smart home technology allows for greater specialisation, which can command higher service fees.

Final thoughts

The integration of smart home technology within the disability and aged care sectors is at a tipping point. With government initiatives pushing for greater autonomy and accessibility, there has never been a better time for electricians to explore this market. For those willing to invest in the necessary skills and certifications, the opportunities are substantial. As the sector continues to grow, those who enter early and align with industry standards, such as those promoted by CEDIA, will find themselves at the forefront of a meaningful and profitable industry transformation.

Smart home technology isn’t just about convenience; for people with disabilities and older Australians, it’s about empowerment, independence and dignity. For electricians and integrators, it’s about the chance to build a business that makes a real difference. Joining this movement isn’t just about embracing new technology — it’s about embracing a future where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can live independently and with confidence in their own home.

To join CEDIA or to learn more about the benefits of membership, visit cedia.org/join.