Episode Summary: Aarav Kumar, Founder of Keen Care
Host Anthony Nguyen presents this special episode of the Pioneers in Aged Care podcast, featuring an in-depth interview with Aarav Kumar, founder of Keen Care and Sales Director of Telelink Business Systems. This episode was recorded at the Keen Care launch party in Adelaide, showcasing innovative technology solutions addressing Australia's aged care crisis.
About the Host: Anthony Nguyen
Anthony Nguyen hosts the Pioneers in Aged Care podcast, a platform dedicated to highlighting innovative leaders who are transforming Australia's aged care industry. The podcast focuses on interviewing pioneers who are pushing boundaries and elevating standards in a struggling sector through technology and innovation.
Guest Profile: Aarav Kumar
Aarav Kumar (31) brings extensive business development experience to aged care innovation:
- Current Role: Founder of Keen Care, Sales Director of Telelink Business Systems
- Previous Experience: Best Performer at Telstra Business (2019-2022), Regional Sales Manager at High Tech Solar Batteries
- Company Background: Acquired Telelink in 2021, transforming it from telecommunications into aged care technology
The Aged Care Challenge
Kumar identifies Australia's critical aged care crisis:
- Aging Population: Average age above 62, projected to reach 70 by 2040
- Declining Workforce: Insufficient staff to meet growing demand
- Infrastructure Shortage: Will require 30 times more aged care beds than currently available
- Home Care Preference: Elderly prefer staying in familiar environments with lifetime memories
Telelink: Technology Foundation
Telelink Business Systems provides the hardware infrastructure:
- Geographic Reach: 80% Adelaide-based, 20% interstate (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Northern Territory)
- Core Services: Telecommunications, nurse call systems, hands-free voice-activated emergency systems
- Innovation: Partnership with Vital Care for hands-free nurse call technology using keyword extraction and voice pitch analysis
- Deployment Strategy: Three-stage implementation with comprehensive training at each phase
Keen Care: Software Revolution
Keen Care addresses home care quality measurement and compliance challenges:
Core Problems Solved:
- Location Verification: Geo-locked clock-in system (similar to Uber's technology) prevents fraudulent time reporting
- Language Barriers: Live translation supporting 190 languages for progress notes
- Medical Terminology: AI-powered assistance for understanding complex care plans
- Quality Measurement: Comprehensive tracking of care delivery in home environments
Key Features:
- Geocentric Attendance: Workers must be physically present at client location to clock in
- Voice-to-Text Progress Notes: Support workers can dictate in their native language
- AI Integration: Medical terminology assistance and care plan interpretation
- Compliance Management: Automated SHCS award calculations and payroll processing
Keen Care Guardian App
Free companion app for families providing:
- Real-time Updates: Live information about care delivery
- Fall Detection Integration: Radar sensor technology (not cameras) for privacy-compliant monitoring
- Multi-layered Safety: Three-tier emergency response system
- Family Peace of Mind: Comprehensive care tracking for relatives with dementia or memory issues
Technology Integration
The Telelink-Keen Care ecosystem offers:
- Hardware Solutions: Fall detection devices, voice-activated nurse call systems
- Software Intelligence: Data interpretation, automated alerts, family notifications
- Emergency Response: Multi-failsafe system with automated calling distribution
- Home-to-Facility Quality: Bringing residential aged care safety standards to home care
Industry Impact and Future
Launch Success:
- 170 attendees at Adelaide launch event
- 67 product demo registrations
- 11 engagement letters from interested providers
- Team Growth: Expanding from 20 to 50 employees by June 2026
Upcoming Events:
- Australian Healthcare Week: March 19-20, Sydney (Booth #408)
- National Expansion: Planned growth in Melbourne, Perth, and New South Wales
- 11 engagement letters from interested providers
- Team Growth: Expanding from 20 to 50 employees by June 2026
Business Philosophy
Kumar emphasizes the "learn or win" mentality, viewing challenges as growth opportunities. The company's mission centers on treating elderly Australians with dignity and respect while addressing workforce shortages through innovative technology solutions.
Resource Access
Keen Care website (keencare.com.au) provides:
- Download section with relevant aged care and disability care documentation
- SHCS award information and compliance resources
- Product demonstrations and technical specifications
Business Philosophy
Kumar emphasizes the "learn or win" mentality, viewing challenges as growth opportunities. The company's mission centers on treating elderly Australians with dignity and respect while addressing workforce shortages through innovative technology solutions.
Podcast Impact
The Pioneers in Aged Care podcast with Anthony Nguyen serves as a crucial platform for:
- Industry Innovation: Showcasing technology solutions addressing aged care challenges
- Knowledge Sharing: Connecting aged care providers with cutting-edge solutions
- Professional Development: Supporting industry professionals with educational content
- Community Building: Fostering collaboration among aged care pioneers
This episode demonstrates how technology integration can bridge the gap between residential aged care quality and home care delivery, offering hope for Australia's aging population crisis while maintaining individual dignity and family connections.
Connect with the Show
Watch this episode: Aarav Kumar - Keen Care Innovation Episode
Subscribe to the channel: Pioneers in Aged Care Podcast on YouTube
Viewers can engage with the Pioneers in Aged Care podcast and Anthony Nguyen through comments and questions, supporting the mission to elevate Australia's aged care industry through innovation and collaboration. Subscribe to the channel for more episodes featuring innovative leaders transforming aged care across Australia.