scholarly journals Telehealth at Home: Co-Designing a Smart Home Telehealth System

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inga Hunter ◽  
Phoebe Elers ◽  
Caroline Lockhart ◽  
Hans Guesgen ◽  
Dick Whiddett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Smart Home ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Home Telehealth ◽  
Pilot Implementation ◽  
At Home

Increasing life expectancy and rates of chronic conditions place increasing demands on aged care health and support services. One response preferred by older adults and seen as cost effective is aging in place, whereby older people remain in their own homes and avoid aged residential care. For this to take place, it is crucial that older people maintain effective relationships with support networks and that older adults and these networks have adequate information to support patient centred health and wellness care at home. This study explored how smart home telehealth, a form of telehealth where health care is provided at a distance using smart home digital technology (sensors), could assist older people to age in place and enhance their health and wellbeing. It was a two-phase project, preceded by a workshop with experts:1) 41 interviews with older adults and their informal support networks, seven focus groups with 44 health providers working with older adults, which informed 2) a pilot implementation of a co-designed telehealth system, addressing key barriers identified in Phase 1. The system used low cost, easily accessible, and commercially available sensors, transferring information via email and/or text messaging. It was successfully piloted with five older adults and twelve of their respective support networks for six months, who reported an increased feeling of security and improved interpersonal communication. The findings indicate that smart home telehealth could assist aging in place, and the study provides insights into successful co-design of smart home telehealth services at scale that could be implemented and deployed in contexts wider than aged care.

scholarly journals User Requirements for Technology to Assist Aging in Place: Qualitative Study of Older People and Their Informal Support Networks (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phoebe Elers ◽  
Inga Hunter ◽  
Dick Whiddett ◽  
Caroline Lockhart ◽  
Hans Guesgen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Security And Privacy ◽  
Informal Support ◽  
User Requirements ◽  
Age In Place

BACKGROUND Informal support is essential for enabling many older people to age in place. However, there is limited research examining the information needs of older adults’ informal support networks and how these could be met through home monitoring and information and communication technologies. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate how technologies that connect older adults to their informal and formal support networks could assist aging in place and enhance older adults’ health and well-being. METHODS Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 older adults and a total of 31 members of their self-identified informal support networks. They were asked questions about their information needs and how technology could support the older adults to age in place. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed. RESULTS The analysis identified three overarching themes: (1) the social enablers theme, which outlined how timing, informal support networks, and safety concerns assist the older adults’ uptake of technology, (2) the technology concerns theme, which outlined concerns about cost, usability, information security and privacy, and technology superseding face-to-face contact, and (3) the information desired theme, which outlined what information should be collected and transferred and who should make decisions about this. CONCLUSIONS Older adults and their informal support networks may be receptive to technology that monitors older adults within the home if it enables aging in place for longer. However, cost, privacy, security, and usability barriers would need to be considered and the system should be individualizable to older adults’ changing needs. The user requirements identified from this study and described in this paper have informed the development of a technology that is currently being prototyped.

scholarly journals PERCEPTIONS, ACCEPTABILITY, EXPECTATIONS, AND CONCERNS OF SMART HOME TECHNOLOGIES AMONG OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S881-S882
Author(s):  
Amy Guan ◽  
Hannah C Dannewitz ◽  
Lauren Stratton ◽  
Jennifer Margrett ◽  
Walter R Boot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Smart Home ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Smart Appliances ◽  
Optimal Aging ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
Home Technology ◽  
Smart Home Technology

Abstract Optimal aging in place has become a common preference among older adults to maintain identity and independence, thus smart home technologies are increasingly utilized to achieve these goals. However, disconnect may exist between potential technological benefit and perceptions of acceptability and usability (Lee & Coughlin, 2015). We assessed perceptions of adults aged 50+ (range 50-90 years) to analyze their priorities and ultimate acceptability of smart home technology. Data were collected through surveys, focus groups, and case study interviews. Three major themes emerged regarding smart home utilization: benefits, concerns, and expectations. Participants endorsed smart home technologies (e.g., sensors, telehealth devices) and identified benefits, such as the promotion of optimal aging (e.g., maintaining independence, staying active, safety). However, responses also reflected concerns about privacy, ease of use, and amount of control. Expectations regarding smart homes included more mobility, efficiency, and safety within the home. One participant described technology as having “options [that] are exhausting, but also exciting.” Survey responses (n=30) were analyzed to understand participants’ familiarity with smart home technologies, including: nanotechnology (10.7%), smart showers (42.9%), home sensors (70.4%), telehealth (74.1%), smart appliances (71.4%), personal sensors (81.5%), and voice-activated devices (96.4%). Additionally, respondents indicated their willingness to implement these technologies to maintain and/or improve their daily functioning: nanotechnology (53.8%), smart showers (28.6%), home sensors (66.6%), telehealth (81.5%), smart appliances (40.0%), personal sensors (55.5%), voice-activated devices (64.3%). Discussion focuses on the priorities and needs older adults express regarding technology utilization and the implications for person-centered design and implementation of future smart home technologies.

scholarly journals In-home monitoring evaluation by home-dwelling older adults, caregivers and healthcare providers

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Pais ◽  
P Buluschek ◽  
T Nef ◽  
N Schütz ◽  
H Saner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Home Monitoring ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Monitoring Technologies ◽  
The Impact ◽  
At Home

Abstract Background In Europe, population ageing is increasing the healthcare needs and costs. Both frailty and chronic diseases affecting older people reduce their ability to live independently. However, most older people prefer to age in their own homes. New development of in-home monitoring can play a role in staying independent, active and healthy. Our objective was to evaluate a new in-home monitoring system among home-dwelling older adults (OA), their family caregivers (FC), and their healthcare providers (HCP) for the support of home care. Methods The system continuously monitored OA’s daily activities (e.g., mobility, sleep habits, fridge visits, door events) at home by ambient sensor system (DomoCare®) and health-related events by wearable sensors (Fitbit®, ECG). In case of deviations in daily activities (e.g., changes in mobility), alerts were transmitted to HCP via email. Using specific questionnaires, the opinion of 13 OA, 13 FC, and 20 HCP were collected at the end of 12-month of follow-up focusing on their user experience and the impact of in-home monitoring on home care services. Results These preliminary results underlined that the majority of OA, FC, and HCP consider that in-home sensors can help staying at home, improving home care, reducing family stress, and preventing domestic accidents. The opinion tended to be more favourable toward ambient sensors (80%) than toward Fitbit® (67%) and ECG (64%). On average, OA (80%) and FC (73%) tended to be more enthusiast than HCP (63%). Some barriers reported by HCP were a fear of weakening of the relationship with OA and an excessive surveillance. Conclusions Overall, the opinion of OA, FC and HCP were positive related to in-home sensors, with HCP being more mixed about their use in clinical practice. Key messages In-home monitoring technologies seem to be generally well accepted. In-home monitoring technologies could be help facilitating home care of older people.

Determinants of information communication and smart home automation technology adoption for aging-in-place

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-86
Author(s):  
Sajay Arthanat ◽  
Hong Chang ◽  
John Wilcox
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Smart Home ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
Home Automation ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Home Safety ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Causal Pathways ◽  
Automation Technology ◽  
Significant Direct Effect

Purpose Smart home (SH) internet of things can promote home safety, health monitoring and independence of older adults to age-in-place. Despite its commercial growth, low adoption rates of the technology among aging consumers remain a major barrier. The purpose of this study is to examine SH technology ownership of older adults and its causal pathways with demographics, health and functioning, home safety and information communication technology (ICT) use. Design/methodology/approach A survey on technology-mediated aging-in-place was completed by 447 respondents, 65 years and older. Structural equation modeling was used to underscore the causal pathways among demographics, health, independence and home safety, ICT and home automation technology adoption. Findings The study found that ICT usability, home security and independence have a significant direct effect on SH ownership. Demographics had no significant direct effect, but its influence was mediated through ICT usability. With home safety as mediator, physical impairment, falls and accidents and independence had a significant association with SH ownership. Similarly, increased social support (mediated through home security) decreased the probability of SH automation ownership. Originality/value The findings signify the perceived usefulness of SH automation as theorized in technology acceptance models.

Developing the Person–Place Fit Measure for Older Adults: Broadening Place Domains

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. e548-e558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Weil
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
Measurement Development ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
Sequential Mixed Methods ◽  
Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objectives Literature calls for larger studies with empirically tested instruments about the meaning of place for older adults—studies that include a broader range of domains and neighborhood characteristics. Although rich narrative and qualitative data for small groups of older individuals exist, a measure with valid and reliable scores that includes the new, multiple domains about aging in place does not. Research Design and Methods Findings are reported from a two-phase, nine-step, exploratory sequential mixed-methods process of measurement development for the Person-Place Fit Measure for Older Adults (PPFM-OA). In Phase I, a focus group (n = 8) and qualitative interviews (n = 77) with persons 65 and older were used to develop emerging domains of aging in place. Qualitative data about concepts and language informed the development of a quantitative item pool for the Mechanical Turk-distributed survey. Phase II included a Delphi process reducing the number of items in the PPFM-OA. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability analysis further reduced the number of potential measure items. Results Five factors emerged from the EFA. They were primary or basic needs/necessities (α = .84), neighborhood changes and moving (α = .88), identity and place attachment (α = .86), community value (α = .89), and services and resources (α = .78). Discussion and Implications The development of a measure, such as the PPFM-OA, is crucial as more programs and services are created to address aging in place but uniform data for planning and evaluation are lacking. These initial quantitative analyses are informative for the next step, a larger-scale, quantitative evaluation.

scholarly journals Profiles and Predictors of Smart Home Technology Adoption by Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 247-256
Author(s):  
Sajay Arthanat ◽  
John Wilcox ◽  
Mackenzie Macuch
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Smart Home ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Home Security ◽  
Function Impairment ◽  
Client Factors ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Readiness To Adopt ◽  
Home Technology

The commercial popularity of smart home (SH) technology has broadened the scope of aging-in-place and home health occupational therapy. The objective of this article is to examine ownership of SH technology by older adults, their readiness to adopt SH technology, and identify the client factors relating to the adoption. A survey of older adults aged 60 and above living in the community was conducted. Respondents ( N = 445) who were women; in the age group of 60 to 70 years; living in a two-level home, with a body function impairment; with a fall history; and experienced in information and communication technology (ICT) were significantly likely to be “brisk adopters” of SH ( p < .05). Stepwise regression model identified marital status, home security, and overall ICT ownership as the predictors of SH ownership, whereas being female, concern over home security, and perceived independence contributed to SH readiness ( p < .05). Consideration of the identified client profiles, health, and personal factors will strengthen SH integration for aging-in-place.

The meanings older people give to their rehabilitation experience

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARJO WALLIN ◽  
ULLA TALVITIE ◽  
MIMA CATTAN ◽  
SIRKKA-LIISA KARPPI
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Inpatient Rehabilitation ◽  
Heterogeneous Group ◽  
Geriatric Rehabilitation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Everyday Living ◽  
At Home

Promoting older people's ability to manage at home is important both for themselves and for society, but few studies have explored whether geriatric rehabilitation actually meets the needs of this heterogeneous group. The purpose of this study was to investigate the meanings that older adults attribute to their geriatric rehabilitation experiences. A group of 27 older adults in inpatient rehabilitation were interviewed during the programme and after returning home. Semi-structured interviews were analysed using a qualitative method, which identified three categories of meaning. In the category ‘sense of confidence with everyday life’, rehabilitation was perceived as facilitating everyday living at home; in the category ‘sense of vacation’, rehabilitation was seen as a means of getting away from normal life and enjoying oneself; and in the category ‘sense of disappointment in the rehabilitation programme’, the participants expressed frustration with the limited opportunities to participate in the planning of their rehabilitation, and with the mismatch between the offered programme and what was needed. To promote older people's autonomy and to enhance their ability to live at home, professionals must involve their clients to a greater extent in the planning of the rehabilitation than is currently the case, and also individualise the rehabilitation regimen.

Temporal Characteristics of Habitual Physical Activity Periods Among Older Adults

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 644-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thorlene Egerton ◽  
Sandra G. Brauer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older People ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Activity Period ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Temporal Characteristics ◽  
At Home

Background:While physical activity is advocated for the elderly, little is known about the patterns of habitual activity of older people, particularly those in aged care. This study employed a novel approach to analyzing activity data to compare the temporal characteristics of daily activity between 15 older people living at home with 16 living in an aged care facility.Methods:The time spent standing and walking, and the number and duration of upright activity periods (greater than 1 minute) were monitored for 72 hr continuously.Results:Despite variation in all measures across the participants, those living in aged care spent significantly less time upright per day (2.3 hr vs. 7.2 hr), standing (1.6 hr vs. 5 hr), and walking (0.7 hr vs. 2.2 hr) than those living at home. Participants in both groups had a similar number of activity periods; however, the median activity period duration was less for those living in aged care (4 min vs. 8 min).Conclusions:Activity levels of both groups were low compared with recommendations. In particular, aged care residents were rarely upright for 30 min continuously, supporting the need for services to promote physical activity of older people particularly those living in aged care facilities.

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