Presentation
Smart Home Technology Adoption for Seniors. What do family members think?
World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress 2022
(2022)
Abstract
Smart Home Technology Adoption for Seniors. What do family members think?
Introduction: Older adults may consider smart home technology (e.g. voice controlled light switches and sensors that track sitting and sleep time) as a means of aging in place. Family members may feel peace of mind by seeing data patterns that signal when activity patterns are “typical” or “unusual” for their loved ones.
Rationale: Understanding both the perspectives of older adults and their family members will help occupational therapists be client-centered in their smart home technology recommendations.
Objectives: Compare family members and older adults’ experiences when adopting smart home technology.
Method / Approach: Investigators used a phenomenological approach, analyzing interviews of both older adults (n=6) and their family members (n=4). Older adult interviews occurred before and then again two and eight months after technology installation. Family interviews took place approximately 2 months post installation. Interviews were recorded and transcribed and then reviewed using open, axial, and selective coding of transcripts.
Results and or Practice Implications: Family member themes included: [It] gave her peace of mind, [I] suggested changes in sitting and medication, [I am concerned about] invasion of privacy, and [the technology may] better benefit someone with poor memory. Older adult participant themes included: it changed/didn’t change me; I don’t need it, and could be helpful for other seniors living alone.
Conclusion: The family members perceived the technology as helpful for their loved ones; while, older adults viewed the technology as being more beneficial for someone other than themselves.
Disciplines
Publication Date
Fall August 31, 2022
Location
Paris, virtual
Citation Information
Jennifer Hutson and Karen M Sames. "Smart Home Technology Adoption for Seniors. What do family members think?" World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress 2022 (2022) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jennifer-hutson/27/