Does a co-designed technology package alter feelings of safety and wellbeing in community dwelling older people?

Increasing numbers of older people are living longer, often alone, in their own homes. Societal change has resulted in dispersed families and communities where older people are less connected and supported. These factors increase the need for services and products that enable older people to remain safe and secure in their own homes.

The ACH Group My Smart Home Pilot has recruited 30 people, aged 65+ and living independently to co-design a package of technology aimed at increasing their safety and security in their home. The co-design process that occurs, in conjunction with an Occupational Therapy assessment, enables the development of a tailored package to address the health and security concerns particular to the individual’s circumstances. The technology package, up to the value of $2000, can include installation of health monitoring, communication and entertainment devices, and security alarms. In addition, there is up to 6 hours of coaching to use the technology.

To evaluate the impact of the package, participants are assessed on their security concerns, current health, and technological proficiency before and after installation of the technology. Using validated questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, the evaluation will determine if there was any improvement in the participant’s sense of personal safety and security.

The data collection is ongoing. Interim analysis of pre-intervention data suggests participants are primarily seeking devices to summon help in the event of a fall or a health emergency. They are also interested in IT training to effectively utilise technology they already own. While it was not the intention of the project at inception, the current COVID-19 situation has contributed to a desire to utilize technologies for maintaining social contact.