Exploring the value of a proactive telecare system in older adults: A qualitative study
L. Fothergill, C. Holland, N. Hayes
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AbstractRetaining independence in older people has many benefits, including improving physical and mental health, boosting confidence, and improving overall quality of life (Hillcoat-Nallétamby, 2014). Telecare interventions have been shown to have great potential in fostering independent living in older adults, as they can help individuals recover at home from episodes of ill health or injury, provide a safe environment and protect individuals from avoidable harm (Greenhalgh, Procter, Wherton, Sugarhood, & Shaw, 2012). Telecare typically includes wearable alarms, automated fall detectors, and ambient environmental sensors. However, overall health benefits achieved to date have been modest and uptake of interventions is low. OKEachDay, is a UK-based technological platform used at home, in which users press an ‘OK’ button to confirm daily well-being (Alertacall, 2020). Staff provide low-need social support and notify users’ next of kin if no contact can be made. OKEachDay encourages daily active engagement from the user, and is therefore proactive, rather than reactive. This intervention may offer physical and psychological support for older adults to live independently, however it is yet to be evaluated. This research will explore the value and assess the usefulness of an innovative telecare system, providing proactive well-being monitoring and telecommunication service in supporting older adults to live independently at home.Keywords: technology use, independence, older adults, well-being
L. Fothergill, C. Holland, N. Hayes (2022). Exploring the value of a proactive telecare system in older adults: A qualitative study. Gerontechnology, 21(s),1-1
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2022.21.s.624.pp1