Experiences of older adults and long-term care institutions regarding technical solutions: Evaluation results from Austria

Year 2018, Volume: 1 Issue: 2, 89 - 98, 01.09.2018

Martin Pallauf Manfred Kofler Bernd Seeberger

https://doi.org/10.5505/jaltc.2018.25733

Abstract

Ambient Assisted Living solutions (AAL solutions) are designed to make an important contribution to an active, independent, safe and socially integrated life in old age. In the scope of the West-AAL project, ICT-based (Information and Communication Technology) living and housing using AAL solutions was tested actively in more than 60 households of independent older adults in West Austria over a longer period. An evaluation strategy was developed that comprises both qualitative and quantitative aspects. Within this strategy, selected aspects of quality of life were used as indicators. The presentation of results is oriented towards the fields of application of tAALxonomy. The following fields were used in this project: Leisure & Culture, Information & Communication, Health & Care, Housing & Buildings and Safety & Protection. During the test period, habituation effects are to be expected, which are reflected in the results. The project is characterized by the test subjects’ individual choice of solutions. No general assertions can be made based on these, but due to the methodical consolidation using tAALxonomy, a larger random sample per field of application can be achieved.

Key Practitioners Message

• Older adults are generally open to use new technical solutions.
• However, it requires the accompaniment and guidance of relatives or professional caregivers for permanent use.
• The willingness of older adults to use technical solutions is decreasing if the devices do not work properly.
• The willingness to use technical solutions is increasing when the personal benefit is recognized.
  

Keywords

Ambient Assisted Living, Technical Solutions, Evaluation, Gerontechnology, Gerontology

References

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