Technology to help family carers: innovative U.S. dissemination strategies

Life could be easier, safer, and more independent for millions of older Americans if their homes were better suited to their changing needs. The most common less felt by those growing older can be compensated for to some degree through the use of technology products and or home modification. Most older adults noting difficulty in routine activities attribute the cause to physical change within their own body. The older adult or carer rarely considers the fact that the home itself or the tools chosen for activity performance may be exaggerating an individual's changing abilities. Implementation of the programs described in this paper increase community education potential. Consumers, carers, and service providers can better recognize the utility of technology as a strategy for more successful aging.