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Do community alarm users want telecare?
S J Brownsell1, D A Bradley, R Bragg
1School of Engineering, University of Abertay Dundee, UK.
Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare
|October 12, 2000
Summary
Elderly community alarm users desire advanced telecare options like fall detection and telemedicine. Most seniors are open to new technologies supporting their independence and are not technophobic.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Assistive Technology
- Digital Health
Background:
- Community alarm systems are widely used by the elderly.
- Existing systems show user satisfaction but lack advanced features.
- Telecare technology offers potential enhancements for independent living.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consult inner-city community alarm users about their current systems.
- To gauge interest in incorporating telecare options.
- To assess the acceptance of new technologies among the elderly population.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 176 community alarm users aged 76 years on average.
- Users resided in 160 homes across three multistorey apartment blocks.
- Inquiry about interest in specific telecare features: automatic fall detection, lifestyle monitoring, telemedicine, and videoconferencing.
Main Results:
- 77% expressed interest in automatic fall detection.
- 68% were interested in lifestyle monitoring.
- 57% desired telemedicine services, and 46% were interested in videoconferencing.
- 11% did not want any enhancements.
- 58% owned a microwave or video-recorder, indicating technological familiarity.
Conclusions:
- Elderly community alarm users are receptive to advanced telecare technologies.
- Interest is high for features supporting safety and independence, such as fall detection and telemedicine.
- The elderly are not technophobic and are willing to adopt new technologies to enhance their quality of life.