A computer services program for residents of a continuing care retirement community: needs assessment and program...

Preparatory to establishing a computer services program for residents, Presbyterian Homes, a multi-campus continuing care retirement community, conducted an assessment of residents' computer needs, ownership, and usage. Based on the results of the needs assessment, computer resource rooms were established at each facility, with computer hardware and software adapted for the use of seniors. We also deliver adapted computer education for residents, including small-group training in basic software skills; classes on software for computer accessibility; and workshops on themes motivating computer use. Ongoing evaluation shows that half of residents make use of computer resources, and that their computer skills have opened the door to other educational opportunities.