Implementation of New Technologies in an Aged Care Social Day Program: Mixed Methods Evaluation

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Australia's aging population seeks aging-in-place solutions, moving beyond traditional residential aged care.
• A Social Day Program utilizes advanced technologies (interactive gaming, robots, VR) to support older adults with dementia.
• These technologies aim to maintain cognitive function, independence, and quality of life for seniors.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the implementation of new technologies in a dementia-focused Social Day Program.
• Identify barriers and enablers influencing technology adoption and uptake.
• Inform organizational decision-making for broader technology implementation and future investments in aged care.

Main Methods:

• A 16-week observational study of technology use within the program.
• Surveys and semistructured interviews conducted with program staff.
• Thematic analysis of interview data, with triangulation across all collected data.

Main Results:

• Technology use by clients was limited (22 hours over 126.5 observation hours).
• Most staff (75%) identified barriers to client technology use; 95% assisted clients.
• Staff reported mixed confidence and training levels; key themes included technology's potential, staff knowledge, and functionality issues.

Conclusions:

• Technology is not currently used extensively for enrichment or enhanced experiences.
• Significant barriers hinder the implementation and sustained use of these technologies.
• Recommendations focus on improving implementation strategies and promoting sustained technology use in similar aged care settings.