Providing Tech Support as Care Work Among Care Workers in Assisted Living Facilities: Qualitative Interview Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Technology integration in senior living enhances quality of life.
• Older adults often require assistance to effectively use technology.
• Care workers are pivotal in supporting technology adoption among residents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate care workers' perspectives on supporting older adults with technology.
• To understand the experiences and challenges faced by care workers in this role.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semistructured interviews with 20 professional care workers.
• Participants had an average of 4.9 years of experience in assisted living facilities.
• Study conducted in the United States.

Main Results:

• Care workers regularly assist residents with technology, but their acceptance of this role varies.
• Providing technology support adds to care workers' existing workload.
• This role requires significant explicit and nuanced physical and emotional labor.

Conclusions:

• Care workers' technology support role necessitates greater recognition.
• Systemic support is crucial for care workers facilitating technology use in residential care.
• Addressing the demands on care workers is essential for effective technology integration in senior living.