Adoption and Use of a Smart Home Connected Care System by Older Adults: Mixed Methods Study

Smart home technologies are often promoted as a means to support independent living and alleviate pressure on health and care systems. However, adoption among older adults remains low, and little is known about how passive, ambient technologies are experienced over time.

This study aimed to examine the adoption of a Connected Care System among older adults and their caregivers in a real-world deployment, testing the applicability of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model and identifying design considerations for future systems.

A mixed methods study was conducted with 91 older adults who used the Connected Care System for approximately 6 months. Quantitative survey data were analyzed using structural equation modeling to assess predictors of behavior intention. Thematic analysis of open-ended survey responses was used to explore participants' experiences and perceptions of the system.

Perceived ease of use (β=0.075; P=.02) and facilitating conditions (β=0.232; P<.001) were significant predictors of behavior intention, while perceived usefulness and social influence were not. Thematic analysis revealed that older adults often conceptualized usefulness in emotional and relational terms, such as peace of mind and caregiver reassurance. Adoption was frequently described as a shared process involving family members. Key barriers included low confidence in setup and reliability concerns, while valued features included passive monitoring, increased independence, and reduced caregiver burden.

The findings suggest that conventional adoption models require adaptation to account for passive, caregiver-mediated smart home systems. Emotional and relational benefits, rather than task efficiency, drive perceived usefulness. Design recommendations are offered to support user-friendly, personalized, and relationally aware smart home technologies that align with the realities of aging in place.