Demonstrating daily living devices to older people with sight loss: A programme evaluation with implications for good practice and policy development

Abstract

This article describes and evaluates a programme of assistive technology demonstration projects that aimed to identify the information and support needs, as well as preferences and priorities, of older people with sight loss. The programme involved a series of projects across five sites managed by a major provider of housing and care services to people with sight loss. Projects typically involved specially trained lead members of staff displaying, discussing and demonstrating daily living devices and encouraging service users to try out items of interest. Programme evaluation reveals that although participants with sight loss have limited knowledge of generic and low-vision devices, they are keen to find technological solutions to routine difficulties, and value devices of practical design and ease of use that promote safety and independence. Evaluation also indicates that participating support staff would benefit from increased levels of awareness, confidence and training to maximize and operationalize service users’ access to, and appropriate use of, assistive technology.