Technology in the Home Care of Older People: Views from Finland and Ireland.

Abstract

Optimistic expectations of technology can be identified in policy documents, academic centres and businesses that aim to create and promote a variety of technologies so that older people can age at home. This article draws on recent data from Ireland and Finland, two countries at different stages of technological development, to examine the role of technology in the home care for older adults. Research participants (service providers and care recipients) agreed that technology could play an important role by improving communications, enabling social contact, and connecting the 'lone worker' and 'isolated patient' to other stakeholders in home care services. However, participants also had serious concerns around technology. Care was conceptualised as relational and participants expressed apprehension about technology replacing face-to-face contact. Service providers expressed trepidation about the digital divide and technology driving further inequalities in the future. It is important that attempts to develop technology for older adults consider the concerns identified in this study, in order for home care technology to be successfully implemented, widely adopted and meaningfully used.