Virtual Home Assistant Use and Perceptions of Usefulness by Older Adults and Support Person Dyads.

Cynthia F Corbett,Catherine R Van Son,Otis L Owens,Thien Nguyen,Isabel Stringfellow,Pamela J Wright,Elizabeth M Combs

doi:10.3390/ijerph18031113

Abstract

Aim: Describe virtual home assistant use and usefulness from the perspective of older adults and their support persons. Methods: This was a mixed-methods study with older adults and their support persons (n = 10 dyads). Virtual home assistant (VHA) equipment was installed in participants’ homes, and its use was documented for 60 days. Participants received protocol-guided telephone calls to address their VHA questions or problems. The type and frequency of VHA use were summarized with descriptive statistics. End-of-study interviews about VHA use were conducted with dyad participants. Qualitative content analyses were used to describe the interview findings about the dyad’s perceptions of using the VHA, how it was used, any difficulties experienced, and suggestions for future VHA uses. Results: Participant dyads reported positive VHA perceptions, including the potential for VHAs to promote aging in place. Participants discussed the challenges learning the technology and replacing old habits with new ones. Participants offered recommendations for future VHA skills and for more education and training about using the VHA. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that VHAs may be useful for older adults as they age in place and offer reassurance for support persons.

Highlights

Worldwide, the population is aging, with a concomitant increase in people who have two or more comorbid conditions [1]
Aging in place is associated with a higher quality of life, lower healthcare costs, and less burden on federal resources [44]
We evaluated the Virtual home assistant (VHA) use and usefulness among ten dyads of older adults and their designated support persons, which was consistent with recommendations to investigate technology through the feedback and insight from a sample population of older adults and their support systems [44,45]

Summary

Introduction

The population is aging, with a concomitant increase in people who have two or more comorbid conditions [1]. During the two decades, the number of people in the United States over age 70 will increase by 90%, and the 80 years and older population will more than double [2]. Harnessing information and communication technology to sustain older adults’ abilities to age in place is critical to supporting their independence and for balancing health and social care resources [5,6,7,8,9]. Technology for facilitating aging in place among older adults exists for many uses, including social connectedness; safety; independent living; and entertainment [6,8] (e.g., smartphones, personal alarms, and tablet computers), but barriers to use them persist [9].

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Conclusion