Australia | As the aged care industry continues to navigate the "new normal," the role of technology is becoming increasingly important. However, research has consistently shown that older adults living in rural or remote areas have a different level of access to technology services and healthcare than their urban counterparts. In response, McLean Care, a not-for-profit aged care provider in Australia, collaborated with Monash University and Deakin University researchers to trial smart home technologies in older people's homes.
The trial aimed to understand how smart home devices could support older people in improving their wellness outcomes and living independently while also evaluating the benefits, opportunities, and challenges of incorporating these devices into their lives. The project, known as Smart Homes for Seniors or Intelligent Home Solutions for Independent Living, was designed to address research gaps and evaluate the potential of smart home technologies to support well-being and independence in regional and rural communities.
This trial was unique in its interdisciplinary research methodology, which combined ethnographic insights, electronic data from the devices, user reviews, and a short end-of-trial survey. The focus on older people living in rural and remote areas is significant given the substantial differences in the rates of digital inclusion between urban and rural areas, especially among those aged 65 or older.
The Smart Homes for Seniors project was crucial because older people have traditionally been a marginalised group in the design of smart home devices. Consequently, many user studies did not sufficiently account for their needs. Furthermore, older adults are increasingly concerned about being left behind in the digital age, highlighting the need for proactive policies and research initiatives to help bridge this digital divide.
The Smart Homes for Seniors project was a significant step towards bridging this gap and improving the lives of older Australians. It provided valuable insights into the usability challenges, expectations, hopes, and anxieties of older people using smart home devices to live more independently. This project demonstrated the potential of technology to support the well-being and independence of older people living in rural and remote areas.
The aged care industry recognises the importance of embracing technology to support the well-being and independence of residents, regardless of their location. Aged care providers are committed to ensuring their residents can access the latest technologies to improve their quality of life. This project has the potential to inspire other aged care providers to explore the use of smart home technologies and bridge the digital divide for older Australians living in regional and rural communities.
