Technology use for care, support and social connect in the community: preliminary findings from the DIALOGUE project

Digital technologies (smart phones, tablets and smart speakers) are becoming prevalent in social care provision to facilitate older people to maintain independent living. However, there is a paucity of understanding of what type of technologies are being trialled by social care services, or if people are being offered the chance to use them. To understand what type of technologies may/not be suitable for social care delivery, a series of workshops were conducted across three sites in England (Northeast, Southwest and Central England), with adults aged 65+ years. Eighteen older adults were recruited: 13 were women; white British (n= 16); and seven self-reported a physical impairment, disability or social care package in place. Findings identified four themes: 1. everyday technology use, 2. perceived benefits of technology for care and independence, 3. concerns and barriers to technology adoption, 4. priorities for future technology-enabled care. This work identifies the need for researchers to be cognisant of challenges, including digital literacy, and it lays the foundation for future research priorities in the field of applied research in social care.