JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Older people who receive aged care services at home experience high rates of depression, anxiety and loneliness, yet have poor access to mental health services. Digital interventions are widely available, but research is required to determine whether they are acceptable to the in-home aged care population.

Objective:

To explore the perspectives of in-home aged care recipients on the use of digital technologies to support their emotional wellbeing.

Methods:

An interview study was conducted with 11 older people who received in-home aged care from a national provider. The interview aimed to understand care recipients’ experiences of using technology, as well as their current access to emotional support, and attitudes towards using digital technologies to support their wellbeing.

Results:

Participants reported high access to technology, but varied usage. Most required support to use technology, typically provided by family members, and reported a range of concerns related to technology use. Participants received a variety of informal supports for their emotional wellbeing, typically from family members and their communities, but none accessed professional support. Most were open to using technology to support their emotional wellbeing, and some were willing to receive such support from their aged care provider.

Conclusions:

The willingness of older people who receive in-home aged care to use digital technologies to supplement existing informal emotional support is encouraging. Aged care providers are well placed to implement digital wellbeing programs and can leverage older people’s existing access to digital devices. Technologies and implementation strategies should be purpose-designed for this population and address identified barriers.