Introduction
With an aging population, many older adults live with chronic conditions and functional limitations, increasing the demand for home care. This study explores how assistive technology (AT) might reduce the need for home care.
Objectives
To investigate whether AT can decrease the number of weekly home care hours among older adults.
Method
This study included N = 28 participants aged 65+ living in ordinary housing and receiving 15–40 hours of weekly home care. The intervention, conducted by occupational and physiotherapists, included assessments of functional capacity, activity needs, AT requirements, and housing adaptations. Participants underwent observations, interviews, trials and training in the use of AT devices and housing adaptions to optimize independence and reduce home care reliance. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions were used for data analysis.
Results
The results showed a mixed pattern:
- 40% of participants experienced a reduction in home care hours.
- 30% maintained stable hours.
- 30% required more hours.
AT effectively replaced one of two home care assistants, thereby reducing total home care hours in some cases. For those needing increased care, the intervention revealed that informal care from relatives had been replaced by formal services.
Conclusion & Significance for Occupational Therapy
AT can, to some extent, substitute for home care services and reduce the number of weekly home care hours, but proper training and guidance for home care assistants are crucial for safe and effective use. Occupational therapists play a vital role in implementing AT within home care settings, ensuring it meets individual circumstances.