Using monitoring technologies to care for older persons: Findings from a cross-sectional survey in Switzerland

Introduction: The ageing of the population calls for closer evaluations of gerontechnologies as potential resources to aid in the care of older persons. Despite the wealth of theoretical and empirical works in this area, there exists a dearth of quantitative studies to address this population trend. This paper uses a large weighted sample in Switzerland to understand the factors associated with the acceptance of smart monitoring technologies to care for older persons. Methods: We designed a telephone survey to address the purposes of this study, collecting data on self-rated acceptance of monitoring technologies (wearables and ambient sensors with and without camera), their care situations, perceived relief of caregiving stress through technology use, and the perceived impact of external factors in technology adoption. Statistical analyses included descriptive analysis, multilevel modelling approach, and sequential multiple regression. Results: A total of 1211 valid responses were obtained for this cross-sectional survey study. Over 80% of participants were willing to accept wearables for locating older persons with dementia as well as for fall detection purposes. Among the respondents, almost 60% were open to using sensors at home to detect changes in the older person, and roughly 35% accepted the use of cameras to recognize fall or pain. Acceptance towards cameras increased significantly with risk of falling, and even in relatively private areas of the home when fall risk was perceived. The care situation and technologies’ perceived usefulness in addressing caregiver stress explained the most variance related to acceptance of the smart monitoring technologies. Conclusions: Higher acceptance was found for smart wearable devices for elder care purposes compared to the sensors and cameras at home. Presence of actual need such as risk of falling, practical care situations, as well as an overall emphasis on ensuring the safety of older persons, were observed to positively impact the acceptance of technologies. Our findings also impart significance of the role of caregiving stress as a driver to incorporating technical tools in elder care. Further research is necessary to ensure implementation of monitoring technologies address, first and foremost, the needs of the older care recipient.