Virtual Home Assistant Use and Perceptions of Usefulness by Older Adults and Support Person Dyads

Cynthia F. Corbett, Elizabeth M. Combs, Pamela J. Wright, Otis L. Owens, Isabel Stringfellow, Thien Nguyen and Catherine R. Van Son
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Cynthia F. Corbett: College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Elizabeth M. Combs: College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Pamela J. Wright: College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Otis L. Owens: College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Isabel Stringfellow: College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Thien Nguyen: College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Catherine R. Van Son: College of Nursing, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 98686, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-13

Abstract: Aim: Describe virtual home assistant use and usefulness from the perspective of older adults and their support persons. Methods: This was a mixed-methods study with older adults and their support persons ( n = 10 dyads). Virtual home assistant (VHA) equipment was installed in participants’ homes, and its use was documented for 60 days. Participants received protocol-guided telephone calls to address their VHA questions or problems. The type and frequency of VHA use were summarized with descriptive statistics. End-of-study interviews about VHA use were conducted with dyad participants. Qualitative content analyses were used to describe the interview findings about the dyad’s perceptions of using the VHA, how it was used, any difficulties experienced, and suggestions for future VHA uses. Results: Participant dyads reported positive VHA perceptions, including the potential for VHAs to promote aging in place. Participants discussed the challenges learning the technology and replacing old habits with new ones. Participants offered recommendations for future VHA skills and for more education and training about using the VHA. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that VHAs may be useful for older adults as they age in place and offer reassurance for support persons.

Keywords: virtual home assistants; digital home assistants; aging in place; caregivers; virtual assistant; assistive technology; digital devices; intelligent virtual assistants; smart home device; independent living; low cost (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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