1. Bonnie Simons Research & Policy Centre Brotherhood of St. Laurence
Online and in touch: the impact of using iPads on the wellbeing of residents in residential aged care
Bonnie Simons
Research & Policy Centre
Brotherhood of St. Laurence
National Ageing Research Institute
6th Annual Seminar - Understanding the role of technology in ageing
Friday, September 25TH, 2015

2. New technologies, new opportunities
Redefining ‘use’ in the digital age
iPads in residential aged care BSL

3. New technologies, new opportunities
Development of touch screen tablets and apps has made technology accessible to people not previously considered ‘computer users’.
Increasing numbers of older adults are using iPads for staying connected to their families, engaging with the wider world, enjoying new forms of entertainment and renewing old interests.
2012 BSL began introducing iPads to Aged Care Services clients
Community Home Care Package clients
2 residential aged care facilities
Respite and dementia short stay program in Frankston

4. Redefining Use Passive Independent Interpassive Supported Assisted
Functions and apps are accessed and used independently
Functions and apps are accessed and used for resident benefit without active resident input.
Passive
Independent
Redefining
Use
May require initial support to access but then uses functions and apps with minimal assistance
Interpassive
Supported
Functions and apps are accessed and used by others with active resident input .
Assisted
Requires increased levels of support to access and use functions and apps
This diagram is the intellectual property of the author and should not be used without correct attribution.
Simons B, 2013 – Moving into the digital age in a residential aged care setting,

5. iPads at Sumner House
Establishing the iPad program
Engaging the residents

6. iPads at Sumner House
iPad activities
Benefits of iPad use

7. Broadening the definition of use provides opportunities for older adults not traditionally thought of as technology users to move into the digital age.
As residents continue to use the iPads they become open to all sorts of possibilities. At aged 70, 80 or 90 they can still be excited about technology and new learning.