Leve hele livet? Velferdsteknologiens rolle i nye boligformer for eldre

Abstract

This article is about Care+ (Omsorg+), which is a new care-home concept for the elderly, in which technologies, such as tablets, telecare and smarthome solutions, are integrated. The technologies are expected to support the residents’ safety and self-management. Many resources are invested in technologies as a part of Norwegian policy on elderly care. In this article we discuss the role of technologies in Care+, and the prerequisites for the technologies to function as intended. In particular, the focus is on a tablet solution for information and communication and on smart-home technologies that regulate heat, water-spillage and light. The article builds on data from fieldwork and interviews in one Care+ home and on theoretical resources from the multidisciplinary field «Science, Technology and Society». The findings show that the majority of these technologies were not in use, or caused frustration, as they did not meet the residents’ needs. Hence, the technologies played a much smaller role in supporting the residents than expected. Our argument is that if technologies are to take on a more prominent role in elderly care, it is necessary to focus on flexible solutions that can be adapted. This, however, requires resources and competence which are currently not in place. Key words: elderly care, welfare technology, smart home, technology role, care-homes, safety, self-management