Understanding Retirement Community Employees’ Perceived Benefits and Concerns of Smart Presence Technology

Abstract

The goal of this study was to understand the perceived benefits and concerns of smart presence technology from continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) employees. We define smart presence technology as technology that enables an aural and visual presence (i.e. telepresence) with the added benefit of mobility. To better understand their perceptions of the benefits and concerns for smart presence systems, we conducted a needs assessment with CCRC nurses and staff (N=23). We employed a qualitative assessment and interviewed employees who were given first-hand experience operating the smart presence device. We found that there is potential for smart presence in CCRCs; however, employees were not without concerns. The top benefits that were mentioned included convenience and effort/time saving, visualization and socialization whereas the top concerns that were mentioned included limitations of the system, emotional harm to others/residents and physical harm to others. Knowing the employees’ perspectives of smart presence technology will provide insight on how smart presence technology may be used in retirement communities (e.g., resident interaction with family and friends, conducting meetings, etc.) and how to better design smart presence to meet CCRC employee needs (e.g. increase visibility, embed safety mechanisms, etc.).