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Open Access 01-12-2024 | COVID-19 | Research

The use of technology to address loneliness and social isolation among older adults: the role of social care providers

Authors: Elisabeth Grey, Fran Baber, Estelle Corbett, David Ellis, Fiona Gillison, Julie Barnett

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Addressing loneliness and social isolation among older adults remains a public health priority. The restrictions enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic simultaneously heightened the need for services to overcome social isolation and reduce loneliness among older adults, while also limiting social care providers’ ability to deliver these. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of social care providers in using technology to address loneliness and social isolation among older adults during the pandemic.

Methods

This was a mixed methods study involving an online survey and interviews with providers of older adult social care in Wales, UK. Invitations to participate were sent to commissioners and providers of adult social care services, including those working in the voluntary and community sectors, across all local authorities in Wales. Data was collected between September 2021 and January 2022.

Results

Sixty-one service providers completed the survey, 19 of whom also took part in an interview. Addressing loneliness and isolation among older adults was reported as a key concern by nearly all survey respondents. While telephone calls were the most common means of facilitating social interaction, many service providers also tried to support older adults to make more use of devices that they already had (e.g., smartphones to hold video calls). Where funding was available, organisations purchased devices, such as tablets and smart speakers, for older adults. Analysis of interviews resulted in three themes: (1) The potential and limitations of technology; (2) Individuals’ capabilities, confidence, motivations and values; and (3) The wider system.

Conclusions

Technology was employed in a variety of ways during the pandemic to address loneliness and social isolation among older adults; many service providers continue to use technology in a hybrid system of care now that pandemic-related social restrictions have been lifted. Our findings emphasise a need for technology-assisted interventions to be designed and deployed in alignment with service users’ values, motivations and capabilities. Further, there is a need to better support service providers to assess loneliness and social isolation among older adults, and to acknowledge the important role providers play in helping older adults to adopt technology-assisted interventions.

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Title: The use of technology to address loneliness and social isolation among older adults: the role of social care providers
Authors: Elisabeth Grey
Fran Baber
Estelle Corbett
David Ellis
Fiona Gillison
Julie Barnett
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-17386-w

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The use of technology to address loneliness and social isolation among older adults: the role of social care providers

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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