In-home technologies can support older adults' activities of daily living, provide physical safety and security, and connect elders to family and friends. They facilitate aging in place while reducing caregiver burden. One of older adults' primary concerns about in-home technologies is their potential to reduce human contact, particularly from cherished caregivers. In this exploratory in-situ study, we provided an ecosystem of networked monitoring technologies to six older adults and their caregivers. We analyzed the amount and content of communication

Through this study we sought to understand the complex experience of retirement and the meaning of identity for women who recently retired from a professional career. Through the use of qualitative methods, including photo elicitation, journaling, and a series of two in-depth interviews with each of six women, a fluid description of the meaning of identity among a small, homogenous sample of retired professional women was constructed. Salient themes included consistency of significant identity components from work to retirement, importance of social connectedness, engagement in continued learning; involvement in aspects of former work roles, and the importance of helping others.

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Background: Shoulder arthroplasty is a common procedure, but a lack of research regarding recovery and rehabilitation limits occupational therapists from providing appropriate education and support. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the patient's experiences in the acute recovery phase following shoulder arthroplasty.Method: Twelve participants completed three semi-structured interviews in the first 6 weeks following surgery. A basic-interpretive approach was used before coding interview transcriptions into categories.Results: The participants initially reported increased reliance on assistance and/or modifications in ADLs routines, such as dressing, bathing, and sleep. Interruption in sleep was reported because of pain and/or positioning restrictions, and frustration because of a lack of sleep and need for assistance was noteworthy. As sling usage decreased, the participants reported returning to ADLs with a coinciding reduction in frustration. Finally, the participants noted improvement in ADLs and IADLs and a return to tasks such as driving, cooking and meal preparation, and returning to social engagements. Overarching themes included presurgical expectations, advice, pain reduction, and general improvement in quality of life.Discussion: Changes to patient education, including ADLs and IADLs assistance needs, may improve patient recovery. Occupational therapists specifically may improve recovery by using their understanding of arthroplasty, environment, routines, and other factors that affect sleep. CommentsThe authors report the receipt of grants from the University of Indianapolis during the conduct of the study.