The commercial popularity of smart home (SH) technology has broadened the scope of aging-in-place and home health occupational therapy. The objective of this article is to examine ownership of SH technology by older adults, their readiness to adopt SH technology, and identify the client factors relating to the adoption. A survey of older adults aged 60 and above living in the community was conducted. Respondents ( N = 445) who were women; in the age group of 60 to 70 years; living in a two-level home, with a body function impairment; with a fall history; and experienced in information and communication technology (ICT) were significantly likely to be “brisk adopters” of SH ( p < .05). Stepwise regression model identified marital status, home security, and overall ICT ownership as the predictors of SH ownership, whereas being female, concern over home security, and perceived independence contributed to SH readiness ( p < .05). Consideration of the identified client profiles, health, and personal factors will strengthen SH integration for aging-in-place.

Date Presented 04/04/19 Aging in place (AIP) is one’s ability to live at home without relocation to long-term care. The purpose of this study was to highlight the facilitators and barriers in one’s AIP implementation. OTs can apply these themes to increase the quality of life and potential of older adults to age in place. Primary Author and Speaker: Mackenzie Macuch Contributing Authors: Sajay Arthanat, John Wilcox