Problem Definition

One of the main problems we would like to address with our project is that of the loss of independence many elderly users suffer when they are no longer able, or considered able, to live safely on their own.

This is a problem which affects many old people. Care homes are a potential solution, but involve

• removing an elderly user from their home
• 24 hour intrusive care
• a reliance upon careworkers, with all the interpersonal issues that may bring e.g. an elderly person doesn't like their careworker, or is highly embarrassed at having to need one at all
• possible restrictions upon an elderly person's activities and essentially a restriction of their freedoms
• a general loss of independence, which may indirectly lead to other problems including self-esteem and anxiety issues
  

Initial Analysis of the Extent of this Problem

"Siegfried was 41 when she decided to move to a nursing home. "But the nursing home was like hell. I hope I die anywhere but there," she said.

It took her two years and eight months to work her way back out of the nursing home, but Siegfried persisted. She moved out initially with a roommate who also wanted to live independently."
[link]

Although Siegfried's need for assistance with her lifestyle stemmed from a disability, many elderly users are faced with similar decisions, or even worse, under pressure from families who are unable or unwilling to provide the care they need and encourage the move to a care home.

Elderly people often value their independence. Whether or not they recognise their own difficulties with living independently, moving to a nursing home is still often a decision that is made grudgingly, and "research has shown that moving vulnerable old people shortens their lives" [link]. They elderly may also be struggling on in their own homes purely because there are no available care homes they can go to; news of mass nursing home closures due to lack of funds and staff have been known to surface in the news. Stories, both inflated and unexaggerated, of care home abuse also decrease the level of trust a family or elderly person is likely to have in nursing homes in general.

The elderly already face problems such as depression where they feel isolated or lonely. Some evidence suggests that living at home can also lead to feelings of isolation. There are social drives to resolve this, such as getting the elderly involved in community activities, but in the meantime, elderly users still face difficulties if they want to live in their own homes.

Barriers to Independence

Linking into the previous post on the constraints of the target audience, a number of things form a barrier to an elderly person's independence.

• Mobility - users who struggle to get around, for whatever reason, may have trouble attaining the resources they need to live on their own. Things such as shopping are routine for most people, but elderly users may find this a struggle. A number of reputable supermarkets now offer home delivery services etc., which highlights the need for a solution to this problem. Similarly, a lack of mobility may prevent elderly people from leaving their home to visit friends, family or their favourite places.
• Vision - being unable to see clearly would have quite an effect on living in your own home. Imagine being unable to read bills or other important letters and documents that came to your home, instructions on packaging or in manuals for devices etc. It may also increase the risk of an accident, as the user will be less aware of their immediate surroundings and any risks therein.
• Hearing - problems with hearing may reduce the chance of a user hearing a fire alarm, for example, thus putting them at risk. Or they may miss a knock at the door or phone call, quite harmless indirectly, but potentially causing difficulties and confusion.
• Memory - as discussed, this is not necessarily an issue for all elderly users. But if it is, the impact can be quite big. Forgetting important household tasks, phone numbers, dates, or bill paying deadlines etc. could cause difficulties with living alone unaided, and leaving the gas or fire on is potentially dangerous.
  
• Learning new things - again, not necessarily an issue. But living alone combined with other elderly constraint factors may increase the difficulty an elderly user has with, for example, setting up their tv, fixing their video, taping their favourite programs, or working household appliances. These are essentials to independence, and if not manageable alone, may require assistance from relatives etc.
• Motor skills - reduced flexibility and coordination may make otherwise simple tasks, like using a TV remote, quite difficult.
• Living conditions - a user who has no family, or at least any family willing to help out now and again, might find living alone a struggle. Studies suggest that feelings of isolation also encourage illnesses such as depression in elderly people.

In our ideas thus far, we've decided we would really like to tackle some areas that limit an elderly person's independence in their own home, to improve their quality of life. When we construct our personas, we will hopefully issue some questionnaires to them to see how many of these theoretical problems are valid, and possibly prioritise them.