AGEWELL- Advanced Care Research Centre (AW-ACRC) workshop in UK

Digitally Enabled Technology for Older Adults Residing in Care Homes: Toward Meaningful Evaluation

Date: April 28-29, 2025

Location:
Usher Engage Room, Advanced Care Research Centre (ACRC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh UK, EH16 4UX

Workshop Organizers:
Jeffrey Jutai, University of Ottawa
Kathrin Cresswell & Susan Shenkin, University of Edinburgh

Funding:
This workshop is funded by AGEWELL Innovation through Future Care Approaches in Healthy Aging grant AW-ACRC-2024-01.


Workshop Summary: In April 2025, the AGEWELL-Advanced Care Research Centre (AW-ACRC) workshop held in the UK marked an important milestone in advancing digital health for older adults in care homes. This international workshop brought together a diverse group of researchers, care staff, residents, families, and technology experts all united by the shared goal of improving the lives of older adults through thoughtful, human-centered digital innovation.
Add the attached image here of workshop participants


Participants emphasized that technology should complement rather than replace the personal care and relationships that residents value. A key insight was the importance of co-design, where the lived experiences and voices of residents, staff, and families shape technology selection and implementation. This inclusive approach aims to ensure that digital tools are user-friendly, accessible, and truly enhance daily living. Additionally, the workshop served as a collaborative platform to share best practices and tools, like Perley Health’s “Partnering for Progress” guide, which fosters collective decision-making in technology adoption.


The workshop also highlighted challenges such as digital literacy barriers, ethical considerations, and the need for equitable access to technology. Sharing real-life stories, including from residents and caregivers, deepened understanding of practical challenges and helped ground discussions in everyday realities.
The workshop catalyzed international partnerships and fostered ongoing knowledge exchange to ensure digital health innovations in care homes are effective, ethical, and centered on improving quality of life for older adults. It reinforced the critical role of collaboration across sectors and countries in driving forward the future of digital health in long-term care. This event exemplifies the power of inclusive dialogue and co-creation in shaping technology-enabled aging with dignity and respect.

To know more about the workshop, please read the Workshop Programme:

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