The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Home Services: Telecare Does not Satisfy the Needs of the Elderly

Abstract

Computer-based information and communication technology (ICT) is used in many service sectors. In home services, it has been considered whether it would be possible to support independent living of the elderly by using ICT; dependant on the needs of the elderly and whether those needs can be satisfied with ICT. In this study, the coping capabilities of 13 elderly clients of a Finnish home service office were assessed using the Finnish RaVa index. All the clients had severe dis abilities and needed help, e.g. to wash and dress. To satisfy such needs, telecare and the telemonitoring of homes are not enough; physical production and human labour are essential in the continuing absence of service robots. Thus, the major focus in organizing home services in the best possible way should be on the use of human labour, not on investing in ICT.