Researchers As Proxies for Informal Carers: Photo Sharing with Older Adults to Mediate Wellbeing

Abstract

Social technologies offer potential for enhancing aged care, but research on their use has largely focused on formalized care settings, rather than supporting informal care and wellbeing in the home. We examine the use of a novel social technology 'PictureFrame' to support the provision of wellbeing check use for older adults living at home. We conducted a field study of this photo and message-sharing tool to facilitate and support interaction and wellbeing checks with older people. We outline opportunities and challenges encountered when researchers enabled and supported interactions, and acted as part or full proxies for informal carers. We explore the technical, social and emotional aspec..