Stakeholder needs assessment for developing ageing in place solutions – a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Ageing in place is a common desire among older adults and people in need of care. Accessible housing and ambient assisted living (AAL) technologies can help to live independently at home. However, they cannot replace the human support network of informal caregivers, healthcare professionals and social workers. The needs of these stakeholders should be considered and analysed in order to develop user-friendly and acceptable (digital) solutions for ageing in place while supporting human support networks in fulfilling their roles. This paper presents the first step for a comprehensive multi-level needs analysis within the framework of an user-centered design thinking approach. Methods: Guideline-based interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals, social workers and an informal caregiver to collect data about the needs of older adults as well as people in need of care, and their human support networks. Results: The call for more information that is easier to find is a common desire of the three groups. There is agreement on system-based communication and orientation problems, the existence of physical and psychological stress exacerbated by a lack of human resources, the desire for personalised care, the need to feel safe and supported in emergencies, and the need for advice and help with administrative tasks. Overall, the needs of one group are closely linked to those of the other. Conclusion: Stakeholder selection and diversity are decisive for findings about ageing in place. The overlaps between the stakeholders’ needs offer chances and challenges at the same time for the development of user-friendly, acceptable (digital) solutions and products that support ageing in place.