The iPad Project: Introducing iPads into Care Homes in the UK to Support Digital Inclusion

There are an estimated 5,153 nursing homes and 12,525 residential homes in the UK with around 426,000 residents of whom 80% have some form of dementia or memory problem. Only 38% of staff working in residential and domiciliary
services say they use technology in direct work with residents. Objectives The objectives of this study were to (i) explore the experiences and potential benefits and barriers of iPad use in 63 care homes for residents with dementia, their family/friends and care staff; (ii) develop recommendations based on different ways in which iPads can be used in care settings and what needs to be in place to support their successful introduction and usages. Method A mixed methods approach based on data from staff interviews and a self-administered questionnaire, resident case studies, family interviews and observation of activity sessions. Results The main findings were: (i) iPads provided a flexible and adaptable means of engaging residents, their relatives and staff in both one-to-one and
group sessions; (ii) iPads offered a new means to increase social interaction and resident engagement. Conclusion Systematic incremental implementation of the use of iPads in
a care home can help promote digital inclusion for both residents and staff and participation by family members.