Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

As technology advances, digital tools such as tele-care and wearable sensors are being used more to help older adults, especially those who spend a lot of time at home. Taking care of homebound older adults, particularly Black seniors, is becoming more difficult as a result of multiple health conditions that require specialized care from various healthcare professionals. The healthcare strain and cost of services have shifted care from some healthcare professionals to family members and friends who take up caregiving roles as seniors age. As such this study aimed at understanding the perspectives of healthcare workers and unpaid caregivers in utilizing digital tools to identify and support the needs of HB black older adults in Toronto and GTA. To better understand their experiences, we interviewed 10 healthcare workers with two years experience providing home-based care and 5 family caregivers. These interviews took place over Zoom and lasted over an hour. The team analyzed the interviews to identify common ideas about how digital tools are used, perceived usage among HB seniors and barriers and facilitators to utilizing such tools The study examined four emerging themes. First, being homebound makes black seniors isolated and lose connections; however utilizing digital technology can sometimes help them stay connected or, in some cases, make them feel more alone. Second, many Black seniors and their families face financial challenges that make it hard to access digital tools or culturally appropriate care. Third, simple technologies such as emergency alert buttons can make HB older adults feel safer and supported. Lastly, factors such as race, language, and cultural mistrust can shape whether people feel comfortable using digital health tools. Overall, the study shows that digital solutions must be culturally sensitive, affordable, and built on trust to truly support HB Black older adults, caregivers and healthcare workers who care for them.