An exploration of the needs and concerns of potential ambient assisted living users within the context of the meaning of home

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential affect that Ambient Assisted Living technologies may have upon users within the context of the meaning of home. A qualitative approach was employed and semi-structured interviews were held with potential users. Findings revealed that an Ambient Assisted Living system would have little affect upon six of the seven meaning of home categories identified in this study. It was found however, that an Ambient Assisted Living system had the potential to affect behavioural freedom within the home space. Additional themes that emerged from this study were concerned with the importance of family, who benefited most from the system and the nature of trade-off in older adults’ decision-making processes. It was concluded that future research should be directed towards developing Ambient Assisted Living systems as part of a broader holistic paradigm designed to assist older adults with aging-in-place.