title: Integrating Web-Based Applications into Aged Care: Two Case Studies and Discussion.
abstract: In anticipation of the growing need for adequate mental health care for older adults in residential aged care facilities, psychologists are challenged to overcome several barriers that impede the uptake and delivery of their services in such settings. Information and communication technologies (ICT) have strong potential to overcome some of these barriers by supporting the delivery of evidence-based psychosocial treatments for common psychogeriatric issues. This paper presents two case studies that illustrate when and how psychologists can use various ICT applications (e.g., tablet devices, web-based applications) integrated with cognitive behavioural and reminiscence-based therapies. Both case studies demonstrate that ICT can effectively support the therapeutic alliance, enhance therapeutic engagement, and individualize treatment delivery to accommodate the needs of elderly patients. It is hoped that these case studies will encourage clinicians to consider using ICT to augment therapy with their elderly patients.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, P.O. Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia. irehm@swin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Imogen C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Rehm
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, P.O. Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia.
authors.forename: Selma
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Musić
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, P.O. Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia.
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Carlsson
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, P.O. Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia.
authors.forename: Faye
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Scanlan
authors.affiliation: Jewish Care, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Silver
authors.affiliation: Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Sunil S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Bhar
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003142:Communication; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet
keywords: Aged care; Information communication technology; Older adults; Psychosocial treatment; Web-based therapy