abstract: The continuing development of technology offers the prospect of considerable benefits for older people, and it is now not uncommon to see computers with internet access in British nursing homes. In this American study, ten nursing home residents were encouraged to use a videophone to keep in contact with their relatives. Rather than using a computer and cyberspace, this equipment simply employed what the authors describe as POTS (plain old telephone system). A variety of problems were encountered during this trial, including inability to see the screen due to visual impairment and technical problems with the transmitted image. Four residents persevered with the equipment and successfully completed the trial period. One relative commented, 'Dad always had a more enthusiastic voice when we could talk together and see each other. It helped my dad through the winter months'.
authors.affiliation: Homerton college, Cambridge school of health studies.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Adams