PROJECT I – EVALUATING THE NEEDS & EXPERIENCES OF OLDER ADULTS USING POWER WHEELCHAIRS

Purpose and Objectives: The overall goal of this research project is to evaluate the
effectiveness, impact, and relevance of wheeled mobility devices from the perspective of consumers, caregivers, health care providers, policy makers, and funding agencies. Project 1 will occur in three phases and address four objectives.

Phase 1: Qualitative interviews will address the following objectives (year 1):
Objective1: To ascertain how older adults, caregivers, health care professionals, policy makers, and funding agencies define the technological, social, and physical needs and abilities of individuals aged 60+ with respect to power wheelchairs.
Objective 2: To investigate how older adults, caregivers, and health care providers perceive and experience smart wheelchairs and their concomitant influence on social engagement.

Phase 2: Focus groups (years 1, 3, 6)
Objective 3: To assist the members of the Assistive Technology Team in identifying the technological needs and abilities of older adults with respect to smart wheelchairs.

Phase 3: Observational studies of efficacy (years 3-6)
Objective 4: To observe and assess how well smart wheelchairs work with and for older adults, particularly in novel situations.