Invitation to take part in our research on technology and social connections among older adults
The Welsh Government has commissioned researchers at the University of Bath and the Wales Centre for Public Policy to investigate if and how technology is being used during the COVID-19 pandemic in Wales to build social connections and tackle loneliness and social isolation among older adults. We would like to hear from people who work for statutory or voluntary organisations that provide social/community care services to older adults in Wales or who commission these services, to understand their experiences of using (or not) technology through the pandemic. To do this we have set up an online survey that you are invited to complete.
Title of study: Use of technology to build social connections and tackle loneliness among older adults in Wales during the coronavirus pandemic
Who can take part? If you work for a statutory or voluntary organisation that provides community-based care and support services for older adults (65+) or who commission these care and support services for older adults, we would like to hear from you. In this study we are focusing on the provision of care and services for community dwelling older adults rather than for older adults in residential care or nursing homes, although you may cover both. Community-based care and support services for older adults include:
registered domiciliary care services (not residential or nursing care)
community-based support services, for example befriending schemes
We would like to hear from people from a range of different professional roles within these organisations – so whatever your role within these organisations we would like to hear from you.
What is involved? You will be asked to complete an online survey, which should take less than 20 minutes. At the end of the survey you will be asked if you would also like to take part in an interview via telephone/video call – this is optional and would last less than an hour. The survey will be running until 31st October 2021.
What you will get in return? For completing the survey, you will be offered the chance to be entered into a prize draw for one of three prizes: £50, £30 or £20.
I’m interested, how can I take part? If you would like to take part in the survey or would like further information, please go to: https://bit.ly/tech_loneliness_surveyS
The survey will be running until 31st October 2021.
This study has received ethical approval from Cardiff University’s Research Ethics Committee.
Contact details
Professor Julie Barnett, jcb54@bath.ac.uk
Dr Lis Grey, ebg21@bath.ac.uk