Adult children's perceptions of intelligent home systems in the care of elderly parents

Smart home technologies and services are widely researched and are being commercialized for use in the homes of older adults throughout the world. However, widespread adoption by older adults of even the most affordable and simple systems has been mixed. While older adults may be the "users" of such technologies, we seek to understand the perceptions held by key "influencers" in the purchase and use decisions -- the adult child. We present an exploratory study based upon a convenience sample of adult children most likely to embrace intelligent home systems and services. Survey respondents are highly educated, technology savvy, middle to high-income adult children ages 35 and older. This group represents possible "lead adopters" who might advance the commercialization of these potentially useful technologies. Findings suggest that trust in the accuracy of the system, privacy concerns and willingness to intervene in a parent's home may present challenges to adoption even among tech-savvy adult children.