Daycare@Home

Without an enhanced model of integrated virtual and in-person service delivery, and the correct, well-tested technology and training to support it, there is a danger that some of those unable to avail of community Day Care services, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, could find themselves in situations of increased vulnerability and exclusion. Collaborating with Drogheda Community Services Trust (DCST), we evaluated a pilot online Day Care at/from home service (DayCare@Home) as a solution to address service delivery challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to increase long-term service capacity, addressing growing waiting lists for community day care service access. This research, funded by the Irish Research Council as part of the CARAH project, evaluated how daycare services for older adults were delivered during the pandemic and identified inclusive resource-efficient ways to leverage technology and service structures to reach greater numbers and reduce waiting lists from community nurse referrals. Integration of the human and technology elements of service delivery were examined to evaluate the impact on in-person interactions and quality of life.