ABSTRACT
New and emerging care technologies are one of the visible, material signs of attempts to solve a range of health related problems in advanced capitalist economies. Given the current and projected growth of those in the older age groups and policies designed to support ‘ageing in place’, many of these technologies are targeted at buttressing the care needs (or perceived needs) of older people requiring support within the home (Barlow et al. 2005). Governments across a range of advanced capitalist countries – including North America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia have indicated that increased use of technology is a key plank in their strategies for addressing the care needs of the growing numbers of older people (Department of Health, UK 2008a; Hogenbirk et al. 2005; Ministry of Health, New Zealand 2008; Mort et al. 2008). Support for this strategy in the UK is evident in the Government’s announcement of an investment of some £80 million through a two year ring-fenced Preventative Technology Grant (initially from April 2007-March 2009, then extended until 2010) designed to initiate changes in the design and delivery of housing, health and social care. While these care technologies have the potential to enhance and maintain the well-being and independence of a wide range of individuals who would otherwise be unable to live independently in the home, they are also seen as part of a strategy to reduce the number of older people entering residential care and hospitals (Bayer et al. 2007). Indeed, the UK Government specifically stated its belief that the Preventative Technology Grant could reduce these numbers by some 160,000 older people (Department of Health 2008a).
