Objectives: A growing number of frail older adults live at home, placing increasing demands on health and social care systems. Digital twins may improve homecare services and support person-centred and integrated care. This study investigated older adults' experiences of homecare and their perspectives on the potential use of digital twins in homecare.
Methods: An exploratory, two-stage qualitative study was conducted with 14 older adults from two Swedish municipalities. In the first stage, semi-structured interviews explored participants' experiences of homecare. In the second stage, the same participants took part in either a semi-structured interview or a focus group discussion regarding their views on digital twins, with participants choosing their preferred format. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret the data.
Results: The analysis generated one main theme, Navigating uncertainty and possibility in digital twin-supported homecare, with four sub-themes, Challenges in understanding and accepting digital twins, Concerns about privacy and ethics, Opportunities for safety and prevention, and Potential effects on daily routines. Participants struggled to comprehend the nature of digital twins. Concerns about their potential use in homecare included ethical issues, impacts on privacy, and reduced social interaction with homecare staff. However, participants also identified potential benefits of digital twins, such as more responsive services, improved scheduling, and enhanced safety through monitoring and predictive functions.
Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of digital twins in homecare from the perspective of older adults. While digital twins offer opportunities, integrating them into homecare services is complex and requires addressing the concerns raised by participants.
2026. Vol. 12