Published on mediablends.com May 13 2015
Summary: here's a menu of ideas on how the Centre for Ageing Better could introduce digital technology into its plans and consultation process.
As I reported here, Shirley Ayres, Roxanne Persaud and I had a meeting last week with Greg Wilkinson, interim chief executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, and development director Paddy Hanrahan. We discussed our concerns about the lack of any mention of technology in the current consultation paper - backstory here, and view the paper here.
We had a constructive discussion, offering ideas on how to introduce digital innovation on three fronts:
On reflection, I would summarise the challenge as: how can the Centre develop a shared understanding of the importance of digital technology in Ageing Better, in order to inform its programmes and begin to plan collaborative action with others in the field.
Shirley, Roxanne and I entered a strong case for doing that without yet more research and reports duplicating past work. Instead, build on existing knowledge and learn with others.
I've followed up the meeting with a menu of ideas that might open the way for further discussion. That's in addition to a strong recommendation to review the great resources developed by Shirley - both the Long Term Care Revolution and earlier ones here.
Roxanne also emphasised the importance of learning from what hasn't worked - and being prepared to experiment and fail. That's really important with digital technology, where you can't understand the potential unless you try it. Do small stuff before going for any big investments.
Here's my menu of ideas. I don't know how they might fit into current plans and staffing - so they are really just conversations starters.
What's really needed, as suggested in 3 and discussed here, is some shared space and network where people with an interest in this field can exchange ideas and learn from each other. I'm looking at options.
Meanwhile, see the Update from the Centre for more about their plans, and how to engage.