Assistive technology unmet needs of independent living older Hispanics with functional limitations.

Only 60 participants were recruited purposively from rural and urban sectors in Puerto Rico, and the authors state the results are not generalizable to all older Hispanic adults with functional limitations. The sample was limited to people aged 70 years or older who lived independently, were not receiving home care, and had no cognitive impairment, so it says little about people with dementia, severe impairments, or those in institutions. Data were collected once, during a single home assessment, so the study cannot show how assistive technology needs or willingness to use devices change over time. Participants reported their own use, needs, and willingness, and the authors note this can involve memory errors and lacks corroboration. The card assessment was developed by the same occupational therapy researchers, with content validity checked by four experts and usability tested with 10 older adults. Many desired devices are not covered by the predominant Medicare Advantage plan in Puerto Rico because they are not considered medically necessary durable medical equipment.

The authors reported no conflicts of interest.

Do not treat this as proof that providing jar openers, seat lifts, or wheeled laundry baskets improves independence. The study only asked which devices older adults already owned, wanted, or would not use; it did not test whether giving them changed function. The income and condition findings were measured at one time and cannot show cause.