The Application of IoT Technology in Social Work: Innovative Models for Home Care of the Elderly

This study examines the transformative impact of Internet of Things (IoT) technology on home care services for older adults in the field of social work. Given the rapidly accelerating global trend of population aging, it is projected that by 2050, the number of individuals aged 65 years and older will reach approximately 2.1 billion, accounting for around 20% of the world’s total population. Traditional institutional care models face significant challenges, including high costs and a lack of personalized care. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating literature review, expert consultation via the Delphi method, and the analytic hierarchy process to develop a quality assessment indicator system for smart home care services. The findings indicate that IoT technology, through its capabilities of sensing, predicting, reminding, and responding, can effectively monitor the daily living conditions of elderly individuals and provide timely support, thereby significantly reducing hospitalization rates and improving overall quality of life. Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are identified as pivotal figures in this innovative model, with an expanded scope of practice that encompasses personalized health assessments, disease diagnosis, medication prescriptions, and chronic disease management. This study advocates for an integrated smart home care model, offering novel solutions to the challenges posed by an aging population.