Knoxville-Knox County CAC Office on Aging

Older adults today are living in a time of unprecedented technological change. Many are navigating for the first time a rapid, internet-fueled evolution in healthcare, communications, and other essential services and activities. Unfortunately, resources and support for learning to use technology to access medical services are nonexistent, and barriers such as cost and access significantly impact those already isolated or disconnected. COVID-19 hastened the transition to life online, highlighting and exacerbating the systemic barriers facing older adults without digital skills. These challenges persist, even as distancing guidelines have lifted.

The CAC Office on Aging, in partnership with Tech Goes Home (TGH), will address this digital divide by adapting and implementing replicable digital skills programming focused on supporting 20 Knox County older adults with devices, low-cost internet access (as needed and available) and targeted digital skills training designed to combat social isolation and promote safe access to telehealth resources. This partnership will use tailored digital literacy training to expand older adults’ access to opportunities for secure social engagement online and to attested online health resources, including telehealth and telemental health options.

Additionally, partners will install a telehealth station at O’Connor Senior Center comprising a computer and camera; a protective mount; a mobile cart; and medical devices to communicate data to providers, including a touchless thermometer and a pulse oximeter. TGH TN will train center staff and leadership on using the station and marketing its availability to their center participants.