WHO: Through interviewing the 5 subjects I found a few different types that though they had a lot in common with others in my opportunity the fell outside of the boundary. One interviewee who is 67 let me know that they would never need something like a ramp installed at their entrance because once they get to the stage in life where they are no longer mobile they will be entering a nursing facility and selling their home. Another interviewee who was a 74 year old female let me know that she does plan on aging at home however she would not use a ramp due to costs. She let me know that though she thought the idea was good some people would not be able to afford this "luxury." Two interviewees both in their early 70s live in condos where they have no steps to enter their condo. They have a step up but it would only be around 6 inches in height so there would be no need for a ramp. My last interviewee was a 80 year old gentleman. He let me know that though it would seem that a lot of senior citizens would have this need that most of his friends are still able to be mobile and would not need this in order to get in and out of their homes. He also pointed out that a few people he knew pay caretakers and they assist them with all of their mobile needs.
WHAT: One thing that a interviewee pointed out to me when I was thinking of this part was that health plays a major role in this. If a person in immobile it is not always due to them being a senior citizen. They pointed out that it is due to their overall health. Though aging plays a role in this not all unhealthy aging people are going to be able to afford, want, or see a need for a ramp regardless of their situation.
WHY: The underlying cause that seemed to be obvious and turned out that way was if a person is immobile or not. The interviewees that fell out of my boundary all were at the point where they did not need a ramp in order to enter or exit their home. Another cause is seniors who have decided that they are not going to age in place and will be going to a nursing facility. A ramp would not be a necessity because there would be no one at the home to use it. It really depends on the senior's overall health and how immobile they are that will determine if they truly need a access ramp.
Inside the Boundary:
Who: Seniors with mobility issues.
Seniors aging in place.
Seniors with steps to the entrance of their home.
Concerned children of a senior deciding to age in place.
What: Seniors needing to be able to enter and leave their home with assistance.
Seniors who use walkers or wheelchairs to assist them with getting around.
Seniors who no longer feel comfortable with walking or walking up or down stairs.
Why: Seniors who want to age in place will have tremendous amounts of trouble entering and leaving their homes.
There will be more injuries to seniors who are immobile. They will not be able to walk up or down their steps which will cause falls and result in other health issues.
Seniors quality of life will fall and they will not have the peace of mind or confidence to come and go as they please.
Outside the Boundary:
Who: Seniors who are going to live in nursing facilities.
Seniors who have no mobility problems.
Seniors who do not have stairs at the entrance of their home.
Seniors who have a full time caretaker.
Seniors who cannot afford to have a access ramp installed.
What: To stop seniors from injuring themselves completely.
Controlling the overall health of senior citizens.
Controlling whether or not they use a device to assist with mobility.
Why: For every reason listed. From health, nursing facilities, finances, and assistance. All of these play a role in why someone would fall outside of the boundary for this opportunity.
Garrett,
ReplyDeleteThose were 5 really good interviews! It is true that a lot of elderly people move out of their existing homes to be in retirement facilities. I only know this because I work for a company who works in people's homes. Most of the older people selling their homes is to either go into a retirement facility or downgrading with easier accesses in the new house.
Garrett,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post! Your interviews were amazing and really touched all the most important points. I love that the goal of your opportunity is to help the elderly and avoid injuries. I think it is so important to focus on how common this problem is. Your interviews really allowed you to find out who is inside/outside the boundary. Overall, great job!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI liked how organized your post was. I liked how you discovered something new in your what. That there is a broader range of customers than just elderly. This idea is great since it will make people daily lives easier. There really is a need for this product. You did a good job of narrowing down who was inside and outside your boundaries.
Garrett,
ReplyDeletegreat name btw
Your blog is very well put together and you write well within the blog. I like how you have changed your perspective after talking with the 67 year old. Though I'm not sure if we should take that statement to the bank because not all 67 year olds want to move and live in a nursery home. I know I don't so just never stick to one side, continue to seek more voices.