Introduction / Rationale: The use of digital technology is increasingly essential for participation in everyday activities. Today, many older adults moving into nursing homes are accustomed to using technology. However, in both practice and research, nursing home residents are often not recognized as technology users.

Objectives: This study aims to generate knowledge on how digital technology influences participation in activities among older adults living in nursing homes.

Methods / Approach: The study explores three nursing homes in Sweden as technological habitats, employing an ethnographic approach. Data collection involves participant observations, analyzed using an interpretative qualitative method.

Results / Practice Implications: Preliminary findings indicate that residents require support to engage in activities involving digital technology, and insufficient assistance from staff or relatives negatively impacts their participation. Additionally, digital technology in nursing homes serves various roles in daily life—it functions as a source of distraction, companionship, and a means to pass time while waiting.

Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: The findings highlight the need for structured support to facilitate digital technology use among older adults in nursing homes, thereby enhancing their participation. This study addresses current and future challenges and opportunities related to digital technology in nursing homes. It underscores the vital role of occupational therapists in planning and implementing technology integration to promote engagement and participation in these settings.