Objectives: Determine the effects of the implementation of Assistive Home Technology (AHT) in group homes on the quality of life (QoL) of people with dementia and on job satisfaction of caregivers. Method: Pilot randomized controlled trial in nine in-patient care group homes (group homes with vs. without AHT). Participants were 54 people with dementia and 25 professionals. Outcome measurements were QoL, fall incidents, needs, use of restraints, job satisfaction, workload, and general health. Results: Living in a group home with AHT had a positive effect on four QoL domains: 'social isolation', 'having things to do', 'esthetics', and 'quality of life appreciation'. No effects were found on 12 other QoL domains. Fall incidents during bathroom visits were significantly reduced by the application of AHT. During this implementation phase, in the AHT group home, a moderate negative effect was found on caregiver's appreciation of work circumstances. No effects on other outcome measures were found. Conclusion: Positive effects were found on aspects of QoL and fall incidents in the bathroom. The lower caregiver appreciation of work circumstances in the AHT group confirms the importance of intensive support and guidance of personnel during the implementation of AHT.

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While hotspots of alcohol-related incidents have been associated with alcohol outlet density, few studies have considered other environmental factors. We aimed to characterise the environment of hotspots outside of outlet density areas in Amsterdam. Using geographical information systems, we identified hotspots of alcohol-related health incidents outside of outlet density areas based on the registry of alcohol related ambulance attendances. While quantitative data and methods were used to analyse victim profiles (including age, sex and home address) and temporal profiles (time of incident), we combined quantitative and qualitative information to develop environmental profiles of these hotspots. We identified 11 hotspots with 242 incidents outside outlet density areas. Results indicate substantial differences between incidents in these hotspots and incidents in high outlet density areas. Victims in these hotspots are older, more often male and live closer to the incident location compared to victims in high outlet density hotspots. Incidents are less likely to take place during the night and at weekends. In-depth analysis of four hotspots showed different combinations of contributing environmental factors, including (a) public parks bordering deprived neighbourhoods, (b) dance event facilities close to a traffic black spot, and (c) residential services for disadvantaged groups near 'hang-outs'. The study shows that hotspots of alcohol-related incidents can arise outside outlet density areas at locations where several other environmental factors cluster, particularly in more deprived areas. Such hotspots can be addressed in urban planning and urban design.

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