A literature review study of Information and Communication Technology as a support for frail older people living at home and their family carers

What do they like? Communication preferences and patterns of older adults in the United States: The role of technology

“…Because of the reduction of cues experienced through mediated channels, many scholars have questioned the ability for individuals to experience meaningful bonding and maintain quality relationships through CMC (Magnusson, Hanson, & Borg, 2004;Selwyn, 2004;Selwyn et al, 2003). However, in some instances, communicating via mediated channels is the only option the majority of the time (e.g., geographically distant relationships).…”

International Perspectives on Nonpharmacological Best Practices for Dementia Family Caregivers: A Review

“…Most telephone support is done by professional practitioners who provide counseling and support services to family caregivers, with the goal being to reduce stress and promote optimal coping (Magnusson et al, 2004). For example, one older US program used an approach called the PREP model in which family caregivers worked together with a nurse facilitator who supported them in making decisions via telephone calls and, to a lesser extent, home visits (Archbold, Stewart, & Miller, 1995).…”

“…Assistive technologies have been identified as another tool that can be used to improve independent living, improve the safety and autonomy of people with dementia, and support the quality of life (a "peace of mind") for them and their family caregivers (Magnusson et al, 2004;Topo, 2009). Examples of these include alarm sensors to prevent demented individuals from wandering away; sensors to turn off gas or stove; and pill dispensers that tweet, text, or email caregivers if pills are not taken at the appropriate time and/or day, etc.…”

“…This is made possible by recent advances in communications technology. The most frequently used, and studied, forms of technology for service delivery are telephones and videophones (Magnusson, Hanson, & Borg, 2004). There are many reasons to think that technology will be effective and helpful to many caregivers around the world-particularly those in poorer nations-if applications can be developed that can be used on such devices as "smart phones" which are increasingly common throughout the world.…”

An Evaluation of the Use of a Website and Telephonic Information Service as Public Education about Forgetfulness

“…Many older persons use their telephones comfortably and effectively and do not have access to, or are not able to navigate, the Internet. 13,18 The Memory Website and the Memory Phone were constructed according to the same design and procedure and contained the same information. They provided information about five topics related to memory and aging.…”