Carers’ experiences of assistive technology use in dementia care: a cross sectional survey

Abstract

Background Assistive Technology (AT) supports persons with dementia and their carers (family, friends and neighbours), yet little is known about experiences and the impact of AT on carers. We report on an exploratory survey that examined the types, uses, costs and impact of AT on carers as well as their quality of life. Methods A cross-sectional survey using the Carers Assistive Technology Experience Questionnaire collected data from carers in the UK, who used at least one AT in the previous year and provided more than 10 h of care for a person with dementia, living at home. Carers completed the questionnaire online or on paper and information on AT, socio-demographic details, and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) data were collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to report results and draw conclusions. Results Data from 201 carers was analysed. Smartphones and tablet computers were the most frequently used AT. AT were used predominantly for safety, communication, and reminders. Carers usually make decisions on buying and continued use of AT. Multiple AT devices were used in the care of persons with dementia and number of AT used was associated with perceived satisfaction. Satisfaction with AT was not related to age, living arrangements and relationship of carers. From the SF-12, Mean Physical Component Score was 49.19 (95%CI- 47.75 to 50.63) and Mental Component Score was 45.37 (95%CI- 43.93 to 46.80). Women, carers in the 46–65 age group and carers who were not extremely satisfied with AT had lower MCS scores. Carers who lived with the person with dementia and older carers had lower PCS scores. Conclusions Carers report that AT has a beneficial impact. Carers use multiple ATs, perceive AT to be satisfactory and recommend AT use to others. To support carers, we recommend establishment of centrally funded information sources and a loan store for AT. Further research on incremental addition of AT and changes to formal/paid care because of using AT should be undertaken. Practitioners, academics, manufactures and policy makers should consider the experiences of carers in research, development and use of AT to facilitate improved community living of people with dementia.

Carers using assistive technology in dementia care at home: a mixed methods study

“…While AT is viewed as a pervasive solution to supporting carers and persons with dementia to live for longer in the community [ 13 – 15 ], few attempts have been made to understand the experiences of carers, who use and support the use of AT. Carers make, and continue to make, decisions on the purchase and maintenance of AT [ 16 ]. Thus, involving and including carers and taking account of their views and experiences with AT should form an integral part of providing good care for a person with dementia within their own home [ 17 ].…”

Carers using assistive technology in dementia care: an explanatory sequential mixed methods study

“…Full results from the survey is reported elsewhere [14]. A brief overview of the ndings is given here to provide context.…”

“…We carried out a survey among carers of persons with dementia in the UK [14]. This provided a broad understanding of the experiences of carers using AT.…”

“…For the survey, questionnaires were completed and returned by post or by using an anonymous online survey link. Data collection for the quantitative study is described in detail elsewhere [14]. For the qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted over the telephone after gaining consent using postal forms [Additional le 2], due to the restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic [22].…”

“…The interview focused on caregiving experience, the use and impact of AT on carers and on caring for the person with dementia. All questions and prompts in the interview topic guide [Additional le 3]were open ended and informed by an earlier systematic review [4], qualitative study [6] and the survey [14] and con rmed as meeting the needs for answering the research questions by the patient and public advisory group. All interviews were carried out by VS. Demographic data was taken from the survey responses and con rmed as being accurate with the participant at the start of the interview.…”