Caring for Self while Caring for Others: Impact of Wearable Health Monitoring Devices on Self-care of Family/Friend Caregivers of Individuals Living with a Dementia

Abstract

Dementia is a leading cause of disability and dependency and directly impacts family caregivers. Caregivers often neglect their own health and well-being while caring for a loved one; thereby, placing themselves at risk for adverse health outcomes. Identifying ways to promote well-being among family caregivers is necessary so they can continue in their caregiver role while mitigating ill health effects. This study explored the impact of wearable health monitoring devices on caregivers' engagement with their own self-care needs. Findings provide evidence for the use of a digital health platform in promoting health in caregivers of individuals living with dementia.caregivers who play a pivotal role in caring for these individuals. This need is vital because the majority of persons with dementia live at home under the care and supervision of family [4]. Literature reviewThe literature identifies a range of services and supports that are available in the community to assist those caring for somebody living at home with a dementia. These family/friend supports include resources such as support groups, domestic assistance or help with managing the home, nursing care, personal care services, respite care and educational programs [8]. Despite the wide range of supports available, caregiving resources are often underutilized, even when these services are deemed as highly relevant [9][10]. Reasons for not accessing supports include a lack of awareness of existing services and/or not knowing how to access them, no perceived need, previous negative experiences, perceptions of poor quality, a sense of responsibility and obligation towards the loved one, a concern for privacy and autonomy, and embarrassment [11][12] [13].Caregivers of persons with dementia who do not access community services report higher levels of depression [14], role resentment [15] and anger towards their care recipient [16] in comparison with caregivers who do access services. Caregivers who use community supports also anticipate being able to care for their loved one at home for longer periods of time than caregivers who do not access services [17]. Nonetheless, community supports are often underutilized by family caregivers. One study reports up to 80% of caregivers of people with dementia do not access community services, or only do so during a crisis [14]. A recent scoping review on home dwelling individuals with dementia and their carers identified five categories of interventions used to improve the use of community-based resources: i. referral enhancing interventions aimed at directing people to use services that are perceived to be beneficial for them; ii. awareness and information interventions that address the population's lack of knowledge about available resources; iii. monetary support interventions that address user fees and private payments for services or support; iv. inpatient focused interventions that capitalize on hospital admissions to promote the use of services; and, v. case management interventions that involve a key person overse...