Dementia Caregivers’ Perspectives on Technology’s Place in Care Practices: Mixed Methods Survey

TL;DR

This study explores how dementia caregivers use technology and the barriers they face, aiming to improve support through better design and accessibility.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into caregivers' technology adoption challenges and proposes design strategies to improve accessibility and usability.

Findings

Caregivers identified access to resources as the most important unmet need (53%).

Medication tracking apps and mobility devices are the most commonly used technologies.

High costs and usability issues were major barriers to technology adoption.

Abstract

As the number of individuals diagnosed with dementia continues to grow, collective caregiving capacity is simultaneously declining. As a result, caregivers often face significant stress and burnout, which negatively impacts both their well-being and the quality of care they are able to provide. To address these challenges, various forms of technology have been developed to support caregiving responsibilities for people with dementia. Barriers to widespread adoption include the cost of technology, lack of caregiver training, limited awareness of available solutions, privacy and ethical concerns, and resistance to change from both caregivers and care recipients. By identifying these key insights, this study seeks to inform the development of more accessible, user-friendly, and effective technological solutions that can better support caregivers in their vital roles.

This study aimed to assess the way dementia caregivers solve common challenges, focusing on technology adoption and barriers to its use.

We conducted online surveys regarding technology usage and caregiving experience, which were distributed to the communities of caregivers of people living with dementia. Surveys quantified categories of technology use and caregiver needs. The survey also gathered open responses for joys, struggles, and technology use. Follow-up interviews with caregivers discussed how specific challenges were met. The responses were thematically coded to characterize findings by the type—struggles, social supports, technology, and joy.

Respondents (N=69) identified access to resources as the most important unmet need for caregivers (53%). The survey found that medication and routine tracking applications and mobility assistive devices were the most commonly used forms of technology. The dominant need expressed by caregivers was for better access to resources, with improved access to health care services and financial support. Interviewees reported barriers to accessing resources, including high costs and difficulties in selecting appropriate technology resources. Additionally, centralizing resources and simplifying the process of locating support was recommended as a solution.

The study showed that caregivers felt inadequately supported and did not frequently use technology due to barriers of access and usability of products. Strategies in product design and user communication that engage dementia care partners would likely accelerate adoption.

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