Informal Dementia Caregivers: Current Technology Use and Acceptance of Technology in Care.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 18(6)2021 03 19.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1146730
ABSTRACT
(1) Background:
Given the increased social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges faced by informal dementia caregivers have increased. An increasing use of technology, both in care and dementia clinical trials, depends upon caregivers' abilities as a user. Accordingly, the aim of our study was to verify the current technology (smartphone and computer) use and acceptance in care, regarding socio-demographic variables; (2)Methods:
Questionnaires were distributed to 102 dementia caregivers, mostly of patients with moderate dementia; (3)Results:
The majority of participants were women (63%), and large number of them used technological devices such as a smartphone (91%) or computer (81%). Results revealed differences between age, gender, and education level on technology acceptance. Interestingly, smartphone use and acceptance seemed to be feasible, regardless of age, whereas computer use was negatively correlated with age. Technology was perceived by respondents as most useful for patients' activities including locomotion, toileting, and meals; (4)Conclusions:
The future of technology use in dementia care should indicate solutions tailored to individual characteristics such as new technology solutions (GPS trackers, smartphone apps, dietary intervention, and meal planning apps).Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Dementia
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
Language:
English
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ijerph18063167
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