RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Nighttime activity, a common occurrence in persons with dementia, increases the risk for injury and unattended home exits and impairs the sleep patterns of caregivers. Technology is needed that will alert caregivers of nighttime activity in persons with dementia to help prevent injuries and unattended exits. METHODS: As part of a product development grant, a controlled pilot study was conducted to test the effectiveness of a new night monitoring system designed for informal caregivers to use in the home. Data from 53 subjects were collected at nine points in time during a 12-month period regarding injuries and unattended home exits that occurred while the caregiver slept. Nighttime activity frequently resulted in nursing home placement. RESULTS: The night monitoring system proved a reliable adjunct to assist caregivers in managing nighttime activity. A total of nine events (injuries or unattended home exits) occurred during the study, with 6 events occurring in the control group. With intent-to-treat analysis, there was no difference between the groups. However, in a secondary analysis that was based on use of the intervention, experimental subjects were 85% less likely to sustain an event than control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: When nighttime activity occurred, it resulted in severe injuries sometimes associated with subsequent nursing home placement. The night monitoring system represents a new technology that caregivers can use to assist them in preventing nighttime injuries and unattended home exits in care recipients with dementia.
Assuntos
Cuidadores/psicologia , Demência/enfermagem , Assistência Domiciliar/métodos , Monitorização Fisiológica/instrumentação , Atividades Cotidianas , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Demência/psicologia , Assistência Domiciliar/psicologia , Humanos , Satisfação Pessoal , Projetos Piloto , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
Currently, informal caregivers provide the bulk of care for persons with cognitive impairment who live in the home, often at significant cost in terms of their own physical, mental, and emotional health. This is a report of the development of a home monitoring system, CareWatch, designed for use in homes of persons with cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's disease. The purpose of CareWatch is to prevent unattended home exits, particularly during the night, and to improve caregiver sleep. We report on the development of CareWatch and on 2 clinical trials underway to test its effectiveness in the home setting.
