Technology-based tools and services for people with dementia and carers: Mapping technology onto the dementia care pathway

Abstract

The extent to which technology may be able to support people with dementia and their carers along the care pathway and in different care settings is of interest to policy makers and governments. In this paper we provide an overview of the role of technology in dementia care, treatment and support by mapping existing technologies - by function, target user and disease progression. Technologies identified are classified into seven functions: memory support, treatment, safety and security, training, care delivery, social interaction and other. Different groups of potential users are distinguished: people with mild cognitive impairment and early stages of dementia, people with moderate to severe dementia and unpaid carers and health- and social care professionals. We also identified the care settings, in which the technologies are used (or for which the technologies are developed): at home in the community and in institutional care settings. The evidence has been drawn from a rapid review of the literature, expert interviews and web and social media searches. The largest number of technologies identified aim to enhance the safety and security of people with dementia living in the community. These devices are often passive monitors, such as smoke detectors. Other safety interventions, such as panic buttons, require active intervention. The second largest number of interventions aims to enhance people's memory and includes global positioning systems devices and voice prompts. These technologies mostly target people in the early stages of dementia. A third group focusing on treatment and care delivery emerged from the literature. These interventions focus on technology-aided reminiscence or therapeutic aspects of care for people with dementia and their carers. While the review found a range of technologies available for people with dementia and carers there is very little evidence of widespread practical application. Instead, it appears that stakeholders frequently rely on everyday technologies re-purposed to meet their needs.

Exploring the ‘active mechanisms’ for engaging rural-dwelling older men with dementia in a community technological initiative

“…Using off-the-shelf digital gaming technology Over recent years, the role of technology to support people throughout their 'journey with dementia' has become better acknowledged (Meiland et al, 2017;Kenigsberg et al, in press;Lorenz et al, 2019). These various forms can include Assistive Technology (AT) such as medication aids or locator devices, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) including telecare and telemedicine, as well as off-the-shelf, digital gaming technology.…”

Technology implementation in delivery of healthcare to older people: how can the least voiced in society be heard?

“…Various technology interventions may reduce the impact of the disease burden, in that solutions are emerging that render healthcare delivery, as well as assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), more accessible and affordable. Technologies mainly assist in memory support, treatment, safety and security, training, care delivery and social interaction (Lorenz et al, 2017). The usefulness of technology becomes even more salient for older adults with widespread inequalities in access to care, in particular due to living in rural/ remote areas or to provider shortages.…”

“…Researchers must have mechanisms in place to prevent the disclosure of, or unauthorised access to, data that can be linked to a subject's individual identity. Second, in order for the care professional to make accurate diagnoses and provide optimal treatment recommendations, the patient must be able to communicate all relevant information about an illness or injury (Ludwig, 1998;De Bord et al, 2013). Professionals are obliged to refrain from divulging confidential information.…”

Being occupied: supporting ‘meaningful activity’ in care homes for older people in England

“…Lots of residents expressed a desire to do activities outside the home, such as day trips, trips to the shops or going into the garden. Reflecting other work (Lorenz et al 2017), the use of technology, such as laptops or tablets, was not mentioned by residents, and there was no such equipment visible in any of the homes.…”