The Use of Technology Among Persons With Memory Concerns and Their Caregivers in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background Stay-at-home orders and other public health measures designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have increased isolation among persons with memory concerns (PWMCs: individuals diagnosed with cognitive impairment or Alzheimer disease or related dementias). The pandemic has also exacerbated challenges for family members who care for PWMCs. Although technology has demonstrated the potential to improve the social connections and mental health of PWMCs and their family caregivers (CGs), previous research shows that older adults may be reluctant to adopt new technologies. Objective We aimed to understand why and how some PWMCs and their CGs altered their use of mainstream technology, such as smartphones and fitness trackers, and assistive technology to adapt to lifestyle changes (eg, increased isolation) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Using data collected in 20 qualitative interviews from June to August 2020 with 20 PWMCs and family CG dyads, we assessed changes in and barriers to everyday technology use following the implementation of COVID-19 mitigation strategies in the United States. Zoom videoconferencing was utilized to conduct the interviews to protect the health of the participants who were primarily older adults. Results Using qualitative thematic analysis, we identified 3 themes that explained motivations for using technology during a pandemic: (1) maintaining social connections, (2) alleviating boredom, and (3) increasing CG respite. Results further revealed lingering barriers to PWMC and CG adoption of technologies, including: (1) PWMC dependence upon CGs, (2) low technological literacy, and (3) limitations of existing technology. Conclusions This in-depth investigation suggests that technology can provide PWMCs with more independence and offer CGs relief from CG burden during periods of prolonged isolation.

Using digital technologies to facilitate social inclusion during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Experiences of co‐resident and non‐co‐resident family carers of people with dementia from DETERMIND‐C19

“…In keeping with other studies, 36,44 our findings suggest that one important area to address is technology literacy for carers of people with dementia, and particularly those from an older generation who do not have the experience of using the devices or support from younger or more technologically knowledgeable family members. 44 Over recent years, resources have been developed to publicise the availability of digital devices and to upskill carers to use them as a means to support the independence, safety and well-being of people with dementia.…”

“…Consequently, it is unknown whether the findings can be extrapolated to older people from more diverse backgrounds, and who may be less accustomed to these devices. Another study qualitatively examined the use of digital technologies by people with memory concerns and their predominantly co‐resident carers (90% of the sample) in the United States 36 . They found that carers used technology to remain socially connected, to reduce boredom by streaming music and films or attending online classes, and to enable periods of respite and independence through the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies, which helped to ensure the person with dementia was safe whilst outside alone.…”

Digital Health Technologies Usage among Older Adults for Healthy Ageing during COVID-19: A Review

“…While still enabling caregivers to respond to emergencies involving the PWMC's health and safety, GPS technology occasionally gave caregivers a break. In the study, participant described how they tracked their wife's outdoor workouts without them by using GPS watch technology [31]. This finding is consistent with [18].…”

2023 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures

“…Studies have shown that family caregivers who were able to engage in more direct phone and email contact with relatives in long‐term care residences during the COVID‐19 lockdowns indicated greater emotional well‐being for themselves and their relatives, whereas relying on residential care staff to engage in communication resulted in lower perceived well‐being among family caregivers and their relatives 619 . Other studies suggested that some dementia family caregivers adjusted during the pandemic by relying more heavily on other sources of family/unpaid help as well as technologies to maintain social connection with relatives 620,621 . In a study of dementia caregivers of relatives living in nursing homes or similar residential settings, caregivers indicated a number of challenges during the COVID‐19 pandemic, including severely limited contact with relatives due to visitation restrictions, a lack of transparent information and communication from care residences, fears of relatives dying alone and concerns about overburdened staff at care residences 614 .…”