Using sensor‐based technology for safety and independence – the experiences of people with dementia and their families

Abstract

Background The majority of people with dementia prefer to live independently and safely in their own home cared for by their family members. Much effort has been invested in the development of technology, such as sensor‐based networks. Many challenges remain, in particular gaining more knowledge about their experiences and perceived benefits. This study aimed to explore experiences, needs and benefits with using sensor‐based technology for safety and independence in the homes of people with dementia and their family members. Methods This study is part of the TECH@HOME project, aiming to evaluate the effects of sensor‐based technology on independence among people with dementia and caregiver stress among their family members. This study applied an inductive, qualitative approach with semi‐structured interviews of people with dementia (n = 9) and family members (n = 21). The participants were interviewed between June and September 2018 after using the technology for at least 6 months. The interviews were analysed with manifest content analysis. Results Our findings highlighted that technology was considered as a precaution and a safety measure that could provide a sense of having control of the everyday life of the person with dementia. Understanding and acceptance of the technology were as important, together with the reliability of the technology. Ethical dilemmas related to the monitoring of the person with dementia in the home were also raised. Conclusion This study provides insights into how people with dementia and family members experience and benefit from using sensor‐based technology in their own homes. The knowledge generated is essential for healthcare professionals and policymakers developing and implementing care and service systems including technology, as well as for the industry.

Tea, Technology and Me: a World Café approach to engage people with dementia and their carers about research priorities and policy development in digital technology and artificial intelligence

“…The third and final theme was support and independence, whereby attendees posited the benefits of technology and AI as being a supportive enabler. Literature suggests that technology can promote the independence of people living with dementia, for example, sensor technology as a safety precaution (Malmgren-Fänge et al, 2020). It can also result in decreased carer burden through feeling reassured that technology is assisting in the monitoring and management of the condition (for example, medication reminders, orientation devices and environmental detectors) (Boger et al, 2014).…”

Promotors and barriers to the implementation and adoption of assistive technology and telecare for people with dementia and their caregivers: a systematic review of the literature

“…The safety and wellbeing for PwD often superseded ethical considerations in regards to the decision for implementation of ATT [28,36,40,45,47,58]. Dugstad et al (2019) found that ATT implementation within nursing homes facilities fostered a "safety culture", which bolstered the feeling of "saving lives" [33].…”

“…A qualitative study by Fange et al (2020) [40] explored the experiences, needs and benefits with using sensorbased technologies for safety and independence in the homes of PwD and their family members (n = 30) [40]. Participants were recruited from the TECH@HOME project (n = 640) (2016-2019) in Sweden and found that ATT was viewed as a support to make life easier and safer [58].…”

“…Participants were recruited from the TECH@HOME project (n = 640) (2016-2019) in Sweden and found that ATT was viewed as a support to make life easier and safer [58]. Both studies found that there is a continuous negotiation between safety and privacy for PwD and informal caregivers especially, when it comes to continuously assessing informed consent by participants to use the technology in their home [40,58].…”

Factors associated with access to assistive technology and telecare in home-dwelling people with dementia: baseline data from the LIVE@Home.Path trial

“…Sensor technology has been reported to make life easier and safer for PwDs and their families [48]. However, active sensor technology such as social alarms has been reported to be challenging for people with cognitive decline, and passive sensor technology may therefore be a solution [10].…”