The Potential of Information Technology to Navigate Caregiving Systems: Perspectives from Dementia Caregivers |
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| Authors: | Nicole Ruggiano Ellen L. Brown Shanae Shaw David Geldmacher Peter Clarke Vagelis Hristidis |
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| Affiliation: | 1. School of Social Work, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama;2. Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA;3. Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama;4. School of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Engineering and Computing, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA;5. Computer Science &6. Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California, USA |
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| Abstract: | Technologies designed to support caregivers of adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/RD) have been developing at an increasingly rapid pace. However, little remains known about caregivers’ perspectives on how technologies can and should help them navigate larger service systems they interact with to engage in caregiving. This study involved in-depth interviews and a beta test of an AD/RD caregiver app to learn more about how they currently use technologies and how potential technological features and functions can best meet their needs. Thematic findings suggest a conceptual model for designing AD/RD caregiver technologies. The findings suggest that eHealth and individual technologies may not fully meet the needs of caregivers as they navigate the larger systems within which they provide care. Findings highlight the need to develop technologies for caregivers that are effective, easy to use, and more widely disseminated – especially for caregivers from disadvantaged backgrounds. |
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| Keywords: | Dementia caregiving technology |
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