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

Malmgren Fänge, Agneta LU orcid ; Carlsson, Gunilla LU ; Chiatti, Carlos LU and Lethin, Connie LU orcid (2020) In Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences 34(3). p.648-657
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... (More)
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.
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Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
; ; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
in
Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences
volume
34
issue
3
pages
10 pages
publisher
Wiley-Blackwell
external identifiers
  • pmid:31614031
  • scopus:85074402581
ISSN
1471-6712
DOI
10.1111/scs.12766
project
A TECHnological HOME support for patients with dementia and their caregivers
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
d13040e3-b770-4af1-bcd6-f1f31cf2f254
date added to LUP
2019-09-01 19:54:59
date last changed
2023-08-24 12:58:39
@article{d13040e3-b770-4af1-bcd6-f1f31cf2f254,
  abstract     = {{Background<br/><br/>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.<br/>Methods<br/><br/>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.<br/>Results<br/><br/>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.<br/>Conclusion<br/><br/>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.<br/>}},
  author       = {{Malmgren Fänge, Agneta and Carlsson, Gunilla and Chiatti, Carlos and Lethin, Connie}},
  issn         = {{1471-6712}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{3}},
  pages        = {{648--657}},
  publisher    = {{Wiley-Blackwell}},
  series       = {{Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences}},
  title        = {{Using sensor-based technology for safety and independence – the experiences of people with dementia and their families}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/scs.12766}},
  doi          = {{10.1111/scs.12766}},
  volume       = {{34}},
  year         = {{2020}},
}