title: The use of assistive technology in the everyday lives of young people living with dementia and their caregivers. Can a simple remote control make a difference?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study was a part of a larger study exploring the impact of assistive technology on the lives of young people living with dementia (YPD). This paper focuses on one of the most useful devices, the simple remote control (SRC). The objective was to explore the reason why the SRC is significant and beneficial in the everyday lives of YPD and their caregivers.
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative longitudinal study had a participatory design. Eight participants received an SRC. The range for using it was 0-15 months. In-depth interviews and observations were conducted at baseline and repeated every third month up to 18 months. A situated learning approach was used in the analysis to provide a deeper understanding of the significance and use of SRC.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Young people having dementia spend a substantial amount of time alone. Watching television was reported to be important, but handling remote controls was challenging and created a variety of problems. YPD learned to use SRC, which made important differences in the everyday lives of all family members. Comprehensive support from caregivers and professionals was important for YPD in the learning process.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The SRC was deemed a success because it solved challenges regarding the use of television in everyday lives of families. The design was recognizable and user-friendly, thus allowing YPD to learn its operation. Access to professional support and advice regarding assistive technology is vital for establishing a system for follow-up and continued collaboration to make future adaptations and adjustments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Care Sciences,Faculty of Health Sciences,UIT,the Artic University of Norway,Tromso,Norway.
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jentoft
authors.affiliation: Department of Ageing and Health,Norwegian Centre for Research,Education and Service,Tonsberg,Norway.
authors.forename: Torhild
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Holthe
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Care Sciences,Faculty of Health Sciences,UIT,the Artic University of Norway,Tromso,Norway.
authors.forename: Cathrine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Arntzen
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living / Q000523:psychology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D013690:Television