title: Assistive technologies at home for people with a memory disorder.
abstract: The aim of this study was to assess in practice whether assistive technologies support and facilitate the work of a family caregiver or care staff, and whether these technologies support the independence of a person with a memory disorder. A comprehensive set of supportive devices and alarm systems were experimentally tested in the care of five test subjects in an assisted living facility by eight nurses, and in the care of four test subjects in a home environment by three family caregivers and one care team. Questionnaires, diaries and logged data were used to evaluate the benefits of the devices. Simple aids and alarm systems that did not need much adjusting were considered most useful by caregivers and nurses, though multiple false alarms occurred during the test period. Technical connection problems, complex user interface, and inadequate sound quality were the primary factors reducing the utility of the tested devices. Further experimental research is needed to evaluate the utility of assistive technologies in different stages of a memory disorder.
authors.affiliation: Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, Finland.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nauha
authors.affiliation: Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, Finland; Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Finland; Infotech Oulu, Finland.
authors.forename: Niina S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Keränen
authors.affiliation: Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, Finland; Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Finland.
authors.forename: Maarit
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kangas
authors.affiliation: Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, Finland; Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Finland; Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Finland.
authors.forename: Timo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jämsä
authors.affiliation: Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, Finland; Raahe Hospital, Finland.
authors.forename: Jarmo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reponen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities; D017028:Caregivers; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003704:Dementia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses; D017010:Reminder Systems / Q000592:standards; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000592:standards
keywords: alarms and supporting tools; assistive technology; dementia care; independent life; smart healthcare