title: Sensor technology more than a support.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This interview study is a part of a project that evaluated sensor technology as a support in everyday activities for patients with memory impairment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore patients with memory impairment and their partners' experiences of using sensor technology in their homes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five patients with memory impairment after stroke and three partners were interviewed. Individual semi-structured interviews were analyzed with qualitative content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Installing sensor technology with individually prerecorded voice reminders as memory support in the home had a broad impact on patients' and their families' lives. These effects were both positive and negative. The sensor technology not only supported activities but also influenced the patients by changing behavior, providing a sense of security, independence and increased self-confidence. For the partners, the sensor technology eased daily life, but also gave increased responsibility for maintenance. Technical problems led to frustration and stress for the patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results indicate that sensor technology has potential to increase opportunities for persons with memory impairment to perform and participate in activities and to unburden their partners. The results may promote an understanding of how sensor technology can be used to support persons with memory impairment in their homes.
authors.affiliation: a Division of Rehabilitation Medicine , Danderyd Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Olsson
authors.affiliation: a Division of Rehabilitation Medicine , Danderyd Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden.
authors.forename: Ann-Christine
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Persson
authors.affiliation: a Division of Rehabilitation Medicine , Danderyd Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden.|b Department of Clinical Sciences , Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.
authors.forename: Aniko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bartfai
authors.affiliation: a Division of Rehabilitation Medicine , Danderyd Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden.|b Department of Clinical Sciences , Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.
authors.forename: Inga-Lill
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: Boman
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D018454:Spouses; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*
keywords: ADL; aging in place; assistive technology; brain injury; cognitive rehabilitation; dementia; quality of life; significant others; smart home technology