Technology to Support Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Dementia: A Survey of Home Care Clinicians
Date
2016-04-12
Authors
Payne, Alayna
Sheets, Debra
Beach, Cheryl
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Abstract
Frail seniors, many with multiple health conditions, represent a clinically complex and rapidly growing population within the health care system. Dementia is a common condition that in 2011, an estimated 15% (747,000) of Canadians age 65 and older, are diagnosed with (Alzheimer Society, 2012). Many of these individuals live at home in the community, experiencing an increased risk for adverse events (e.g., falls, delirium wandering) due to unmet care needs and lack of support. The numbers of older adults with dementia will nearly triple by 2050 and this will profoundly tax healthcare resources, particularly with regards to delivery of home care (United Nations, 2013; Rashidi & Mihailidis, 2013). Technologies have an important role in helping individuals remain in their homes, as clients with dementia are more likely to be admitted to residential care prematurely. Additionally, Technology can positively influence caregiving by alleviating demand for home care services and supports. Home care nurses are a key access point to home care technologies for their clients and thus it is crucial to understand their priorities and perceptions of client needs in relation to technology and the benefits of technology utilization. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of home care clinicians regarding the use of technologies with three main objectives: gain and understanding of the attitudes, perceptions and beliefs of home care clinicians, identify barriers to technology implementation and utilization and, investigate caregiving priorities for the clinicians perspective. Method: A fifteen-minute online survey using likert scale items was conducted with home care clinicians working in Island Health, in the BC region. A convenience sample was used, yielding 47 participants. Data were cleaned and analyzed using Excel to generate descriptive statistics. Results: Findings identify priorities for home-based technologies and barriers to use in the home care settings. Discussion. Given the growing role of technology in our everyday lives, the potential of technology to assist with caregiving is significant; however, to date technology use has been limited. Findings indicate that further development and evidence is required for technologies to meet the caregiving needs of persons with dementia.
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Keywords
community-dwelling older adults, technology, older adults, ageing, elderly, dementia, home care, ageing in place, aging