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The efficiency of using everyday technological devices by older adults: the role of cognitive functions
- Authors:
- SLEGERS Karin, VAN BOXTELL Martin P. J., JOLLES Jelle
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 29(2), February 2009, pp.309-325.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
To test the role of cognitive abilities in performing technological tasks, the authors designed the Technological Transfer Test (TTT). This new and ecologically valid test comprises eight technological tasks that are common in modern life (operating a CD player, a telephone, an ATM, a train-ticket vending machine, a microwave-oven, an alarm clock, a smart card charging device and a telephone voice menu). The TTT and a comprehensive battery of cognitive tests were administered to 236 healthy adults aged 64–75 years living in the Netherlands on two separate occasions. The results demonstrated that the performance time for five of the eight tasks was predicted by cognitive abilities. The exact cognitive functions affecting technological performance varied by the technological task. Among several measures and components of cognition, the speed of information processing and cognitive flexibility had the greatest predictive power. The results imply that age-related cognitive decline has a profound effect on the interaction between older adults and technological appliances.
Telephone-delivered psychosocial intervention reduces burden in dementia caregivers
- Authors:
- TREMONT Geoffrey, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 7(4), November 2008, pp.503-520.
- Publisher:
- Sage
The objective of this study was to examine the preliminary efficacy of Family Intervention: Telephone Tracking — Dementia (FITT-D), a multi-component intervention that is delivered in 23 telephone contacts over 12 months. Thirty-three dementia caregivers were randomly assigned to receive either FITT-D ( n = 16) or standard care (n = 17) using urn randomization to balance the groups on dementia severity, caregiver gender and relationship type (spouse versus other). Inclusion criteria included formal dementia diagnosis, caregiving for at least six months, residing with the care recipient, and providing at least four hours of direct supervision per day. Master's-level therapists contacted caregivers by telephone over 12 months. Each contact followed a standardized treatment manual, involving assessment and individualized application of interventions to address mood, family functioning, social support and health. Outcomes included Zarit Burden Interview, Revised Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist, and the Geriatric Depression Scale at baseline and 12 months (end of treatment). Caregivers receiving FITT-D exhibited significantly lower burden scores and less severe reactions to memory and behaviour problems than caregivers in the standard care condition. Findings provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of FITT-D, a potentially highly accessible, low-cost intervention for dementia caregivers.
The meaning of everyday technology as experienced by people with dementia who live alone
- Author:
- NYGARD Louise
- Journal article citation:
- Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 7(4), November 2008, pp.481-502.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This study explored how people with dementia who live alone experienced the meaning of their everyday technology, such as telephones and electronic equipment, and the use of it. Eight participants with mild to moderate stage dementia were included. Repeated interviews and observations were undertaken in each participant's home and surroundings. A phenomenological, interpretative method was adopted in the analysis. In summary, the participants experienced their everyday technology to be embedded with both practical and existential meaning, as it could assist them in different ways in daily life as well as support their perception and presentation of themselves. Although important, habit and familiarity did not seem to provide them with enough support to continue using technology, unless the technology was experienced as very significant and incorporated in a bodily experience through continuous and very frequent practice. The abundance of experienced meanings and the significance of the technology in the participants' lives call for further studies in order to better understand the conditions for managing everyday technology in home and society and, when relevant, to facilitate technology use in people with dementia.
The use of everyday technology by people with dementia living alone: mapping out the difficulties
- Authors:
- NYGARD L., STARKHAMMAR S.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 11(2), March 2007, pp.144-155.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
There is little knowledge of how people with mild dementia manage to cope with familiar technology at home, such as television and electronic household machines, or new technology, such as remote controls, cell phones and computers. The aim of this qualitative, exploratory study was to identify and characterize difficulties with and hindrances to using everyday technology, as they appeared in data, for persons with early stage dementia. Eight participants with dementia were included in an extensive data collection consisting of repeated interviews and observations made in the home; the data were analyzed adopting a constant comparative approach. The results exhibit a taxonomy of difficulties in four domains, encompassing conditions that interfere with the use of the technology, deficiencies in knowledge and in the communication between users and their technology, and limitations in the use of instructions. Typically, difficulties appeared in complex combinations. They arose when familiar technology was being used, and not only when new technology was to be used. This raised concerns about the need these people have for support in home and in society. Further research is needed to validate the findings.
Video reminders as cognitive prosthetics for people with dementia
- Authors:
- O'NEILL Sonja A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing International, 36(2), June 2011, pp.267-282.
- Publisher:
- Springer
- Place of publication:
- New York
A mobile phone-based video reminder system (MPVS) for people with dementia, with respect to its design and utility, and its ability to satisfy user needs was evaluated. Carers for those using the system use a bespoke desktop-based system to record and schedule reminders for delivery through the MPVS system. Nine participants were set eight activities of daily living (ADL) tasks and asked to repeat these tasks over a number of days within an ABA-evaluation protocol. In the A phase, ADLs were undertaken using standard reminding techniques; in the B phase, the MPVS system was used; following this, a second A phase was evaluated. ADL completion / compliance was rated and recorded by the carer. The generalizability of the outcome of this evaluation is limited due to the low number of participants; however, the participants reported that the MPVS system assisted them to organize their routine, and the phone used to deliver the video messages was of a good size with adequate screen and audio clarity. The carers saw the potential utility of the technology, and although some had to learn how to use the desktop recording system, the wizard-led interface made it much easier to use for people with minimal computer experience.
I robot, I care
- Author:
- SAMUEL Mithran
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 20.1.11, 2011, pp.26-27.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
A three-year Mobiserv project aims to develop a telecare system to help older people live more independently an stay healthy using a robot. The project is funded by a European Union grant, and brings together nine organisations from seven countries. The partners include the University of the West of England. Progress so far, the functions and features of the robot and peoples reaction to it are presented.
Cognitive support for elders through technology
- Authors:
- ROGERS Wendy A., FISK Arthur D.
- Journal article citation:
- Generations, 30(2), Summer 2006, pp.38-43.
- Publisher:
- American Society on Aging
Describe an innovative research programme at Georgia Institute of Technology in the United States, which focused on the development of 'aware home technology', that is cognitive interventions for older adults that support the maintenance of their health and well-being.
The potential of technology to ease the care provider's burden
- Author:
- MANN William C.
- Journal article citation:
- Generations, 25(1), Spring 2001, pp.44-48.
- Publisher:
- American Society on Aging
High technology homecare has been defined as "those in-home methods of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation that are physically embodied in specialised equipment and related supplies and services". This article will discuss several categories of assistive devices that render caregiving physically or emotionally easier, including those that assist with basic activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, environmental control, and monitoring of health and behaviour.
Information communication technology-enabled instrumental activities of daily living: a paradigm shift in functional assessment
- Authors:
- QUAMAR Abbas H., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 15(7), 2020, pp.746-753.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Purpose: Information Communication Technology, such as smartphones, apps, the internet, etc., has become all-pervasive in our society. To learn the impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) on everyday functioning, specifically Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), an exploratory review was undertaken. Methods: We identified how many primary IADL domains were substantially influenced by ICT, by examining primary IADL domains, in terms of traditional and ICT-enabled ways of completing these common tasks. The study further explored the implications of the pervasiveness of ICT and the ICT-enabled new normal in everyday functioning that underpins the need to redefine IADLs. Results: This examination revealed that the impact of ICT on IADLs has been so profound, that it marks a paradigm shift in the way we assess IADL completion. Creation of the concept of “Electronic Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (eIADLs)” would be a first step in marking this paradigm shift, and would foster further advances for understanding the mechanisms underlying the ICT-based life style related outcome measurement in rehabilitation science. Implications for rehabilitation: The presence of Information Communication Technology (ICT) has substantially influenced the way we complete our Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Indeed, the impact is so profound, that it marks a paradigm shift in the way we should assess and measure everyday functioning. Creation of the concept of eIADLs would be a first step in marking this paradigm shift, and would foster further advances for understanding the mechanisms underlying the ICT-based life style related outcome measurement in the rehabilitation sciences. (Edited publisher abstract)
We can do IT too
- Authors:
- SAVITCH Nada, STOKES Verity
- Publisher:
- Speechmark
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 120p.
- Place of publication:
- Milton Keynes
Many people feel that computers and people with dementia do not mix but the authors suggest that computers can be used as part of activity programmes for dementia sufferers. They believe that computers and other digital equipment such as cameras and phones are part of daily life and people with dementia should be encouraged to become or remain involved with these IT driven activities. Based on real practice examples, the book, and accompanying CD, explains the use of computer technology and provides ideas and case-studies demonstrating how IT can be used effectively and be rewarding for the patients, staff and family members. The authors discusses why using IT is important and the practicalities of introducing IT activities. Ideas include; recording people's lives in digital life story books and diaries; making things such as calendars, photo albums and reminders; helping with conversations and word finding; communicating with friends by email, Skype, or social networking and discussion forums; helping with planning, including personal planning, care plans and using services. The book is aimed at care workers and managers, occupational and speech language therapists, specialist activity works and volunteers working people's homes, in day care, voluntary organisations or care homes.