Can Everyday Assistive Technologies Provide Meaningful Support to Persons With Dementia and Their Informal Caregivers? Evaluation of Collaborative Community Program.

Abstract

One of the most challenging caregiving roles today is providing informal care to an individual with dementia. A new program, "AT-Home with Dementia," was created by three collaborative social service agencies to offer simple assistive technologies to persons with dementia and their informal caregivers. Staff, equipped with a traveling kit of everyday devices, offered items during home visits to enhance memory, functional activities, safety, and comfort of persons with dementia. A limited formative program review led to improvements in the new program's reach, service delivery, and data. The results showed that the program enhanced the home environment of the caregiving dyad and led to greater independence of persons with dementia (PWD) and self-assurance among caregivers. Existing community agencies may refer to this program to serve individuals with early-stage dementia. Finally, community agencies and funders may consider adapting this program to provide support to the informal care providers and PWD.