Abstract
ABSTRACT Dementia comprises global health issues, affecting families, healthcare systems, and broader society. Emerging technologies offer new tools for care and support that people living with dementia employ to manage their daily lives. We aim at exploring needs and ideas regarding digital technology and how it can be used to increase self-management and participation for people living with dementia. Ten participants took part in this study; five persons diagnosed with dementia and five spouses of people living with dementia. The data obtained in the individual interviews analyzed descriptively, by reviewing the protocols from the interviews. The data from the focus group session were analyzed for themes. All participants lived in ordinary housing but participated in group activities at a dementia center in Sweden. All participants used digital tools and owned and used smartphones and computers which indicates a baseline familiarity with digital tools. In results from the focus groups three themes emerged: (1) Digital tools as multifunctional resources, (2) Resources and barriers for using digital tools, and (3) Accounting for needs and wishes when planning for the future. The participants in both groups described the potential of digital tools to help mitigate future challenges regarding fears and concerns of future endeavors, e.g. as facilitators for staying in touch with family and friends and to be able to listen to familiar music. In conclusion, digital tools may prove vital in managing daily life and staying socially connected. However, digital reliance can also lead to challenges, especially as cognitive abilities decline.
Published Version
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