Sustaining Our Relationship: Dyadic Interactions Supported by Technology for People with Dementia and Their Informal Caregivers

Viktoria Hoel (), Eliva Atieno Ambugo and Karin Wolf-Ostermann
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Viktoria Hoel: Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
Eliva Atieno Ambugo: Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), 3616 Kongsberg, Norway
Karin Wolf-Ostermann: Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 17, 1-18

Abstract: Impaired memory function and challenges in communication affect the ability of people living with dementia to interact with family caregivers socially. The onset of dementia in a family member and the communication challenges that follow can lead to conflict, isolation and loss of closeness in the relationship. I-CARE is a tablet-based technology providing leisure activities specifically designed for people living with dementia to do in tandem with caregivers. The intention is that caregiving dyads engage with I-CARE together, using the activities contained in the system as the basis for positive social interactions. This paper reports on a mixed-methods feasibility study of I-CARE, evaluating the system’s usability and assessing the impact on caregiving dyads. We also explored barriers and facilitators to independent use of the technology among community-dwelling people living with dementia and their family caregiver. Results suggest that I-CARE is a feasible tool to facilitate positive experiences in dementia caregiving dyads. Important relationship outcomes for the participating dyads were enrichment in social interactions, facilitated communication, having a shared activity and relationship sustenance. Successful uptake requires continuous proactive support tailored to the needs and preconditions of users over an extended time until they feel confident using the system independently.

Keywords: dementia; caregiving; psychosocial interventions; dyadic relationships; social technology; mobile health apps; user needs; usability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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