Assistive Technologies and the Carers of People with Dementia

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-59
Author(s):  
Sarmishtha Bhattacharyya ◽  
Susan Mary Benbow
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Technological Interventions ◽  
Informal Carers

Assistive technologies have a role in supporting both formal and informal carers of people with dementia, and in maintaining the independence, and quality of life of both people with dementia and their carers. The authors report a narrative review of the use of technological interventions to empower the carers of people with dementia, and relate this to a model of ageing well. They argue that this highlights the importance of empowering and connecting with carers in order to increase their participation and connection in the care of their relative/client; and conclude that both empowerment and connection contribute to maintaining autonomy and well-being of both carers and people with dementia. Technological interventions should not be used as alternatives to connection. The emphasis in practice should be on empowering and connecting with both carers and people with dementia.

Assistive Technologies and the Carers of People With Dementia

2019 ◽  
pp. 43-58
Author(s):  
Sarmishtha Bhattacharyya ◽  
Susan Mary Benbow
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Technological Interventions ◽  
Informal Carers

Assistive technologies have a role in supporting both formal and informal carers of people with dementia, and in maintaining the independence, and quality of life of both people with dementia and their carers. The authors report a narrative review of the use of technological interventions to empower the carers of people with dementia, and relate this to a model of ageing well. They argue that this highlights the importance of empowering and connecting with carers in order to increase their participation and connection in the care of their relative/client; and conclude that both empowerment and connection contribute to maintaining autonomy and well-being of both carers and people with dementia. Technological interventions should not be used as alternatives to connection. The emphasis in practice should be on empowering and connecting with both carers and people with dementia.

Carers of People with Dementia and the Use of Assistive Technologies

2015 ◽  
pp. 1425-1448
Author(s):  
Sarmishtha Bhattacharyya ◽  
Susan Mary Benbow
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Technological Interventions ◽  
Informal Carers

Assistive technologies have a role in supporting both formal and informal carers of people with dementia. Whilst assistive technologies have a role in maintaining the independence and quality of life of both people with dementia and their carers, their use has both disadvantages and advantages, can pose challenges for all concerned, and raises ethical dilemmas. In this chapter, a model derived from Arnstein's ladder of participation is used to highlight the importance of empowering and connecting with carers in order to increase their participation in the care of their relative or client. Empowerment and connection contribute to maintaining the autonomy and well-being of both carers and people with dementia: technological interventions should not be used as alternatives to connection. The emphasis in practice should be on empowering and connecting with both carers and people with dementia.

Carers of People with Dementia and the Use of Assistive Technologies

2015 ◽  
pp. 12-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarmishtha Bhattacharyya ◽  
Susan Mary Benbow
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Technological Interventions ◽  
Informal Carers

Assistive technologies have a role in supporting both formal and informal carers of people with dementia. Whilst assistive technologies have a role in maintaining the independence and quality of life of both people with dementia and their carers, their use has both disadvantages and advantages, can pose challenges for all concerned, and raises ethical dilemmas. In this chapter, a model derived from Arnstein's ladder of participation is used to highlight the importance of empowering and connecting with carers in order to increase their participation in the care of their relative or client. Empowerment and connection contribute to maintaining the autonomy and well-being of both carers and people with dementia: technological interventions should not be used as alternatives to connection. The emphasis in practice should be on empowering and connecting with both carers and people with dementia.

scholarly journals Literature review: technological interventions and their impact on quality of life for people living with dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. e100064
Author(s):  
David Sanders ◽  
Philip Scott
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Technological Advancement ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Person With Dementia

ObjectivesRapid technology-driven innovation in the healthcare sector has led to an increasing ability to effectively respond to health challenges. However, the cognitive challenges faced by a person with dementia exacerbate the difficulty of designing enduring technological dementia care solutions. Despite this, and in the absence of a cure, facilitating well-being and improved quality of life becomes pivotal for those living with dementia and their caregivers. This review aimed to identify and consolidate the provision of technological solutions for dementia care, and how these are perceived to impact the quality of life of a person with dementia.MethodsArticles and journals were identified using keywords including those relating to quality of life, assistive technologies and technology adoption and acceptance. Greater priority was given to resources published after 2010 due to the speed of technological advancement, and peer-reviewed articles were preferred.Results91 resources were identified, with 38 contributing to the final review. In addition to multiple quality of life measurement tools, the literature identified a large variety of solutions that fell into three categories: those used ‘by’, ‘with’ or ‘on’ a person with dementia.ConclusionsThis review concludes that the ‘one size fits all’ approach to many solutions reflects the lack of supporting evidence, negatively impacting trust in their usefulness among caregivers and their subsequent adoption rates. This could be attributed to limited involvement of people with dementia in studies of effectiveness and adoption. Additional research is recommended to further consolidate research on quality of life and to understand the individuality and progression of dementia and its influence on dementia care solutions.

Perceived Overprotection and Its Association With Quality of Life in Dementia

GeroPsych ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-134
Author(s):  
Mechthild Niemann-Mirmehdi ◽  
Andreas Häusler ◽  
Paul Gellert ◽  
Johanna Nordheim
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Patient Autonomy ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract. To date, few studies have focused on perceived overprotection from the perspective of people with dementia (PwD). In the present examination, the association of perceived overprotection in PwD is examined as an autonomy-restricting factor and thus negative for their mental well-being. Cross-sectional data from the prospective DYADEM study of 82 patient/partner dyads (mean age = 74.26) were used to investigate the association between overprotection, perceived stress, depression, and quality of life (QoL). The analyses show that an overprotective contact style with PwD has a significant positive association with stress and depression, and has a negative association with QoL. The results emphasize the importance of avoiding an overprotective care style and supporting patient autonomy.

scholarly journals The Quality of Life Definition: Where Are We Going?

Uro ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-22
Author(s):  
Tommaso Cai ◽  
Paolo Verze ◽  
Truls E. Bjerklund Johansen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Extra Dimension ◽  
Sexual Partner ◽  
Therapeutic Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Laboratory Findings

The quality of life (QoL) concept now includes new aspects related to patients’ well-being because QoL has become more of a personal perception than an an objective and measurable entity. Here, we discuss the principal aspects of QoL-related aspects in urology and andrology by using a narrative review. Some aspects concerning the QoL are essential when managing uro-andrological patients. The aim of treatments should not only include the absence of disease or symptoms relief but also the improvement of a patient’s QoL with regard to his/her internal status and relationship with others. In this sense, any therapeutic approach should be based on the patient’s perspectives and not only on the instrumental and laboratory findings. Finally, we discussed the role of a patient’s sexual partner adding an extra dimension to the patient-centerd approach as part of the QoL concept in andrology.

scholarly journals Comparative Study of Burnout in Professional Caregivers of Institutionalized Elderly with Dementia and other Diseases

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-70
Author(s):  
Inmaculada Méndez ◽  
Esther Secanilla ◽  
Juan P. Martínez ◽  
Josefa Navarro
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Measuring Instruments ◽  
Global Approach ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Quality Of Patient Care ◽  
Psychoeducational Programs

In a global approach about the need of paying attention to staff working with and for older people with dementia and other diseases in residential care, it is necessary to investigate their emotional well-being to provide strategies to improve their quality of life and therefore their quality of patient care. Professional caregivers of people with dementia and other diseases have specific psycho-sociological problems. They are more prone to stress which can sometimes lead to the “burnout” due to specific functions in the workplace. To define the sample was decided to compare two residential centers of two regions, Murcia and Barcelona. We proceeded to the administration of the following measuring instruments: the scale Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and an ad hoc survey conducted for professional caregivers. Finally, the results offer the possibility of carrying out programs to prevent emotional exhaustion in professional carers, as well as the possibility of designing psychoeducational programs for staff care and even future proactive and reactive interventions.

scholarly journals Understanding the Link between Family Caregiver Quality of Life and the Care Provided to Older People With Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 153-154
Author(s):  
Afeez Hazzan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Family Caregiver ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Dementia is one of the most rapidly growing diseases in the United States. In 2018, the direct costs to American society of caring for older people with dementia was approximately $277 billion. Primary informal caregivers are mainly responsible for the care of older people with dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers perform a myriad of duties ranging from shopping for their loved ones’ groceries, helping with medications, and managing finances. The caregiving role becomes more demanding as the disease progresses over time, and studies have shown that the quality-of-life (QoL) experienced by caregivers of older adults who have dementia is lower than the QoL of caregivers for older people who do not have dementia. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no research conducted to investigate whether lower caregiver QoL affects the level or quality of care that caregivers provide to persons with dementia. In the current study, we interviewed family caregivers living in Rochester, New York to inquire about their quality of life and the care provided to older people living with dementia. Further, caregivers completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) as well as a draft questionnaire for measuring the quality of care provided to older people living with dementia. Both quantitative and qualitative findings from this study reveals important relationships between family caregiver QoL and the care provided, including the impact of social support and financial well-being. The study findings could have significant impact, particularly for the provision of much needed support for family caregivers.

scholarly journals Quality of life support in advanced cancer—web and technological interventions: systematic review and narrative synthesis

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002820
Author(s):  
Kathleen Kane ◽  
Fiona Kennedy ◽  
Kate L Absolom ◽  
Clare Harley ◽  
Galina Velikova
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Narrative Synthesis ◽  
Monitoring Tools ◽  
Technological Interventions ◽  
Cancer Trajectory ◽  
Interactive Health Communication

BackgroundAs treatments continue to progress, patients with advanced cancer are living longer. However, ongoing physical side-effects and psychosocial concerns can compromise quality of life (QoL). Patients and physicians increasingly look to the internet and other technologies to address diverse supportive needs encountered across this evolving cancer trajectory.Objectives1. To examine the features and delivery of web and technological interventions supporting patients with advanced cancer. 2. To explore their efficacy relating to QoL and psychosocial well-being.MethodsRelevant studies were identified through electronic database searches (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Web of Science and ProQuest) and handsearching. Findings were collated and explored through narrative synthesis.ResultsOf 5274 identified records, 37 articles were included. Interventions were evaluated within studies targeting advanced cancer (13) or encompassing all stages (24). Five subtypes emerged: Interactive Health Communication Applications (n=12), virtual programmes of support (n=11), symptom monitoring tools (n=8), communication conduits (n=3) and information websites (n=3). Modes of delivery ranged from self-management to clinically integrated. Support largely targeted psychosocial well-being, alongside symptom management and healthy living. Most studies (78%) evidenced varying degrees of efficacy through QoL and psychosocial measures. Intervention complexity made it challenging to distinguish the most effective components. Incomplete reporting limited risk of bias assessment.ConclusionWhile complex and varied in their content, features and delivery, most interventions led to improvements in QoL or psychosocial well-being across the cancer trajectory. Ongoing development and evaluation of such innovations should specifically target patients requiring longer-term support for later-stage cancer.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018089153.

scholarly journals How to Intervene in the Health Management of the Oncological Patient and of Their Caregiver? A Narrative Review in the Psycho-Oncology Field

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 99
Author(s):  
Gian Piero Turchi ◽  
Marta Silvia Dalla Riva ◽  
Luisa Orrù ◽  
Eleonora Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Oncological Patient ◽  
Post Surgery

Starting from statistical data derived from the oncological field, some articles have highlighted the importance of communication in the patient–caregiver dyad and have considered the various roles involved in a cancer diagnosis situation. Thus, the question of how to intervene in terms of “quality of life” from the time of diagnosis to the recovery or death of a cancer patient, beyond the sanitary and physical dimensions, has become relevant. Therefore, the present narrative review aims to offer an overview of the state of the art in terms of the psychological treatment modalities of cancer patients, from the diagnosis to the post-surgery period. A total of 67 articles were collected and analyzed, in relation to (1) psychological constructs employed in the oncological field, (2) intervention models and (3) quality of life and well-being measurement and evaluation tools. We described these articles, differentiating between those focusing on the role of (1) the patient, (2) the caregiver, (3) the patient–caregiver dyad and (4) healthcare professional roles. The oncological diagnosis and its repercussions in the lives of the patient and caregiver were explored and critical aspects that emerged from the literature were highlighted. In conclusion, the analysis allowed some considerations about the need to define research protocols and useful management strategies for increasing the overall health of patients with cancer diagnoses and the people who surround them.

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