User Perceptions of a Technology-Based Social Memory Aid for Persons With Memory Concerns

Abstract People with memory concerns (PWMC) are likely to experience social withdrawal and isolation. Although assistive technologies and memory aids are available to support PWMC and their family caregivers, few have been shown to improve social engagement. This study aimed to gain perspectives of PWMC and their family caregivers on the feasibility and utility of a technology-based social memory aid. We recruited 20 dyads of people with mild to moderate memory concerns and family caregivers to evaluate Smartwatch Reminder (SR), a notification system that provides a name, relationship, and photograph of nearby social contacts to aid in recognition. Dyads viewed a demonstration of the SR prototype, and then participated in semi-structured interviews over Zoom video conferencing from June to August, 2020. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis, with analyses completed in August 2021. Our findings indicate that participants anticipated important benefits from using the technology, and thought the technology would be easy to use. Participants perceived that the memory aid could benefit them now and in the future by alleviating socialization-related stress for both members of the care dyad; however, certain features of SR restricted the potential benefits, such as the requirement that social contacts have the SR application, and that prompts are only provided during social encounters. Our findings will inform future technology-enabled memory aid development to improve social engagement for PWMC and support family caregivers.

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EXPLORING HOW “TELE-SAVVY” INFLUENCES SELF-CARE BEHAVIORS FOR DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3195 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S871-S871

Author(s):

Fayron Epps ◽

Elizabeth Maloch ◽

Patricia Griffiths ◽

Ken Hepburn

Keyword(s):

Usual Care ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Self Care ◽

Study Groups ◽

Attention Control ◽

Healthy Living ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Active Attention

Abstract Tele-Savvy is a 3-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a psychoeducation intervention that equips dementia family caregivers with the knowledge and skills they need to provide care to their person, while also caring for themselves. This RCT is currently underway, with cohorts rotating through over a period of 12 months. The purpose of this presentation is to explore the effectiveness of Tele-Savvy (active) versus Healthy Living Intervention (attention control) or usual care (waitlist) on self-care behaviors among dementia family caregivers. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 caregivers after their initial participation in either the active, attention control, or usual care groups. Interviews elicited caregivers’ perceptions regarding the program’s influence on their self-care behaviors and engagement in self-care activities. The overall emerging theme for the family caregivers who participated in the Tele-Savvy and Healthy Living programs was “increased awareness of self-care activities”. Family caregivers in the Healthy Living program spoke mainly about engaging more in physical activities and improving their nutrition by eating healthier and keeping track of foods. Across all study groups, social engagement and having a support system were common self-care activities. Various limitations to engaging in self-care activities while in enrolled in the study included time and caregiving responsibilities. Suggestions were made for more respite services to become available to allow for family caregivers to engage in self-care activities. These findings provide researchers and practitioners with pertinent information to develop and refine programs for family caregivers to improve their self-care practices.

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Study-work-life balance of international students in the context of temporal boundaries

Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Education ◽

10.32674/jise.v7i2.1212 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 63-79

Author(s):

Megan O'Mahony ◽

Debora Jeske

Keyword(s):

International Students ◽

Social Withdrawal ◽

Work Life ◽

Work Life Balance ◽

Boundary Management ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Time Zone ◽

Life Balance ◽

Postgraduate Students ◽

Personal Challenges

The goal of this qualitative study was to examine the experience of study-work-life balance among international students who were separated from their family both geographically and temporally. Using 10 semi-structured interviews with postgraduate students and thematic analysis, several themes were identified. These included boundary management shifts due to study/work demands and time zone differences. In addition, students reported social and personal challenges (in terms of family’s expectations, relationships maintenance, socialization in host country). Temporal boundaries contributed to social withdrawal and isolation among students, many of which were heavily reliant on their own family network for support. The findings strengthen the argument that time difference impacts the boundary management and social experience of international students.

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Mentalizing Imagery Therapy mobile application for family dementia caregivers: feasibility and effects on mood and caregiving

10.31231/osf.io/cgpfs ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Abu Sikder ◽

Francis Yang ◽

Rhiana Schafer ◽

Glenna A. Dowling ◽

Lara Traeger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Caregivers ◽

Mobile Application ◽

Self Regulation ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Depression Symptom ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Physical Strain ◽

Dementia Caregivers ◽

Loved One ◽

People With Dementia

Objectives: Due to psychological and physical strain, family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are at high risk for depression and stress related disorders. We investigated the feasibility of a mobile application (App) intervention delivering Mentalizing Imagery Therapy (MIT), which incorporates guided imagery and mindfulness, to facilitate self-regulation and increase perspective on the mental life of self and others. Method: A 4-week pilot trial of an MIT App for family caregivers of people with dementia was conducted to assess feasibility of use, mood and depression symptom benefit, and relationship changes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the study’s conclusion to characterize participants’ perceived benefits. Results: 80% of 21 consented participants downloaded the App, utilized it at least once, and were further analyzed. Of these participants, average usage of audio recordings was 14 ± 10 (SD) days out of 28 possible, and 29 ± 28 individual sessions. Acute improvement in mood from before to after completion of exercises was uniformly observed (p < .001), and after four weeks there was a significant increase in positive affect and a reduction in negative affect. Participants with severe levels of depression (n=3) at baseline exhibited an improvement in symptoms at 4 weeks averaging 30% (p < .05). Semi-structured interviews revealed an increase in the ability to remain “centered" despite caregiving challenges, take the perspective of the loved one, and positively reframe the caregiver experience.Conclusion: App delivery of MIT is feasible for family dementia caregivers. Results showed moderate to high usage of the app for a majority of the users, and promising improvements in mood and depression. These data provide justification for larger, controlled trials.

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Ten-year follow-up of social functioning and behaviour problems in people with schizophrenia and related disorders

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/00207640211023083 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 002076402110230

Author(s):

Antonio Vázquez-Reyes ◽

María Ángeles Pérez-San-Gregorio ◽

Agustín Martín-Rodríguez ◽

Antonio J Vázquez-Morejón

Keyword(s):

Social Functioning ◽

Analysis Of Variance ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Psychotic Disorders ◽

Social Withdrawal ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Behaviour Problems ◽

Test Analysis ◽

Close Relatives

Background: In recent years, several variables in the course of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders have been studied. However, an instrumental analysis of the evolution of social functioning and behaviour problems has scarcely been explored. Aim: To analyse the evolution of social functioning and behaviour problems and find any diagnosis or gender differences. Method: The Social Functioning Scale (SFS) and the Behaviour Problems Inventory (BPI) were administered in Stages I (2003–2007) and II (2014–2017) to 100 close relatives of patients under treatment at a Community Mental Health Unit. A related samples t-test, analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of variance were performed to study the evolution and differences in social functioning and behaviour problems. Then a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was done to predict the evolution of social functioning. Results: No deterioration in the evolution of social functioning or behaviour problems was observed, and schizophrenia patient scores were lower. Women scored higher in withdrawal/social engagement, interpersonal behaviour, independence-performance, independence-competence and total social functioning, with no significant differences in behaviour problems. Previous social functioning, underactivity/social withdrawal and education are predictive factors in the evolution of social functioning. Conclusion: The results show the need for implementing psychosocial intervention programs that promote functional recovery and keep problems from becoming chronic.

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Benefits finding among Chinese family caregivers of stroke survivors: a qualitative descriptive study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038344 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. e038344

Author(s):

Yong-Xia Mei ◽

Beilei Lin ◽

Weihong Zhang ◽

Dong-Bin Yang ◽

Shan-Shan Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Caregivers ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Chinese Family ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Chinese Community ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Research Reporting ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Qualitative Descriptive ◽

Caregiver Burdens

ObjectivesThe caregiving experience includes both caregiver burdens and benefits finding. However, the benefits obtained by family caregivers of stroke survivors in Chinese community dwellings are unknown. The objective of this study was to explore the benefits experienced by family caregivers of stroke survivors in Chinese community dwellings.DesignA qualitative descriptive design was used, fulfilling the consolidated criteria for the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research reporting guidelines. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 family caregivers of stroke survivors. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed. Thematic analysis was performed to analyse the interview transcripts.Setting and participantsHome interviews were conducted with family caregivers of stroke survivors in two communities in Zhengzhou, China.ResultsThe family caregivers of stroke survivors experienced various benefits from caregiving. There were both internal benefits (increases in knowledge and skills, the development of positive attitudes, and the development of a sense of worthiness and achievement) and external benefits (family growth and gains in social support), which interact to create a healthy lifestyle.ConclusionOur findings provide a comprehensive perspective in understanding the benefits perceived by family caregivers of stroke survivors. This study provides insights into interventions focused on identifying benefits finding in six domains that may help reduce negative emotions and promote the mental health of caregivers.

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New Frontiers in Caregiving Research: Biopsychosocial Perspectives and Interventions

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2086 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 615-615

Author(s):

Jyoti Savla ◽

Karen Roberto ◽

Mamta Sapra

Keyword(s):

Family Caregivers ◽

Memory Loss ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychoeducational Intervention ◽

Loved One ◽

Daily Diary Study ◽

Physiological Processes ◽

And Coping ◽

With Memory ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract Although families embrace the opportunity to care for a loved one, caregiving is stressful and takes a toll on the caregiver’s health and well-being. Earlier studies of stress and coping among family caregivers focused on psychological outcomes and emotional well-being. In the last decade, stress researchers have broadened their focus to include biomarkers and health outcomes. Data from two studies of caregivers of persons with memory loss will be used to discuss two new frontiers of caregiving research. First, a daily-diary study will be used to identify the mechanism by which stress disrupts the physiological processes and proliferates into serious psychopathology and pre-clinical and clinical health conditions. Second, a mindfulness-based psychoeducational intervention study will be utilized to identify malleable factors that can be harnessed to lower stress and improve the well-being of family caregivers. Next steps for caregiving research in the context of demographic and technological trends will be discussed.

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Intergenerational Montessori Program for Adults With Memory Concerns

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology ◽

10.1044/2021_ajslp-20-00259 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Michelle Bourgeois ◽

Jennifer Brush

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

After School ◽

Program Participation ◽

After School Program ◽

Memory Concerns ◽

Neutral Affect ◽

With Memory

Purpose This study evaluated the effects of an intergenerational Montessori after-school program on the engagement, affect, and quality of life of older adults with memory concerns and on the attitudes of children toward older adults. Method Eleven older adults were paired with 11 children to participate in a 45-min after-school activity program. Observations of engagement and affect during the interactions were collected 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The older adults' engagement and affect also were observed during 45-min planning/discussion sessions without the children present before their arrival to the program. Results Results revealed significant differences in older adults' engagement and positive affect when the children were present. Significant pre–post improvements in reported quality of life and maintenance of cognitive status were associated with program participation. Children demonstrated more active than passive engagement and more happy than neutral affect during activity sessions. Four of the seven children improved their positive ratings of older adults. Conclusions This program documented success in improving engagement and affect in older adults with mild memory concerns while engaging with children. Future studies with a larger sample of participants with varying degrees of memory impairment are needed to investigate the potential of this promising program.

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Personalisation, customisation and bricolage: how people with dementia and their families make assistive technology work for them

Ageing and Society ◽

10.1017/s0144686x18000661 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (11) ◽

pp. 2502-2519 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Grant Gibson ◽

Claire Dickinson ◽

Katie Brittain ◽

Louise Robinson

Keyword(s):

Technology Use ◽

Dementia Care ◽

Assistive Technologies ◽

Everyday Practice ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Manage Care ◽

Age In Place ◽

Care Services ◽

People With Dementia ◽

The Everyday

AbstractAssistive technologies (ATs) are being ‘mainstreamed’ within dementia care, where they are promoted as enabling people with dementia to age in place alongside delivering greater efficiencies in care. AT provision focuses upon standardised solutions, with little known about how ATs are used by people with dementia and their carers within everyday practice. This paper explores how people with dementia and carers use technologies in order to manage care. Findings are reported from qualitative semi-structured interviews with 13 people with dementia and 26 family carers. Readily available household technologies were used in conjunction with and instead of AT to address diverse needs, replicating AT functions when doing so. Successful technology use was characterised by ‘bricolage’ or the non-conventional use of tools or methods to address local needs. Carers drove AT use by engaging creatively with both assistive and everyday technologies, however, carers were not routinely supported in their creative engagements with technology by statutory health or social care services, making bricolage a potentially frustrating and wasteful process. Bricolage provides a useful framework to understand how technologies are used in the everyday practice of dementia care, and how technology use can be supported within care. Rather than implementing standardised AT solutions, AT services and AT design in future should focus on how technologies can support more personalised, adaptive forms of care.

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The Importance of Religiosity to the Well-Being of African American Older Adults Living With Dementia

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/0733464818820773 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (5) ◽

pp. 509-518 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Fayron Epps ◽

Ishan C. Williams

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Family Involvement ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Well Being ◽

Religious Practices ◽

Care Providers ◽

Religious Activities ◽

Structured Interviews

This study was a post hoc analysis of a larger qualitative descriptive study exploring family involvement in health promotion activities for African Americans living with dementia where participants identified religious practices as meaningful health promotion activities. The purpose of this study was to explore ways in which religiosity may influence the well-being of older adults living with dementia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among a sample of 22 family caregivers and 15 older adults living with dementia ( N = 37). Three themes emerged: Engagement, Promotion of Faith and Spiritual Connectedness, and Maintenance of Religious Practices. It is imperative for family caregivers to understand the important contributions of religious activities and beliefs to the well-being of their family member. This information might be of use for faith communities, policy makers, and health care providers in the provision of optimal person-centered care and the promotion of quality of life for persons living with dementia.

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"Sidelined": Family Caregiver's Experience of the Emergency Department: Insights from Family Caregivers of People with Alzheimer's Disease

10.26686/wgtn.16999240 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Sandra Roberta Ridley

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Lived Experience ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Care Facility ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Presenting Symptoms ◽

Information Giving ◽

Inpatient Settings

<p>Older patients with a cognitive deficit, such as seen in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), have not been extensively researched in ED. Often patients with AD are accompanied by a familiar person such as a family caregiver when they present to an acute care facility. Literature has shown that family caregivers' have reported dissatisfaction with interaction with healthcare professionals in inpatient settings. There is a paucity of research on the experiences family caregivers have in ED. This study explored the experiences of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's Disease in the ED of a regional hospital in New Zealand. A Hermeneutic phenomenology method was used to bring meaning to the lived experience of family caregivers in the ED. Ricouers Interpretation theory was used to analyse and interpret the data. Six family caregivers were interviewed, using semi-structured interviews, to explore and give meaning to their experience. Findings revealed family caregivers were 'sidelined'; felt invisible, ignored and abandoned by the healthcare professionals in ED. There appeared to be little understanding about dementia symptoms, or the needs of caregivers of people with AD. The experience was distressing for participants who felt they were not able to relay information about their loved one that was pertinent to their health and presenting symptoms. Health Professionals tended to speak directly to their loved ones and not with the participants. Consequently there was a risk of misinformation and poor communication driving treatment decisions for these patients. Participants reported poor information giving and family caregivers were left for long periods of time with no contact, and no support. Despite this, caregivers justified and excused the actions of healthcare professionals. They became passive recipients of process and procedures that were not adequately explained.</p>

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