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Improving Caregiving for Dementia (I‐CareD): Mobile health technology for dementia caregivers
Author(s) -
Tan Zaldy S,
Camarena Paul,
Jennings Lee
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.046680
Subject(s) - dementia , family caregivers , medicine , health care , gerontology , mobile technology , mobile apps , nursing , psychology , disease , mobile device , world wide web , computer science , pathology , economics , economic growth
Background Mobile health applications represent a rapidly‐emerging technology that can improve health‐care delivery. Informal caregivers play an essential role in the care of persons with dementia; however, as a group dementia caregivers lack knowledge about the disease and available community‐based resources. Little is known about the acceptability and usefulness of mobile applications technology to provide information and resources to dementia caregivers. Method The I‐CareD app is a novel mobile application that provides dementia caregivers with information tailored to the care recipient’s dementia type and stage, behavioral issues, and needs for community‐based resources. Informal caregivers enrolled in a dementia care management program were provided instructions to downloaded the app. Result Thirteen caregivers completed a survey assessing information‐seeking behaviors/preferences and satisfaction with the app. The majority of caregivers were middle‐aged (50‐64 years; 54%), male (62%), white (83%), and college‐educated (54%). Most respondents (62%) provided care for persons with moderate‐stage dementia and 85% used a smartphone or tablet to search the web for health information. Ninety‐two percent of the caregivers preferred to receive dementia caregiving information electronically rather than by other means. The caregivers rated the app highly for ease‐of‐use, content and overall satisfaction. All of the caregivers who completed the survey stated that they would recommend the mobile app to other caregivers. Conclusion Informal caregivers were receptive to receiving dementia information and resources delivered via a mobile app. Although more research is needed to examine how to incorporate technology into dementia care, our study suggests that informal caregivers are likely to use technology that they perceive will help enhance their dementia caregiving.