What are the benefits of digital assistive technology for older adults with mild cognitive impairments, informal caregivers and society? A retrospective cost-consequence study of a time and planning device

Abstract

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia are significant causes of disability and dependency among older adults worldwide Research suggests that digital assistive technologies can help older adults to maintain their quality of life and participate in everyday life. By structuring the everyday activities with reminders and alarms, the digital assistive technology increases independence and safety and relieves stress and anxiety. This study aims to to explore the benefits and effects of the informal caregivers' view, of "Memoplanner" on the older adults' activity, participation, health-related quality of life, and map-related costs to the provision of the digital assistive technology. Method The study is a retrospective cost consequences study. The participants are informal caregivers to older adults, prescribers (i.e., occupational therapists) and consultants at an assistive technology centre. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed with inductive reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The informal caregivers also answered a questionnaire assessing time management Tid-N (Janeslätt, 2014) which were analyzed with descriptive statistics.The results extends the knowledge on both the needs and use of digital cognitive technology among older adults with MCI or dementia and how it affects informal caregivers in their everyday lives. The results are discussed in relation to the economy, the costs, and societal benefits.