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The use of assistive technology in the everyday lives of young people living with dementia and their caregivers. Can a simple remote control make a difference?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 June 2014

Rita Jentoft ,
Torhild Holthe  and
Cathrine Arntzen
Rita Jentoft*
Affiliation:
Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UIT, the Artic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
Torhild Holthe
Affiliation:
Department of Ageing and Health, Norwegian Centre for Research, Education and Service, Tonsberg, Norway
Cathrine Arntzen
Affiliation:
Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UIT, the Artic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Rita Jentoft, Associate Professor, Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, UIT, the Artic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway. Phone: +47-7760696/+47-90194675. Email: rita.jentoft@uit.no.
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Abstract

Background:

This study was a part of a larger study exploring the impact of assistive technology on the lives of young people living with dementia (YPD). This paper focuses on one of the most useful devices, the simple remote control (SRC). The objective was to explore the reason why the SRC is significant and beneficial in the everyday lives of YPD and their caregivers.

Methods:

This qualitative longitudinal study had a participatory design. Eight participants received an SRC. The range for using it was 0–15 months. In-depth interviews and observations were conducted at baseline and repeated every third month up to 18 months. A situated learning approach was used in the analysis to provide a deeper understanding of the significance and use of SRC.

Results:

Young people having dementia spend a substantial amount of time alone. Watching television was reported to be important, but handling remote controls was challenging and created a variety of problems. YPD learned to use SRC, which made important differences in the everyday lives of all family members. Comprehensive support from caregivers and professionals was important for YPD in the learning process.

Conclusions:

The SRC was deemed a success because it solved challenges regarding the use of television in everyday lives of families. The design was recognizable and user-friendly, thus allowing YPD to learn its operation. Access to professional support and advice regarding assistive technology is vital for establishing a system for follow-up and continued collaboration to make future adaptations and adjustments.

Keywords

young-onset dementiaassistive technologylearningremote controleveryday life
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 26 , Special Issue 12: young onset dementia , December 2014 , pp. 2011 - 2021
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2014 

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