Applying gerontechnology to dementia care: experiences from long-term care workers in Taiwan

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Healthcare Technology

Background:

• Assistive technologies (ATs) are increasingly integrated into dementia-specific care.
• Understanding care worker experiences with ATs is crucial for effective implementation.
• Taiwanese long-term care facilities are exploring gerontechnologies for dementia care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore long-term care workers' experiences with assistive technologies in Taiwan.
• To identify perceived benefits and challenges of using ATs in dementia care.
• To determine necessary support strategies for effective AT implementation.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research design utilizing semi-structured in-depth interviews.
• Thematic analysis of data from ten experienced female care workers.
• Focus on participants from five dementia-specific long-term care institutions.

Main Results:

• ATs like sensors and robots improved efficiency and reduced errors, aiding in resident soothing.
• Older staff faced challenges with complex interfaces and inadequate training.
• Technologies often misaligned with real-world needs and resident behaviors, impacting user willingness.

Conclusions:

• Assistive technologies offer potential to alleviate caregiver burden in dementia care.
• Inadequate support and design considerations can increase worker stress.
• User-centered design, effective communication, and tailored training are vital for successful AT integration.