Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-l7hp2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-28T03:54:46.491Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

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: [email protected].
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

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 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Arbesman, M. and Lieberman, D. (2011). Methodology for the systematic reviews on occupational therapy for adults with Alzheimer's disease and reletd dementias. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65, 490–496.Google Scholar
Arntzen, C., Holthe, T. and Jentoft, R. (2014). Tracking the successful incorporation of assistive technology into everyday life for younger people with dementia, and family carers. Dementia. Epublished 29 April 2014. doi:10.1177/1471301214532263.Google Scholar
Bakke, K. R. and Tønnesen, E. S. (2007). Lave & Wenger og Dreyfus & Dreyfus: Læring i et Sosiokulturelt Perspektiv. Oslo, Norway: K.R. Bakke.Google Scholar
Beattie, A., Daker-White, G., Gilliard, J. and Means, R. (2004). “How can they tell?” A qualitative study of the views of younger people about their dementia and dementia care services. Health and Social Care in the Community, 12, 359–368.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Costall, A. and Dreier, O. (eds) (2006). Doing Things with Things. London: Ashgate.Google Scholar
Dreier, O. (2008). Psychotherapy in Everyday Life. Learning in Doing: Social, Cognitive & Computational Perspectives. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.Google Scholar
Epelde, G., Carrasco, E., Zimmermann, G., Alexandersson, J., Neßelrath, R. and Dubielzig, M. (2013). Universal remote console-based next-generation accessible television. Universal Access in the Information Society, 12, 73–87.Google Scholar
Evans, N., Carey-Smith, B., Harris, N. and Harkness, W. (2012). The puzzle of TVs and remote controls. The Journal of Dementia Care, 20, 3.Google Scholar
Goldmith, M. (1996). Hearing the Voice of People with Dementia: Opportunities and Obstacles. London: Jessica Kingsley.Google Scholar
Hagen, K. (2011). Innovation in the care services. In Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services (ed.), Official Norwegian Reports NOU 2011: 11 (p. 181s.). Oslo, Norway: Statens forvaltningstjeneste. Informasjonsforvaltning.Google Scholar
Harris, P. B. and Keady, J. (2009). Self-hood in younger onset dementia: transitions and testimonies. Aging & Mental Health, 13, 437–444.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Harvey, R. J., Skelton-Robinson, M. and Rossor, M. N. (2003). The prevalence and causes of dementia in people under the age of 65 years. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 74, 1204–1209.Google Scholar
Holthe, T. and Walderhaug, S. (2010). Older people with and without dementia participating in the developement of an individual plan with digital calendar and message board. Journal of Assistive Technologies, 4, 15–25.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kvale, S. and Brinkmann, S. (2009). Interviews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing. Los Angeles, CA: Sage.Google Scholar
Lave, J. (2011). Apprenticeship in Critical Ethnographic Practice. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.Google Scholar
Lave, J. and Wenger, E. (1991). Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.Google Scholar
Lindqvist, E., Nygård, L. and Borell, L. (2013). Significant junctures on the way towards becoming a user of assistive technology in Alzheimer's disease. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 20, 386–396.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Lindseth, A. and Norberg, A. (2004). A phenomenological hermeneutical method for researching lived experience. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 18, 145–153.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services (Ed.). (2013). Future Care (2012–2013) Meld. St. 29 Report to the Storting (White paper). Oslo, Norway: NMOHAC, 136 pp.Google Scholar
Nygård, L. (2006). How can we get access to the experiences of people with dementia? Suggestions and reflections. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 13, 101–112.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rosenberg, L., Kottorp, A., Winblad, B. and Nygård, L. (2009). Perceived difficulty in everyday technology use among older adults with or without cognitive deficits. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 16, 2016–2226.Google Scholar
Rosenberg, L. and Nygård, L. (2012). Persons with dementia become users of assistive technology: a study of the process. Dementia, 11, 135–154.Google Scholar
Rosness, T. A., Haugen, P. K. and Engedal, K. (2008). Support to family carers of patients with frontotemporal dementia. Ageing & Mental Health, 12, 462–466.Google Scholar
Rosness, T. A., Mjørud, M. and Engedal, K. (2011). Quality of life and depression in carers of patients with early onset dementia. Ageing & Mental Health, 21, 1–8.Google Scholar
Stenberg, M., Jordansen, S., Kotiranta, P., Mork, F. and Leczinsky, E. (Eds.) (2007). Provision of Assistive Technology in the Nordic Countries. Vällingby, Sweden: Nordic Cooperation on Disability Issues (NSH), 68 pp.Google Scholar
Svanberg, E., Spector, A. and Stott, J. (2011). The impact of young onset dementia on the family: a literature review. International Psychogeriatrics, 23, 356–371.Google Scholar
Whitlatch, C. J. (2001). Including the person with dementia in family care-giving research. Aging & Mental Health, 5, 20–22.Google Scholar