Access to and interest in assistive technology for home-dwelling people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic (PAN.DEM)
Marie H. Gedde, Bettina S. Husebø, Ane Erdal, Nathalie Genevieve Puaschitz, Maarja Vislapuu, Renira C. Angeles, Line Iden Berge
Abstract
= 126). Our main finding is that assistive technology is available to 71% pre-pandemic; the vast majority utilise traditional stove guards and safety alarms, only a few operate sensor technology, including GPS, fall detectors or communication aids. In response to COVID-19, 17% show increased interest in technology; being less familiar with operating a telephone and having higher cognitive functioning are both associated with increased interest. We conclude that wearable and sensor technology has not yet been fully implemented among people with dementia in Norway, and few caregivers show increased interest under the restrictions. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT0404336).