Technology and Caregiving: Emerging Interventions and Directions for Research. (14th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lindeman, David A; Kim, Katherine K; Gladstone, Caroline; Apesoa-Varano, Ester Carolina
• Editors: Hepburn, Kenneth
• Is Part Of: Gerontologist. Volume 60(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S41
• Page End: S49
• Publication Date: 2020-02-14
• Subjects: Family caregiving -- Technology-enabled -- Innovation -- Social isolation; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- United States -- Periodicals; 305.2605
• DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnz178
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-9013

Abstract

Abstract: An array of technology-based interventions has increasingly become available to support family caregivers, primarily focusing on health and well-being, social isolation, financial, and psychological support. More recently the emergence of new technologies such as mobile and cloud, robotics, connected sensors, virtual/augmented/mixed reality, voice, and the evermore ubiquitous tools supported by advanced data analytics, coupled with the integration of multiple technologies through platform solutions, have opened a new era of technology-enabled interventions that can empower and support family caregivers. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for identifying and addressing the challenges that may need to be overcome to effectively apply technology-enabled solutions for family caregivers. The paper identifies a number of challenges that either moderate or mediate the full use of technologies for the benefit of caregivers. The challenges include issues related to equity, inclusion, and access; ethical concerns related to privacy and security; political and regulatory factors affecting interoperability and lack of standards; inclusive/human-centric design and issues; and inherent economic and distribution channel difficulties. The paper concludes with a summary of research questions and issues that form a framework for global research priorities.