Pandemic Deployment of a Smarthealth Technology to Improve Stress in Dementia Family Caregivers. (17th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rose, Karen; Gordon, Kristina; Schlegel, Emma; McCall, Matthew; Gao, Ye; Jabbour, Jason; Ko, Eunjung
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 5(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 450
• Page End: 450
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.1737
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Caregiving stress from repetitive and heavy caregiving workloads can trigger poor emotional health, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to higher caregiver mortality rates. Interest in technology-based interventions for this population has increased among researchers due to availability, acceptability, and flexibility compared to in-person services, especially now, during an unprecedented pandemic. Our study focuses on in-home SmartHealth technologies for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias, delivered using Ecological Momentary Assessment and a novel acoustic monitoring, mood recognition, and self-learning recommendation system. The system provides mindfulness-based stress management in response to interpersonal conflict in real-time. We will report challenges and solutions of creating and deploying a SmartHealth system for older adults in their home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Potential effects of this system on caregivers' emotional health are also examined. Findings suggest SmartHealth technologies may assist caregiving populations adapt and thrive in a new, more isolated normal.