Sensor technology more than a support

Abstract

Background: This interview study is a part of a project that evaluated sensor technology as a support in everyday activities for patients with memory impairment.

Aim: To explore patients with memory impairment and their partners’ experiences of using sensor technology in their homes.

Methods and material: Five patients with memory impairment after stroke and three partners were interviewed. Individual semi-structured interviews were analyzed with qualitative content analysis.

Results: Installing sensor technology with individually prerecorded voice reminders as memory support in the home had a broad impact on patients’ and their families’ lives. These effects were both positive and negative. The sensor technology not only supported activities but also influenced the patients by changing behavior, providing a sense of security, independence and increased self-confidence. For the partners, the sensor technology eased daily life, but also gave increased responsibility for maintenance. Technical problems led to frustration and stress for the patients.

Conclusion: The results indicate that sensor technology has potential to increase opportunities for persons with memory impairment to perform and participate in activities and to unburden their partners. The results may promote an understanding of how sensor technology can be used to support persons with memory impairment in their homes.

Keywords:

• ADL
• aging in place
• assistive technology
• brain injury
• dementia
• cognitive rehabilitation
• smart home technology
• significant others
• quality of life

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the patients with memory impairment and their partners in the study who openly shared their thoughts and experience. The study has been supported by the Karolinska Institutet Centre for Health Sciences, and the Promobilia Foundation.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no financial or other interest to declare.