Technology for dementia: attitudes and practices of occupational therapists in providing assistive technology for way finding

Abstract

Purpose: One of the many difficulties a person with dementia can experience is difficulty with way finding and subsequently getting lost in the community. Prescriptions of assistive technology are a key role for occupational therapists. This study aimed to describe the attitudes and practices of occupational therapists in recommending and using assistive technology for persons with dementia who have difficulties with way finding in the community.

Methods: An online survey was distributed to members of Occupational Therapy Australia NSW and included 25 items on demographics, frequency of use of assistive technology and assessment.

Results: A total of 85 occupational therapists responded to the survey. Significant differences were identified in the approaches used, the types of assistive technology used and the evaluation of outcomes, between community-based and hospital-based occupational therapists. Over half of the participants had never prescribed any of the assistive devices listed in the survey for people with dementia. The most frequently prescribed assistive devices were low-tech items that were already freely available to carers and other professions.

Conclusion: Therapists used a conservative approach to problem solving with their clients with dementia. There is a limited understanding from occupational therapists about available interventions for people with dementia.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• There is limited awareness on how assistive technology might be used to support occupational performance for persons with dementia.

• This survey suggests that occupational therapists experience barriers in identifying and providing appropriate assistive technology for this group.

• Access to targeted education and online resources for occupational therapists is recommended to provide better awareness of the types of assistive technology available to assist persons with dementia and their caregivers.

Keywords:

• Assistive technology
• dementia
• occupational therapists
• wandering

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.