Conclusion: Best practice guidance human interaction with technology in dementia

Abstract

Technologies are increasingly vital in today’s activities in homes and communities. Yet, little attention is paid to the consequences of the increasing complexity and reliance on them, for example at home, in shops, traffic situations, meaningful activities and healthcare services. The users’ ability to manage products and services has been largely neglected or taken for granted. People with dementia often do not use the available technology because it does not match their needs and capacities. Although the evidence is still limited, policymakers, care professionals and researchers often see technology applications as promising solutions to promote independence and autonomy in people with dementia. The rapid growth of the technological landscape and related new services have the potential to improve the overall effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of health and social services and facilitate social participation and engagement in activities. But which technology is effective and how is this evaluated best? Successful implementation of technology in dementia care depends not merely on its effectiveness but also on other facilitating or impeding factors on a micro, meso and macro level, related to, for example the personal living environment (privacy, autonomy and obtrusiveness); the outside world (stigma and human contact); design (personalizability, affordability and safety), (co)financing (laws and regulations) and ethics on these subjects. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: chapter)