Helping Hands: How Tech Can Lighten the Load for Caregivers

Caregiving is tough. It's even tougher when the person you're caring for has dementia. A recent study in Slovenia looked at how tech, like telecare, can help. Telecare is tech that helps older adults stay safe and independent at home. It can be things like sensors that detect falls or wearables that track movement. The study focused on informal caregivers. These are usually family members or friends who help out without getting paid. They looked at two groups: those caring for older adults with dementia and those caring for older adults without dementia.The findings showed that caregivers of people with dementia felt a heavier burden. They also found mobility-related telecare devices more useful. Both groups felt that telecare made them feel more reassured and less anxious. This study shows that tech can be a big help. But it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Caregivers of people with dementia have different needs. So, telecare should be tailored to fit those needs. This way, it can be more effective and helpful for both the caregiver and the person they're caring for.