Smart clothes technology for monitoring persons living with dementia may help reduce caregiver burden and improve quality of care. This study aims to examine the preliminary effects of a smart clothes–assisted care system that monitors the daily activity of persons living with dementia on outcomes for the family caregivers.
A total of 60 dyads agreed to participate in the 6-month study. Which required wearing a smart clothes vest 24 hours per day. Sensors in the smart clothes vest and home monitored the activity of persons living with dementia, which was transmitted via a smartphone app to a nurse who provided caregivers with real-time feedback and individualized care plans. The caregiving balance was significantly higher for the intervention group at 2, 4, and 6 months (P=.04, P=.01, and P<.001, respectively). In addition, scores for preparedness increased significantly for caregivers in the intervention group at 4 and 6 months (P<.05). Smart clothes–assisted care enhanced caregiver preparedness and helped prevent declines in caregiving balance and mental health.
【MORE】