BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS TO TECHNOLOGY USE AMONG RURAL CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
2024

Barriers and Facilitators to Technology Use Among Rural Caregivers of People Living with Dementia

Sample size: 19 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Boucher Sarah, Jolliff Anna, Zuraw Matthew, Elliot Christian, Werner Nicole

Primary Institution: Indiana University Bloomington

Hypothesis

What are the barriers and facilitators to technology use among rural caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias?

Conclusion

Rural caregivers face systemic barriers to technology use that need to be addressed to improve support.

Supporting Evidence

  • Rural caregivers experience more difficulty accessing resources.
  • Technology may help connect rural caregivers to support.
  • The study identified systemic barriers to technology use.

Takeaway

Caregivers in rural areas have a hard time using technology to get help, and we need to make it easier for them.

Methodology

Qualitative study with virtual semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis.

Limitations

The study may not represent all rural caregivers as it was limited to those recruited through community partners.

Participant Demographics

73.7% female, mean age 66.4 years.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2520

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