JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Stay-at-home orders and other public health measures designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have increased isolation among persons with memory concerns (PWMC) and exacerbated challenges for family members who provide their care. Although technology has demonstrated potential to improve the social connections and mental health of PWMC and their family caregivers, research shows that older adults may be reluctant to adopt new technologies.

Objective:

We aimed to understand why some PWMC and their caregivers used technology to adapt to lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic while others did not.

Methods:

Using data collected in 20 qualitative interviews from June to August 2020 with PWMC and their family caregivers, we assessed changes in and barriers to technology use following the implementation of COVID-19 mitigation strategies.

Results:

Using qualitative thematic analysis we identified three themes which explained motivations for using technology during a pandemic: 1) maintaining social connection, 2) alleviating boredom, and 3) increasing caregiver respite. Results further revealed lingering barriers to PWMC and caregiver adoption of technologies, including: 1) PWMC dependence upon caregivers, 2) low technological literacy, and 3) limitations of existing technology.

Conclusions:

This in-depth investigation suggests that technology can provide PWMC with more independence and provide caregivers relief from caregiver burden during periods of prolonged isolation.