JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Homebound older adults (≥ 60 years) and their informal family caregivers face multiple challenges to meeting their instrumental, emotional, and informational needs which results in lower functional status, multiple co-morbidities and poorer mental health. Caregivers are tasked with providing uncompensated care for medically complex older adults often without formal healthcare training. This circumstance may translate to high levels of burden and greater vulnerability to social isolation and loneliness which may precipitate chronic stress and compromise caregiver health. In recent years, numerous health-focused technologies assisting with health promoting behaviors such as physical activity, stress management, and nutritional tracking have emerged. However, little is known about how these tools are adopted by family caregivers of homebound older adults.

Objective:

This descriptive qualitative study sought to explore how caregivers of homebound older adults perceive technology in the context of supporting caregiving and aging in place using focus groups and one-on-one interviews.

Methods:

We conducted a descriptive qualitative study using in-person and online video conference focus group methodology with 40 individuals (consisting of 32 caregivers, 6 clinicians, and 2 additional key informants) to explore perspectives on caregivers’ use of technology use to support their caregiving activities. Participants completed a brief sociodemographic questionnaire prior to all interviews. Procedures for thematic analysis were used to analyze the data and identify emerging themes.

Results:

Three main themes (and related sub-themes) emerged from the data - (1) These technologies aren’t designed for people like us, (2) Balancing the scales, and (3) Preserving a sense of self. Caregivers’ experiences with technology are marked by a paradox: the same technologies that can ease caregiving activities may also impose new burdens through additional costs, uncertainty, learning demands, and emotional strain.

Conclusions:

Caregivers should not navigate these technological tensions alone. Realizing the promise of technology requires more than innovative tools – it demands caregiver-centered design, accessible and equitable implementation strategies, and sustained clinical and health system support to ensure that technology alleviates, rather than amplifies, caregiver burden.