With an aging population and a health care system with limited resources, there is a need for strategies for sustaining health and social services for individuals with dementia.
The use of assistive technology products and services (AT) has become an integral part of dementia management. The typical individuals with dementia and their care partners require multiple ATs. These ATs are provided and funded in a piecemeal fashion. As a result, individuals often times do not receive all the necessary ATs or technologies are quickly abandoned because of lack of support. Bundling of AT may optimize access to AT services, improve user outcomes and potential reduce cost burden. However, there is very limited understanding on how AT are being utilized for individuals with dementia, where there are unmet needs and whether there is a case for implementing and investing in AT bundles as a part of dementia management in Canada.
This objectives of our study is to:
- Understand the characteristics of current ATs that are available, recommended, used and needed by individuals with dementia and their care partners.
- Co-design AT bundle scenarios and recommendations with all relevant stakeholders.
- Investigate the economic impact of AT bundles and their impact on individuals with dementia, care partners and the health and social care system.
Lead Faculty: Rosalie Wang, Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Science & Therapy
Accepting Students
We will be looking for students in the future to help with objective 3.
Affiliated Faculty
