Navigating the experiences of family caregivers of persons living with dementia in Nova Scotia: how technology can help

In Nova Scotia, many older adults are affected by dementia, leading to a growing need for care and support. However, due to limited availability and long waiting lists for nursing homes, many persons living with dementia are primarily cared for by family caregivers, typically family members. These caregivers often willingly take on this role, but it can be physically and psychologically demanding. These challenges can take a toll on the family caregivers’ well-being. Recognizing the increasing prevalence of technology in society, this study explores the potential of technology to assist and support family caregivers in their caregiving responsibilities. The objectives are to understand the experiences of family caregivers, explore the role of technology in supporting dementia care, and identify the most promising areas for future research on technology use in enhancing dementia caregiving. A qualitative research methodology involving interviews with 11 family caregivers was employed. The findings highlight the complex caregiving dynamics, the importance of social support, and the potential of technology in enhancing caregiving experiences. Technology use was reflected in the caregivers’ daily tasks and many of them used technology as coping mechanisms. While technology offers various advantages such as communication facilitation, information access, entertainment and social connectivity, its adoption and usage are influenced by individual preferences, technological literacy, and access limitations. This study concludes that technology can play a significant role in supporting family caregivers but should be tailored to their specific needs and circumstances in Nova Scotia.