NAC: Fifth National Conference for
Caregiving Coalitions Technology & Aging
Gail Gibson HuntNational Alliance for Caregiving
American Society on Aging Conference
April 27, 2011
National Alliance for Caregiving
• 501c3 Coalition with 40+ Members• Conducts most of the national research
on caregiving- National Caregiver Survey- With United Healthcare: Caregiver Health, Out of Pocket Expenses, Hispanic Caregivers
Methodology • Online survey of 1,000 Tech-Using Family
Caregivers • Funded by United Healthcare • Definition of Caregiver: Age 18+ spending at
least 5 Hrs./Wk of care• Have used Internet to find info., participated in
online blog or used electronic devices (70% of caregivers)
• Purpose of Survey: How receptive they are to 12 technologies, plus sources of Tech info they trust
Demographics of Caregiving• 55 m. Family Caregivers of Adults• Profile: 47-year-old Baby Boomer
woman who works and cares for her mother
• Economic value of Caregiving to society: $375 Billion/YR
3 of 12 Technologies Would Be Especially Helpful:
• Personal Health Records Tracking – 77%• Caregiving Coordination System – 70%• Medication Support System – 70%
9 Additional Technologies Surveyed
-Caregiving training simulations-Caregiving decision support tool
-Symptom monitor and transmitter-Interactive System for physical, mental and
leisure activities-Video phone system
-Passive movement monitoring system-Caregiving coaching software
-Transportation display-Caregiver mentor matching service
Usefulness of Technology • 69% Receptive to Smart Phone Apps• Benefits of Technology:
- Save time – 77%- Improve logistics – 76%- Increase Effectiveness – 74%- Reduced Stress – 74%
• 83% of Long Distance Caregivers think tech will make them feel more
effective
Perceived Barriers
• Too expensive – 37%• Conversely, would save money – 46%• Technology did not address need – 22%• Care recipient would resist – 20%
More Likely to Try Tech If: • Health Professional involved with
caregiver or care recipient explained – 88%
• “How To” explanation showing how easy to install & use – 80%
• There were 3-year warranties – 78%
Video phone system
Interactive system for physical, mental, and leisure activities
Caregiving decision support tool
Medication support system
Caregiving coaching software
Caregiver training simulations
Caregiving coordination system
Caregiver mentor matching service
Passive movement monitoring system
Transportation display
Symptom monitor and transmitter
Personal health record tracking
Video phone system
Interactive system for physical, mental, and leisure activities
Caregiving decision support tool
Medication support system
Caregiving coaching software
Caregiver training simulations
Caregiving coordination system
Caregiver mentor matching service
Passive movement monitoring system
Transportation display
Symptom monitor and transmitter
Personal health record tracking
Moderate Potential(Helpful, High Barriers)
Greatest Potential(Helpful, Low Barriers)
Least Potential(Less Helpful, High Barriers)
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
25% 50% 75%
Barriers (% prevented from trying by any barrier )
Hel
pful
ness
(%
ver
y or
som
ewha
t hel
pful
)
Who is Most Receptive Caregivers under 50 Early Adapters Higher Burden of Care
STUDY IMPLICATIONS
Need for education: many technologies cost little or nothing but are perceived as too expensive
Use involved healthcare professionals to overcome resistance
Tech must be easy to use and clearly needed
Where to Find Full Study and Other Caregiver Data?
Gail Gibson HuntPresident & CEO
National Alliance for Caregivingwww.caregiving.org
http://unitedhealthgroup.com/main/newsroom.aspx
Thank You and Happy New Year!
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