Effect of assistive technology on the burden of caregivers to older adults: A systematic review.
Hyun-Jung Kim, Yong-Soon Shin
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review without meta-analysis examined whether assistive technologies reduce caregiving burden for older adults with cognitive impairments or disabilities. It included 12 studies involving 941 participants: eight randomized and four non-randomized controlled trials. Technologies ranged from social-assist robots and mobile devices to home monitoring, activities-of-daily-living support, and telecare. The review reports significant reductions in caregiver distress, role strain, concerns about older adults, burnout, anxiety, negative feelings, and loss of control, alongside improved caregiver well-being. No pooled effect estimate was reported.
Key findings
- The review included 12 studies and 941 participants, comprising eight randomized and four non-randomized controlled trials.
- Assistive technology significantly reduced caregiver distress, role strain, concerns about older adults, burnout, anxiety, negative feelings, and loss of control.
- Caregiver well-being improved with assistive technology use.
Why it matters
Caregiving burden can involve emotional distress, strain, and reduced well-being. This review suggests that a range of assistive technologies may help address several of these outcomes when supporting older adults with cognitive impairments or disabilities. The findings broaden consideration beyond a single device type, while the absence of a pooled estimate means the magnitude of benefit is not established here.
What to keep in mind
The review used a systematic synthesis without meta-analysis, so it provides no pooled estimate of effect. It included both randomized and non-randomized controlled trials.