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 )

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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!