Systematic Review of Smart Home Assistive Technology Devices for Supporting People With Dementia Living in Their Homes.
Oscar Han, Reagan Lee, Anne Lee et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed smart home and wearable assistive technologies for people with dementia living at home or in supported accommodation. Across 18 eligible studies evaluating 17 devices, the review found level-2 evidence supporting companion robots, an electric calendar, a night-time home monitoring system, and the People Power Caregiver system. However, pooled evidence did not show reduced caregiver burden (p = 0.68; Hedges's g = 0.01; 95% CI -0.14 to 0.17). The authors judged the technologies acceptable and feasible, but concluded that evidence of efficacy remains limited.
Key findings
- The review included 18 studies investigating 17 smart home or wearable devices for people with dementia.
- Level-2 evidence supported companion robots, an electric calendar, a night-time home monitoring system, and the People Power Caregiver system.
- Meta-analysis found no evidence of reduced caregiver burden (p = 0.68; Hedges's g = 0.01; 95% CI -0.14 to 0.17).
- The review found smart home technologies acceptable and feasible, while evidence for efficacy remained limited.
Why it matters
Technology may help support safety, autonomy, and caregiving for people with dementia who remain in their homes, but feasibility and acceptability do not establish clinical benefit. The pooled result provides no evidence that the investigated devices reduce caregiver burden. Distinguishing promising device-specific evidence from the limited overall efficacy base is important when considering these technologies in dementia care.
What to keep in mind
The evidence base was limited to 18 studies, and the authors state that larger clinical trials are needed to strengthen evidence of efficacy.