Enhancing Quality of Care for Older Adults: A Participatory Design Approach for Assistive Devices in Caregiving

Abstract

As the proportion of the older adult population is increasing worldwide, so is the prevalence of disabilities such as dementia. Older adults living with dementia often need the help of a caregiver, and caregivers tend to have a higher prevalence of burnout.This research aims to address the pressing need to improve the quality of care for older adults by focusing on the development of assistive devices tailored to alleviate caregiver burnout. The objective is to propose a participatory design process, engaging caregivers as potential users, to create technology-based devices that fulfill the ideal design requirements. By mitigating symptoms of burnout among caregivers of older adults, this study seeks to elevate the standard of care provided to the elderly population.Three distinct design approaches, namely User-Centered Design, Total Design, and Participatory Design, are proposed as integral components of a comprehensive framework. Recognizing the inherent limitations of these methodologies when employed individually, this research advocates for their collective integration, harnessing their combined potential to yield an effective, functional, and valuable product. The workflow for merging these design approaches forms a crucial aspect of the findings, delineating a structured pathway toward the realization of the study's objectives. By combining the strengths of User-Centered Design, Total Design, and Participatory Design, this approach offers a holistic strategy to optimize the effectiveness of the proposed technology-based devices. Such an integration facilitates the creation of solutions that not only meet user needs but also address the complexities and challenges inherent in caregiving for older adults, particularly those with conditions such as dementia.This research contributes to a paradigm shift in the development of assistive devices, offering a novel framework that prioritizes the needs and experiences of caregivers. By advocating for a collaborative design process that transcends individual methodologies, this approach has the potential to herald a new era in caregiving practices for the aging population, fostering a culture of empathy, innovation, and improved quality of life for both caregivers and older adults.

Keywords: Aging, Caregivers, Design Methodologies, Burnout

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1004891