A systematic review of gerontechnologies to support aging in place among community-dwelling older adults and their family caregivers

Objective

Paucity of information concerning the efficacy of gerontechnologies to support aging in place among community-dwelling older adults prevents potential users, healthcare professionals, and policymakers from making informed decisions on their use. The goal of this study was to identify gerontechnologies tested for home support in dyads of community-dwelling older adults with unimpaired cognition and their family caregivers, including their benefits and challenges. We also provide the level of evidence of the studies and recommendations to address the specific challenges preventing their use, dissemination, and implementation.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the literature published between 2016 and 2021 on gerontechnologies tested for home support in dyads. Two independent reviewers screened the abstracts according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A third reviewer resolved eligibility discrepancies. Data extraction was conducted by two independent reviewers.

Results

Of 1,441 articles screened, only 13 studies met the inclusion criteria with studies of moderate quality. Mostly, these gerontechnologies were used to monitor the older adult or the environment, to increase communication with family caregivers, to assist in daily living activities, and to provide health information. Benefits included facilitating communication, increasing safety, and reducing stress. Common challenges included difficulties using the technologies, technical problems, privacy issues, increased stress and dissatisfaction, and a mismatch between values and needs.

Conclusion

Only a few gerontechnologies have proven efficacy in supporting community-dwelling older adults and their family caregivers. The inclusion of values and preferences, co-creation with end users, designing easy-to-use technologies, and assuring training are strongly recommended to increase acceptability and dissemination.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=310803, identifier CRD42022310803.