It may be as simple as pulling out a smartphone for skilled nursing providers looking to supply better care options for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Indiana University researchers are testing a mobile app designed to improve care for dementia patients to see if the technology is feasible and easy to use for providers. The study is being done after geriatric psychiatrist Daniel Bateman, MD, received a career development award from the National Institute on Aging to further test the Brain CareNotes app.
“There are never going to be enough providers to manage the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, which is only going to increase,” Bateman said. “We hope the Brain CareNotes app will maximize each geriatrics care worker’s ability to make an impact and improve care.”
The testing will follow two groups of dementia patients and their caregivers: one using the app in addition to usual care provided and one not using the app. Caregivers testing the app will be prompted to fill out a symptom questionnaire. The responses are then sent to a provider who will follow-up about the dementia patient’s symptoms.
Researchers hope use of the app will lead to improved behavioral and psychological symptoms and care for dementia patients.
“These symptoms cause real struggles for patients and the people who are working to care for them,” Bateman said. “We hope this app will help manage these symptoms and improve quality of life for patients and caregivers.”
