Megumi Kawasaki

Societal complexity and diverse lifestyles increase challenges for individuals with disabilities and older adults [1]. Physical impairments, especially in mobility and transportation, hinder employ...

To clarify the issues in providing assistive products for cognitive function (APCs) to older adults with dementia or cognitive impairment based on healthcare professionals' perceptions in Japan. Fifteen healthcare professionals providing assistive products to older adults with dementia participated in semi-structured online interviews (mean age 44.6 ± 6.5 years, 11 women, 4 men). Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. The following four categories were identified as issues in the introduction, assessment, and use of assistive products for cognitive impairment: (1) lack of acceptance of assistive products by older adults with dementia and their ability to operate these products; (2) lack of cognitive assistive products available to older adults; (3) gaps in awareness of APC between professionals and caregivers; and (4) insufficient follow-up systems. Opinions were also extracted to create an environment in which it was easier for older adults with dementia to use electronic devices and information and communication technology (ICT). To effectively utilize the assistive products needed by older adults with dementia or cognitive impairment, caregivers' understanding of assistive products and the continued involvement of professionals are essential so that the functions of assistive products match the characteristics of the users. To facilitate these efforts, it is necessary to establish a framework for providing assistive products for dementia-related cognitive function.

This study aimed to elucidate the effect of introducing an information support robot on utterance frequency and confirm the change in utterance frequency after long-term use. We presented an information support robot installed with individualized content to three older adults with cognitive impairment who live alone at home or in an assisted living residence (mean age 83.7±SD 5.4 years). Changes in the participants' utterance frequency over six months following the intervention of long-term robot use in actual living spaces were quantitatively recorded and analyzed. Two participants' total utterance frequency maintained or improved. With robot intervention, the utterance frequency to the robot was maintained for six months. When the usability and satisfaction with the robot were high, the utterance frequency increased. These results suggest that users need to be provided with personalized information that is appropriate for their individual needs to use robots effectively over the long term. Information support robots have the potential for long-term use without inflicting boredom and may encourage more frequent interactions. Long-term use of such information support robots may help older adults to continue living autonomously and independently for longer. These findings may contribute to future efforts in supporting autonomous living.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the provision and need for assistive products for older adults with cognitive impairment among rehabilitation therapists, identify any unmet needs, and analyze current issues in providing such products.Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey with rehabilitation therapists involved in selecting and providing assistive products for cognitive function in older adults with cognitive impairments. Questionnaires comprising ten items about the experience and need for cognitive assistive products were sent to 300 facilities for older adults in Japan between January and February 2021. One hundred thirty-five responses were received.Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.5 ± SD7.1. There were 70 females, 64 males, and one unanswered questionnaire. In total, 72 (53.3%) of the 135 therapists had introduced or provided assistive products to their patients. The most frequently provided products were for safety and security; some were provided to support memory and orientation. 86% of therapists did not use the insurance system to provide them. The survey showed that most participants with experience providing assistive products needed information on the available resources.Conclusions: Although the need for assistive products for cognition is increasing, they are not sufficiently supplied in caring for older adults with cognitive impairment. Their availability differed depending on the assistive product type. It is necessary to have an effective social insurance system and access to up-to-date information to provide appropriate assistive products.