Researchers from Canada and Scotland studied an automated system designed to assist people with dementia get through activities of daily living –- in this case hand washing -– and reduce caregiver burden.

First, the details.

• 6 older adults with moderate-to-severe dementia participated.
• Hand washing was the target activity of daily living.
• They washed their hands once with the help of a caregiver and then alone.
• Washing was divided into 5 steps.
• The participants were monitored using real time video.
• Data from the video were analyzed using a computer.
• Missed washing steps triggered an audio and/or video prompt that guided the participant to correct the missed step.

And, the results.

• Using COACH, participants were able to complete 11% more hand washing steps independently.
• They required 60% fewer interactions with a human caregiver.
• 4 participants achieved complete or very close to complete independence.
• Interestingly, participants’ mini mental state exam (MMSE) scores did not appear to coincide with hand washing performance and/or responsiveness to COACH.
• 78% of COACH’s actions were considered clinically accurate.

The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “The COACH system shows promise as a tool to help support older adults with moderate-levels of dementia and their caregivers.”

One small step for COACH, but a potentially giant step for future caregivers.

11/8/08 10:11 JR