A scoping review of how people living with dementia perceive and use assistive technology to support everyday activities in their homes

There is an increasing need to support people living with dementia to increase participation in activities of daily living (ADLs). Research on the uptake and acceptability of Assistive technology (AT) includes the views of carers and results from living lab or prototypes rather than people living with dementia using AT in ‘real world’ settings. This review explored the perceptions of people living with dementia using AT to carry out everyday activities at home to identify barriers and facilitators to using AT. Twelve peer reviewed studies and one focus group report published between 2013 and 2022 were selected and thematic analysis completed. AT was accepted for meaningful activities which have value and purpose. Support and individualised strategies to adapt AT into their daily life is required and successful use of AT can support maintenance of identity. Barriers to AT use were perception of AT and self-perception in relation to learning to use AT, cost, functionality, insufficient information and support. AT can cause unintended negative outcomes. Supporting people living with dementia to use AT for meaningful activities can maintain identity and personhood.