Evaluating a Wearable Tracking System for Family Caregivers of Persons With Dementia With Wandering Concerns

A Two-Stage Pilot Study to Evaluate the Feasibility (Stage I) and Efficacy (Stage II) of a Tracking System for Family Caregivers of Persons With Dementia

This project has two stages feasibility (stage 1) and efficacy of the device (stage II) and is being completed to evaluate a tracking solution system (Care Companion) developed by Koronis Biomedical Technologies (KBT) to assist family caregivers of persons living with dementia that are at risk for wandering/elopement.

Participants in this stage 1 will be involved in this project for approximately 1 month and stage II participants will be involved for approximately 6 months.

Caregiver Inclusion Criteria:

• Identify as person providing support to the person living with dementia/memory loss due to person's dementia
• Has concerns about person living with dementia/memory loss wandering or eloping
• Have a smartphone (Android or Apple) with sufficient system requirements (e.g., iPhone 4s or better) or indicate a willingness to use the Care Companion and related smart phone application
• Able to converse in English and understand written English
• Must have internet and computer access capable of Zoom
• In the research staff's best judgment can:
• engage and assist the person with dementia wearing the device
• complete surveys via the internet
• engage in feedback on the devices (surveys and, if applicable, interview)

Caregiver Exclusion Criteria:

• Do not meet inclusion criteria
• Are unable to meet device use and orientation schedule requirements

Persons Living with Dementia or Memory Loss Inclusion Criteria:

• Have a provider diagnosis of AD/ADRD or caregiver has demonstrated it via the screening
• Willing to wear the Care Companion device for the duration of the study
• Able to converse in English

Persons Living with Dementia or Memory Loss Exclusion Criteria:

• Do not meet inclusion criteria above
• Currently residing in a nursing home setting without regular outings