Using a S.M.A.R.T. Framework to Conceptualize A Smart Home for Persons Living with Dementia
1
College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States
2
Institute of Gerontology, University of Georgia, Athens, United States
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Over 65 million people worldwide are living with dementia and is the seventh leading cause of death globally.1 In response to this epidemic, especially in middle- to high-income countries, researchers are exploring smart homes to empower PLWD to age in place. 2-4 Smart homes are livable dwellings, for one or more users, integrated with interconnected technology to support user wants and needs to enhance day-to-day living functionality and/or quality.5 While some research has focused on designing and evaluating individual or interconnected technologies to improve health outcomes for PLWD 2,3 there are no established best practices for defining and designing smart homes that systematically consider socio-ecological and socio-cultural factors affecting their success. The purpose of this presentation is to use the recently published ‘S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Adaptable, Reliable, Technology) schematic’ as a best practice framework to conceptualize a viable smart home for PLWD.5
METHODS:
Guided by the S.M.A.R.T. framework, a team of dementia and technology experts discussed key symptoms and daily activities of PLWD that can be monitored or managed using smart home technology. The team identified the most important tech-measurable outcomes and which devices would be most reliable and adaptable, considering the person’s health profile and physical and social environment.
RESULTS:
Smart homes for individuals with dementia should prevent or detect: falls, medication adherence, sleep quality, wandering, emotional distress, nutrition, and other health indicators. Many of these outcomes can be measured using high or low-tech (e.g., blister packs) solutions. The long-term viability of these technologies will depend on their reliability (e.g., consistent performance), acceptability (e.g., cultural relevance), and usability. The adaptability of the smart home will depend on individual (e.g., rate of disease progression) and technological (e.g., internet infrastructure) factors.
CONCLUSIONS:
The S.M.A.R.T. schematic is an ideal best-practice solution for designing smart homes for PLWD globally.
Over 65 million people worldwide are living with dementia and is the seventh leading cause of death globally.1 In response to this epidemic, especially in middle- to high-income countries, researchers are exploring smart homes to empower PLWD to age in place. 2-4 Smart homes are livable dwellings, for one or more users, integrated with interconnected technology to support user wants and needs to enhance day-to-day living functionality and/or quality.5 While some research has focused on designing and evaluating individual or interconnected technologies to improve health outcomes for PLWD 2,3 there are no established best practices for defining and designing smart homes that systematically consider socio-ecological and socio-cultural factors affecting their success. The purpose of this presentation is to use the recently published ‘S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Adaptable, Reliable, Technology) schematic’ as a best practice framework to conceptualize a viable smart home for PLWD.5
METHODS:
Guided by the S.M.A.R.T. framework, a team of dementia and technology experts discussed key symptoms and daily activities of PLWD that can be monitored or managed using smart home technology. The team identified the most important tech-measurable outcomes and which devices would be most reliable and adaptable, considering the person’s health profile and physical and social environment.
RESULTS:
Smart homes for individuals with dementia should prevent or detect: falls, medication adherence, sleep quality, wandering, emotional distress, nutrition, and other health indicators. Many of these outcomes can be measured using high or low-tech (e.g., blister packs) solutions. The long-term viability of these technologies will depend on their reliability (e.g., consistent performance), acceptability (e.g., cultural relevance), and usability. The adaptability of the smart home will depend on individual (e.g., rate of disease progression) and technological (e.g., internet infrastructure) factors.
CONCLUSIONS:
The S.M.A.R.T. schematic is an ideal best-practice solution for designing smart homes for PLWD globally.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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