Feasibility of Telehealth-Delivered Home Safety Evaluations for Caregivers of Clients With Dementia

Abstract

Video telehealth can increase access to home-based care, thus allowing older adults to maintain functional independence and age-in-place. This is particularly salient for persons with dementia whose cognitive changes increase home safety risk. Little is known about the technological and safety challenges of in-home assessment via video. This feasibility study explored the process and resource requirements of a remotely delivered telehealth occupational therapy home safety evaluation from a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) site. A total of 10 caregivers of veterans with dementia received home safety evaluations using videoconferencing technology using a variety of portable computing devices. Most telehealth evaluations experienced technological difficulties, but formal technical support was only required twice. Videoconferencing is a feasible service delivery option for home safety evaluations; however, infrastructure must support technological needs and client or provider gaps in knowledge. Implications for non-VHA settings and other interventions using videoconferencing are discussed.