(Geronto)Technologies of care for old people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families: contribution of awareness/training workshops

Abstract

Objective

To describe (geronto)technologies of care for old people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families, from awareness/training workshops.

Methods

Strategic action research, developed with 12 nursing, physiotherapy, dentistry and occupational therapy students from a University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The data collected from September to December 2019, through semi-structured interview, after awareness-raising workshops on care (geronto) technologies for old people and their families, were subjected to textual discursive analysis.

Results

They allowed the description of (geronto)technology in the form of a product: identification plates for objects and rooms; products for organizing medication; Identification badge; support bars, rounders, non-slip mats and various adaptations; bath calendar; Games, books and manual activities. And, in the form of process/knowledge/strategies: dialogue, memories and negotiations; accompanying the old people and advising neighbors on Alzheimer’s disease; and, division of responsibilities.

Conclusion

The awareness/training workshops contributed to the knowledge of students from different training centers and showed potential to contribute to the care of old people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families, through suggested (geronto)technologies.

Keywords
Health of the Elderly; Alzheimer disease; Family; Technology; Health Personnel