INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana—A new study conducted by Elevance Health has highlighted how caregivers feel about technology solutions. This study particularly examined caregiver experiences and perspectives with five technology solutions that boost independence and activities of daily living: remote caregiving tools, environmental controls, medication dispensers, wearable technologies and induction stovetops.
"Recognizing the central role of unpaid caregivers in sustaining HCBS (home- and community-based services), this paper presents findings from a survey examining caregivers’ experiences and perspectives, with a particular focus on the role of technology solutions in supporting caregiving," Elevance said.
Among caregivers using technology, most reported improvements in well-being, including reduced anxiety and support with medication management. Nonusers also expressed strong interest in technology solutions but identified barriers related to safety concerns, cost and usability. Elevance said these findings highlight opportunities for Medicaid programs to strengthen caregiver support through technology-enabled tools and strategies.
Key takeaways from the report included:
- Unpaid caregivers are essential to supporting Medicaid beneficiaries and the stability of home- and community-based programs, and, as reliance on caregivers grows, technology solutions may assist both caregivers and the individuals they support.
- Respondents who use technology solutions reported these tools improved at least one aspect of well-being (e.g., reduced anxiety) and supported caregiving tasks such as medication management, while most respondents who did not use technology believed technology could help with at least one caregiving task.
- Respondents using technology solutions reported challenges such as technical errors and space limitations, while respondents who did not use technology solutions cited safety concerns as a potential barrier to adopting, highlighting opportunities to improve functionality.
"As states expand home and community-based care and seek to manage costs while improving independence and health outcomes, technology offers a potential way to extend the reach of services, enhance monitoring and communication and support individuals in more integrated settings," the paper said. "In addition, emerging research and state experience suggest that managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) plans can play a central role in scaling technology solutions by embedding them into care planning, coordinating implementation with technology vendors and leveraging data to monitor their impact."
To view the full report, click here.