Use of assistive devices among elders with cognitive impairment: A follow-up study

The purpose of this study was to explore how older persons with cognitive impairment use assistive devices, determine the long-term impact of occupational therapy (OT) interventions involving assistive devices used by this sample, and investigate informal caregivers' perception of the value of previous OT interventions. Study participants included 10 older persons with cognitive impairment who previously received OT interventions involving assistive devices and their paid caregivers. A health survey, a caregiver survey, the Functional independence Measure (FIM), instrumental daily living activities (IADLs) and the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), as well as an additional open-ended questionnaire, were administered. Overall, study participants experienced significant declines in physical and mental status. The use of assistive devices by study participants and caregivers' perspectives of the previous OT intervention were reported.