Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the utility of an innovative, web-based tool (WeCareAdvisor) to assist formal caregivers caring for a person with dementia in assisted living (ALF). Four ALFs (n=20) participated in the study. Participants were provided with access to the tool for one month. Afterwards, a focus group (n=6) was completed to elicit participant feedback about the tool. Staff found that the program reinforced prior knowledge and provided some new ideas. They also saw it as a potential bridge for communicating with families and other staff (day/night shift). Main recommendations to increase utility to formal caregivers were: 1) add an option for tracking behaviors; 2) allow multiple staff to coordinate data on a person with dementia to provide better continuity of care; 3) have it available across multiple devices (phone, tablet, PC/laptop); and 4) integrate WeCare into existing ALF technologies already in use.