Scoping review of home environment-person interaction theories relevant to evaluating technology for people with dementia

Background This scoping review explored theoretical frameworks that explain how assistive technology (AT), including assistive and electronic devices and home modifications, affects people with dementia and their unpaid caregivers. Objective The review aimed to identify models linking home environments to themes of independence, sense of independence, social connectedness, safety and caregiver stress. Methods We searched eight databases and Google Scholar, identifying 26 frameworks across 82 papers. The search strategy followed a structured procedure for identifying theory in eight databases and Google Scholar. Results Twenty-six theoretical frameworks were identified across 82 papers describing development or application of models, theories or frameworks. Thirty-one theoretical papers described the development of models of disability, ‘ecological’ models of aging and systems and control theories. While only five models focused solely on AT, 16 included it as a component. Of 50 empirical studies, 13 models – predominantly ecological models of aging – were applied. Most examined a concept related to functional independence, while home safety was least addressed. Conclusions A choice of theoretical frameworks is available to guide AT research and practice in dementia care. Choosing a suitable one depends on factors like stakeholders, model complexity, and centrality of AT to the study’s research objective.