This study explores the perceptions of informal caregivers of persons with dementia regarding internet use in their daily lives. Specifically, it investigates how caregivers use the internet, assesses its usefulness in caregiving and non-caregiving contexts, examines its association with their well-being, and describes perceived advantages and disadvantages. Through thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 22 caregivers, we identified key internet uses both within and beyond caregiving. Four main themes emerged: non-caregiving-related internet uses, caregiving-related internet uses, perceptions of advantages and disadvantages, and learning needs and future challenges. Caregivers reported using the internet for self-care, including leisure and emotional support, and for caregiving tasks such as acquiring information, telemedicine, and staying connected with health services. Advantages included improved access to information and the ability to overcome physical barriers, while disadvantages involved impersonality and misinformation. The need for reliable information and specialized online spaces that foster interaction among caregivers was highlighted as a key future challenge. In summary, the internet is a crucial resource for informal caregivers, supporting both caregiving responsibilities and personal well-being. These findings should inform formal interventions aimed at enhancing caregivers’ quality of life and promoting digital inclusion, particularly among older adults and those with lower levels of education who are at greater risk of digital exclusion.
Authors: Javiera Rosell, Claudia Miranda-Castillo, Alejandra-Ximena Araya, Irina Betti-Cortés, Sofía Sepúlveda-Caro & Natalia Zipper-Aguiló
Digital Caregivers: Exploring Internet Use and Well-being among Informal Dementia Caregivers
