Co-Conception Process of an Innovative Assistive Device to Track and Find Misplaced Everyday Objects for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: The TROUVE Project

Purpose: Misplacing or losing personal belongings is a concern of everyday life among people of all ages. Older adults with cognitive impairment are significantly more affected by this problem. It is a source of frustration, anxiety, interpersonal conflict and disability in this population. Informal caregivers are greatly impacted by this problem, which compels them to spend a lot of time searching for misplaced items and comforting the person. Assistive technology could thus be of great benefit in this area. However, existing item locator devices do not appear to meet the needs of older adults with cognitive disorders. The TROUVE project aims to conceive and assess an innovative item locator device that effectively addresses their needs, capacities, and goals.