ABSTRACT

In this chapter, the authors summarize the gaps they see in the body of knowledge and reflect on new and emerging trends in the field. They offer their speculations on the future of caregiving. The authors focus on development of creative tools based on technology, as well as their application to the dementia field, which has lagged far behind the demand for such resources to better support and assist dementia family caregivers. They show that research-based technology development and application is really a future imperative due in part to the ever-increasing number of persons living with dementia into older ages, and the complexities of caregiving as dementia co-exists with other medical conditions. Health care professionals who honor the importance of ethnic heritage assist in preserving the unique identify of the person. Ethnicity is an inherent aspect of a personal identity. This may become even more pronounced with the progression of the disease process and the loss of short-term memory.