Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (MSIE)

First Advisor

Dr. Tonya Smith-Jackson

Abstract

Research indicates that most caregiving of persons with dementia (PwD) is done by adults 49 years of age and older. However, millennials make up 25% of the estimated 44 million caregivers in the United States. Although the definition varies, “millennials” for this research is defined by those born between 1984 - 2000, which aligns with the research by Strauss and Howe (2003). Millennial caregivers are taking on this task as their parents or grandparents get older and diagnosed with dementia. Taking on the task of caring for a loved one with dementia can present itself as difficult because of competing obligations. The purpose of this research is to determine specific user and system requirements for cyber-human systems to support caregivers who are millennials. The Behavioral and Environmental Sensing and Intervention (BESI) study used big data analytics and modeling methods to understand the relationship between caregiver mood, the ambient environment, and agitation in PwD. This portion of the study focuses on millennial caregivers and their specific system and interface needs. Since millennials, as a group, have more understanding of computer-based technology including social media and may adapt to new device platforms and interfaces more quickly, preferred system features and functions may also differ. This study aims to identify system and user requirements to facilitate further design of a cyber-human system, such as BESI, that is compatible with the needs of millennial caregivers. In turn, the development and design may alleviate burden and stress in millennial caregivers.

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