The match between experienced difficulties in everyday activities after stroke and assistive technology for cognitive support

There is growing interest in computer-based assistive technology for people who experience difficulties related to impaired cognition. More knowledge is, however, needed regarding how this technology can provide support in the everyday activities in which people with cognitive impairment experience difficulties. The aim of this study was to identify in which everyday activities a specific type of computer-based and modifiable assisti ve technology could provide adequate support to persons who experienced difficulties related to cognition after a stroke. Interviews were conducted with six participants who had experienced a stroke, to identify difficulties related to impai red cognition in everyday activities. The difficulties identified were mat ched with the assistive technology, using a new tool developed for this study; The Assistive Technology support process. The assistive technology used in the study was judged to be able to initiate the performance of a specific task and to inform about upcoming events. With the use of sensors placed in the home, the support provided related to the completion of an already initiated task or to reminders required in a specific locatio n or after specific actions. This type of support could be used more frequently in the near future and consequently it is necessary to establish what the assistive technology available can and cannot provide as well as what decisions to make before implementation. The Assistive Technology support processcould be useful in retrieving this type of information. More research into the implementation of computer-based assistive technology is required.