Allison Kachala

My work

About me

Carleton University: Thesis

Pal

CONTEXT

Pal is a product system that aims to develop a smart home system specifically designed to support informal caregivers who are providing care for loved ones with dementia. Pal is a comprehensive, smart home solution tailored to the unique needs of caregivers of individuals living with dementia.

Roles

User Research
Product Strategy
UX Design
UI Design
Prototyping
Usability Testing

tools

Figma

FigJam

timeline

8 months

The realities of caring for a loved one with Dementia

Over 500,000 Canadians live with dementia, and many of them choose to remain in their own homes or communities instead of care facilities due to a lack of infrastructure and emotional attachment to their homes. Informal caregivers, primarily spouses or children, provide the primary source of support but often experience burnout due to a lack of official check-ins with physicians and caregiver training. New caregivers take on significant responsibility quickly, leading to challenges in maintaining their own health and well-being. Caregiver burnout can result in adverse health outcomes and make caregivers feel like they are a second patient.

hypothesis

Empowering informal caregivers through home-based dementia care.

By creating a comprehensive support system that facilitates communication and collaboration among physicians, caregivers, and individuals living with dementia can help make the caregiving role more manageable, without compromising the mental and physical health of caregivers. This holistic approach has the potential to enhance the quality of life and care for individuals experiencing cognitive decline, and enable them to live independently in their own homes for a longer duration.

solution

Transforming Home-Based Dementia Care: Ambient-Assisted Living Technology as a Supportive Solution

The critical area of opportunity identified is to alleviate caregiver burden for those who care for individuals in the early stages of cognitive decline, who are still able to function independently at home. This would be achieved through the use of ambient-assisted living technology and sensors in the home that track the activities of the person with dementia, providing real-time data to the caregiver. The system would be customizable to the caregiver's lifestyle, providing them with information and confidence, while preventing caregiver burnout. This tool could serve as a reliable support for caregivers, enabling them to maintain their routines and avoid becoming overwhelmed, thus preventing them from becoming the "second patient.”

product feature overview

At home sensor system to support informal caregivers, caring for their loved ones with Dementia.

Hub

The main base is where the data is stored locally, connects the individual sensors, and monitors irregular activities.

Sensors

The main base is where the data is stored locally, connects the individual sensors, and monitors irregular activities.

Wearable

Worn by the caregiver, it is used to differentiate between the actions of the caregiver and the person with dementia.

Data visualization

Compiles and visualized the data collected by the sensors in a consumable way for the caregiver to interpret and be informed.

Hub

The main base is where the data is stored locally, connects the individual sensors, and monitors irregular activities.

Sensors

The main base is where the data is stored locally, connects the individual sensors, and monitors irregular activities.

Wearable

Worn by the caregiver, it is used to differentiate between the actions of the caregiver and the person with dementia.

Data visualization

Compiles and visualized the data collected by the sensors in a consumable way for the caregiver to interpret and be informed.

outcome

Supporting Informal Caregivers in Dementia Care through Personalized Support Systems

In my research on cognitive decline, I identified a significant gap in the healthcare system's attention to informal caregivers, who are often partners or children of individuals with dementia. These caregivers quickly take on significant responsibilities, adjusting their lifestyle to provide care while managing their own lives. However, this demanding role can lead to adverse health outcomes and burnout. Informal caregivers spend an average of 44.6 hours per week caring for their loved ones, often experiencing caregiver burden and becoming the "second patient" themselves.

Based on extensive research and interactions with caregivers, I have developed a system that aims to inform caregivers about irregular in-home activities of persons living with dementia. The system is designed to act as a supportive partner to caregivers, offering comfort and confidence, enabling them to maintain their routine and avoid burnout, while preventing them from becoming the "second patient". The system is highly customizable to fit the lifestyle of each caregiver, and it keeps them informed with timely and relevant information.

Guiding principles

Acting as a partner to the caregiver

Customizable for the caregiver

Keeps the caregiver informed

research

Primary research

I had the privilege of conducting and participating in more than 35 primary research sessions, collaborations, and interactions with current and former informal caregivers of individuals living with dementia. To help me better understand the space, I conducted a variety of primary and secondary research studies to identify pain points and wow moments in the existing experience.
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Based on extensive research and interactions with caregivers, I have developed a system that aims to inform caregivers about irregular in-home activities of persons living with dementia. The system is designed to act as a supportive partner to caregivers, offering comfort and confidence, enabling them to maintain their routine and avoid burnout, while preventing them from becoming the "second patient". The system is highly customizable to fit the lifestyle of each caregiver, and it keeps them informed with timely and relevant information.