Evaluating the GRACE voice assistant for dementia care among caregivers and healthcare professionals: An interview study
Journal
DIGITAL HEALTH
ISSN
2055-2076
ISSN-Digital
2055-2076
Type
Article
Date Issued
2026-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Background
Considering rising dementia rates, voice assistants are being investigated to support people with dementia (PWD) and reduce the burden on caregivers (CGs). GRACE, an intervention-delivering voice assistant, provides cognitive support and assistance with daily living for people with early-stage dementia. Initial pilot studies showed promising user experience among healthy adults but required further evaluation by care professionals working with PWD as a next reiteration process.
Objective
This study investigated three main research questions: (1) Which intervention components of GRACE do healthcare professionals (HCPs) and CGs find most valuable for supporting the daily lives of PWD? (2) What key constraints do HCPs and CGs expect when implementing GRACE in dementia care settings? and (3) What changes or additions do HCPs and CGs recommend for optimizing the functionality of GRACE?
Methods
Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted (CG: n = 4, HCP: n = 9). Anonymized transcripts were coded and analyzed thematically to directly answer the research questions.
Results
Respondents found the onboarding activity and memory exercise to be most valuable, due to its relevance in everyday life. Identified barriers for implementation included practical, technical, and ethical challenges. Recommendations for successful implementation and further development of GRACE included improving PWD acceptance and greater artificial intelligence-supported personalized content. Finally, a list of future exercises for incorporation and other use cases of GRACE beyond dementia care were also identified.
Conclusions
GRACE has great potential as a complementary tool in dementia care. Ensuring personalization, ease of use, and alignment with care processes will be critical for adoption and long-term success.
Considering rising dementia rates, voice assistants are being investigated to support people with dementia (PWD) and reduce the burden on caregivers (CGs). GRACE, an intervention-delivering voice assistant, provides cognitive support and assistance with daily living for people with early-stage dementia. Initial pilot studies showed promising user experience among healthy adults but required further evaluation by care professionals working with PWD as a next reiteration process.
Objective
This study investigated three main research questions: (1) Which intervention components of GRACE do healthcare professionals (HCPs) and CGs find most valuable for supporting the daily lives of PWD? (2) What key constraints do HCPs and CGs expect when implementing GRACE in dementia care settings? and (3) What changes or additions do HCPs and CGs recommend for optimizing the functionality of GRACE?
Methods
Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted (CG: n = 4, HCP: n = 9). Anonymized transcripts were coded and analyzed thematically to directly answer the research questions.
Results
Respondents found the onboarding activity and memory exercise to be most valuable, due to its relevance in everyday life. Identified barriers for implementation included practical, technical, and ethical challenges. Recommendations for successful implementation and further development of GRACE included improving PWD acceptance and greater artificial intelligence-supported personalized content. Finally, a list of future exercises for incorporation and other use cases of GRACE beyond dementia care were also identified.
Conclusions
GRACE has great potential as a complementary tool in dementia care. Ensuring personalization, ease of use, and alignment with care processes will be critical for adoption and long-term success.
HSG Classification
contribution to practical use / society
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Volume
12
Pages
17
Subject(s)
Division(s)