Caregiver Challenges and Functional Requirements for an mHealth App Supporting Home-Based Dementia Care: Qualitative Interview Study

Background The growth of the older adult population in Indonesia since 2019 has contributed to a 2.46% increase in dementia cases, with the number of cases projected to increase 2.5-fold by 2050. This trend is exerting a major impact on older adults and increasing the burden on caregivers. The current lack of systemic health support suggests that digital solutions—such as mobile health (mHealth) apps—have the potential to support caregivers and people living with dementia. However, to date, no mHealth initiatives have been developed through a participatory approach that involves users in the design process in accordance with the sociocultural conditions in Indonesia. Objective This study aimed to identify the challenges faced by dementia caregivers in home care settings and to determine the functional requirements for an mHealth app to support them. Methods The study adopted a qualitative participatory design, interviewing 12 health care workers, 2 employees of nongovernmental organizations, and 35 dementia caregivers. The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The challenges identified by the interviewees were mapped onto the app design process as functional requirements. Results The challenges identified in this study include a lack of education and awareness regarding the symptoms and treatment of dementia, the stress and mental strain experienced by caregivers, difficulties in monitoring the health and daily lives of people with dementia, barriers to access to health services, and declining cognitive function among older adults with dementia. To overcome these challenges, we identified corresponding functional requirements for the mHealth app, including diaries, music playlists, community forums, and quizzes and games for people with dementia, as well as dementia education videos and psychological assessments for caregivers. Aspects such as ease of use and the quality of information influenced the acceptance of the app by people with dementia and their caregivers. Educational materials, such as short videos, articles, and infographics, addressed dementia symptoms and steps that can be taken at home to care for people with dementia. Psychological assessments were developed using a validated tool. Quizzes and games helped caregivers design fun, relevant questions based on the personal experiences of adults with dementia. Music playlists highlighted songs that suited the mood of people with dementia, enhancing their personalized experiences without needing explicit guidance from the app. Community forums encouraged caregivers to voluntarily share their experiences and support others, strengthening their sense of belonging and emotional involvement in the caregiving process. Diaries could be used by caregivers to record the daily condition of people with dementia and their care. Conclusions The challenges and functional requirements identified in this study provide a practical foundation for organizations and facilities to develop culturally appropriate health apps for dementia home care in Indonesia.