[2506.15047] Mapping Caregiver Needs to AI Chatbot Design: Strengths and Gaps in Mental Health Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers

Computer Science > Human-Computer Interaction arXiv:2506.15047 (cs) [Submitted on 18 Jun 2025 (v1), last revised 20 Mar 2026 (this version, v2)] Title:Mapping Caregiver Needs to AI Chatbot Design: Strengths and Gaps in Mental Health Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers Authors:Jiayue Melissa Shi, Dong Whi Yoo, Keran Wang, Violeta J. Rodriguez, Ravi Karkar, Koustuv Saha View a PDF of the paper titled Mapping Caregiver Needs to AI Chatbot Design: Strengths and Gaps in Mental Health Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers, by Jiayue Melissa Shi and 5 other authors View PDF HTML (experimental) Abstract:Family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia (AD/ADRD) face significant emotional and logistical challenges that place them at heightened risk for stress, anxiety, and depression. Although recent advances in generative AI -- particularly large language models (LLMs) -- offer new opportunities to support mental health, little is known about how caregivers perceive and engage with such technologies. To address this gap, we developed Carey, a GPT-4o-based chatbot designed to provide informational and emotional support to AD/ADRD caregivers. Using Carey as a technology probe, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 family caregivers following scenario-driven interactions grounded in common caregiving stressors. Through inductive coding and reflexive thematic analysis, we surface a systemic understanding of caregiver needs ...