Electric Assistive Technology
More than one billion people require an assistive device, and that number is set to increase by 2030. These devices can be store bought; modified, like adding tennis balls to a walker or even made to order.
A few examples of assistive technology are pencil grips, ergonomic kitchen tools (such as OXO good grips) and keyboards that are specialized. Other devices, such as screen magnifiers, are also considered.
Functional electrical stimulation
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is also referred to as functional electrical stimulation is a technique that uses tiny electric charges to muscles that are either paralyzed or weak due to injury such as Multiple Sclerosis or a stroke. The electrical impulses allow the muscle to move normally. This treatment helps in facilitating movements, like grasping or walking, and it can also improve the bowel and bladder function and decrease the risk of pressure sores.
Electrical stimulation can elicit responses in excitable cells like neurons, and it has been used for a long time to treat various conditions. Examples include cochlear implant to restore hearing, respiration assisters, and systems to help people void their bladder. It may also help to reduce tremors caused due to Parkinson's disease. The electrical stimulation is delivered via electrodes that may be completely implanted into the body or they can be placed on the skin without piercing the skin, which is known as percutaneous or noninvasive electrodes.
The intensity of stimulation can be adjusted to produce different outcomes. For instance, the intensity of the stimulus can influence the type of nerve fibers recruited, with larger fibers closer to the electrode being targeted first. Another important factor is the duration of the stimulation. This can impact the rate of fatigue, by impacting the duration that the muscle is activated.
Although FES can be beneficial in helping a person with a spinal cord injury regain functional movements, it's not suitable for everyone. It's not suitable for those with uncontrolled epilepsy and cancerous lesions that are on the skin area to be stimulated, or who are oversensitive. It's not recommended for people who have poor skin condition due to the fact that self-adhesive electrodes could cause pressure injuries or irritation.
Power chairs
Power chairs are motorized wheelchairs that use an electric motor and battery to assist with mobility. They can be controlled using a joystick or control system, and provide more independence and access to the world for people who cannot walk. These devices enable users to travel further distances without the need of other people. In addition they can be adapted and customized to accommodate specific user needs.
There are many different kinds of power chair such as portable, indoor/outdoor, and mid-sized. Portable power chairs are extremely lightweight and fold down to fit in small spaces. They are great for daily household use or for shorter riding distances. The mid-sized power chairs provide the perfect balance of flexibility and durability, whereas the outdoor and indoor power chairs are designed to be used outdoors, but can be adjusted to fit indoor conditions. Outdoor and indoor chairs could feature grippy tires to help with manoeuvres over kerbs, and they could also have an kerb-climber.
Assistive technology is a crucial tool for those with physical limitations. It can range from voice recognition software available in retail stores to specially designed seating that improves the comfort and independence of users. High-tech assistive technologies are typically more expensive but offer advanced features and customizable options that are suitable for people who have a wide range of needs.
It is recommended to seek out advice from a doctor or physical therapist to determine the best solution. They can suggest the ideal equipment for you, assist you select the correct size and demonstrate how to use it. They will also be able to assist in selecting accessories and how to integrate the equipment into your daily routine.
Railings
Railings are often called handrails and run diagonally along stairs or ramps. They offer a sturdy grasping point for those who are navigating the slope. Most building codes include regulations regarding height and spacing for handrails to avoid accidents. Handrails can be designed to an easy-to-hold shape or constructed of materials that are easy to grasp. Handrails that are functional and meet ADA regulations include the finger recess on one or both sides. electric mobility scooters for seniors should also be sturdy enough to withstand 200 pounds of force.
Handrails also serve as a tactile guide for people who have visual impairments, assisting them to climb steps. Moving their hands along the railing allows people to feel the number of steps, curves, or landings. In emergency situations handrails can assist in directing individuals to safe exit routes.
Electronic pillboxes
The electronic pillbox was developed to help seniors remember to take their medications. It utilizes triple alarms as well as audio and visual reminders to ensure that seniors take their pills at the appropriate times. This technology can help reduce medication errors which are a leading cause of death for seniors. It also helps prevent overdoses, which can cause death.
The device is comprised of a container for medication with compartments for every day and times of the week. It also has an electronic sensor powered by batteries that has a global mobile data connection and a set speakers and LEDs that allow audio and visual notifications of the due date of a pill. This device is aimed at patients who take several medications, vitamin supplements or both and caregivers at hospitals and retirement homes.
In the simplest model the pillbox sensor is built in the lid and it monitors the state of each subcompartment lid. The sensors are triggered whenever the user opens a lid and a signal transmitted to the microcontroller. The signal is then time-stamped and saved to a circular memory buffer in the 18LF252 PIC microcontroller.
The system is easily reprogrammed by using an external Arduino board that manages all the different parts. The Arduino board is responsible for emitting sound and light signals for the pillbox in order to notify the senior that a pill has to be taken, and wirelessly transmitting the message to caregivers. The acoustic and light signals will stay on for a brief period of time, and then bleep every 10 seconds until the senior is able to interact with the device. The pillbox will then start dispensing the pill and the internal speaker and LEDs will turn off.