Electric Assistive Technology
By 2030, the number of people who need assistive devices will increase by a factor of two. These devices can be store purchased; modified, for instance, adding tennis balls to a walker; or even made to order.
Some examples of assistive technology are pencil grips ergonomic kitchen tools (such as OXO good grips), and specialized keyboards. More advanced devices can also be considered, including screen magnifiers.
My Mobility Scooters (FES) uses small electrical charges to muscles that have become paralysed or weak because of injury, such as from stroke or multiple sclerosis. The electrical pulses cause the muscle to move normally. This treatment helps in facilitating movement, such as grasping or walking, and it can help improve bladder and bowel function and reduce the chance of developing pressure sores.
Electrical stimulation can trigger reactions in excitable cells, such as neurons, and has long been used to treat various conditions. Examples include cochlear implant to help with hearing, respiration assisters and systems to assist people void their bladder. It also helps reduce the tremors caused by Parkinson's. Electrical stimulation is delivered by electrodes that may be completely implanted in the body, or placed on the skin without penetrating the skin, referred to as noninvasive electrodes or percutaneous.
The intensity of stimulation can be manipulated to produce different outcomes. For example, the amplitude of the stimulus may affect the kind of nerve fibers targeted and the fibers that are closer to the electrode being targeted first. Another crucial aspect is the duration of the stimulation. This influences the length of time a muscle is activated, which can impact the rate at which fatigue occurs.
Although FES can be beneficial in helping a person with a spinal cord injury regain functional movements, it isn't for all. It isn't appropriate for those who suffer from epilepsy that isn't controlled or a cancerous lesions on the the skin that is being stimulated, or are sensitive to the sensation of the stimulation. It is not recommended for people with a skin condition that is poor, as the self-adhesive electrodes may cause irritation or pressure injury.
Power chairs
Power chairs are motorized wheelchairs that use an electric motor and battery to assist with mobility. They can be operated with a joystick or a control system, and offer greater independence and access to the world for individuals who are unable to walk. These devices allow users to travel further distances without relying on other people. These devices can also be adapted to meet the requirements of particular users.
There are a variety of power chair, such as small, portable, indoor/outdoor, and mid-sized. Portable power chairs are lightweight and fold up to fit in tight spaces. These are perfect for use at home, or for smaller distances. Mid-sized power wheelchairs offer a balance of mobility and durability. Outdoor and indoor powerchairs are designed to be used outside but they can also be adjusted for indoor use. Outdoor and indoor chairs could have grippy tires to assist with manoeuvres over kerbs, and they might also come with an kerb-climber.
Assistive technology is a crucial device for people with physical limitations. The technology can be anything from voice recognition software available in retail stores to specially designed seating that improves the user's comfort and independence. The most advanced assistive technology is usually more expensive but offer advanced features and customization options that are perfect for those who have a wide range of needs.
To find the right solution to meet your requirements, it is recommended to get a professional evaluation from a medical or physical therapist. They will recommend the best device for you, and help you size it correctly and guide you through the use of it. They can also assist you to choose accessories and integrate the device to your everyday activities.
Railings
Often referred to simply as handrails railings run diagonally alongside stairs or ramps to offer an enduring gripping point for those who are navigating the incline. To prevent accidents, the majority of building codes have regulations about the height and spacing of handrails. Handrails can be molded to an easy-to-hold shape or constructed from materials that are easy to grasp. Functional handrails that comply with ADA regulations feature a recess for the fingers, either on one side or both. They also need to be sturdy enough to withstand 200 pounds of force.
Handrails can also provide tactile guidance for people with visual impairments to aid them in navigating stairs. By running their hands across the railings allows users to feel the number of steps, curves, or landings. In the event of an emergency handrails can assist in directing individuals to safe exit routes.
Electronic pillboxes
The electronic pillbox was designed to aid seniors in remembering to take their medications. It has triple alarms and audio and visual reminders to ensure that seniors take their pills at the correct time. This technology can reduce the risk of medication errors which are among the most common causes of death among seniors. It can also help to prevent fatal overdoses.
The device consists of a medicine container with compartments for every day and the time of the week, a battery powered sensor with an international mobile data connection and a set LEDs and speakers that can provide audio and visual notifications of dueness of pills. This device is aimed at patients who take several medications, vitamin supplements or both as well as caregivers in hospitals and retirement homes.
In the most basic model the pillbox sensor is built in the lid and it monitors the status of each subcompartment lid. The sensors are activated whenever the lid is opened and a signal is transmitted to the microcontroller. The signal is then time-stamped and stored in an internal memory buffer that is circular in the 18LF252 PIC microcontroller.
The system can be easily reprogrammed with an external Arduino board that manages all the various components. The Arduino board is responsible for sending wireless alerts to caregivers and letting the senior know when a pill needs to be taken. The acoustic and light signals will be on for a brief period of time, then it will bleep every 10 seconds until the senior is able to interact with the device. The pillbox will then dispense the pill, and the LEDs and internal speaker will shut off.