Electric Assistive Technology
Over one billion people need an assistive device and that number is expected to increase by 2030. These devices can be store bought; modified, like adding tennis balls to a walker; or even custom made.
Some 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) applies small electrical charges to muscles that have become disabled or weakened due to injury, such as from a stroke or multiple sclerosis. The electrical impulses induce the muscle to move normally. This treatment can be used to improve movement, such walking or grasping. It also helps improve the bowel and bladder, as well as reduce the chance of pressure sores.
Electrical stimulation can trigger responses in excitable cells like neurons, and has been used for a long time to treat a variety of ailments. Examples include cochlear implant to restore hearing, phrenic pacemakers that assist respiration, and systems to help people void the bladder. It also helps reduce tremors caused due to Parkinson's disease. lightweight mobility scooter travel electric scooter for seniors is delivered via electrodes that may be completely implanted into the body or placed on the skin without penetrating the skin, which is known as noninvasive electrodes or percutaneous.
The intensity of stimulation can be adjusted to produce different results. For instance, the intensity of the stimulus may affect the nature of the nerve fibers that are recruited with the larger fibers closest to the electrode being targeted first. The duration of the stimulus is an additional important aspect. This affects the amount of time the muscle is stimulated, which may impact the rate of fatigue.
Although FES can be beneficial in helping someone suffering from injured spinal cord recover functional movement, it's not suitable for everyone. It's not suitable for those with uncontrolled epilepsy, cancerous lesions on the skin to be stimulated or who are hypersensitive. The electrodes shouldn't be used for those with skin conditions as they could cause irritation or pressure injuries.
Power chairs
Power chairs are motorized wheelchairs that use an electric motor and battery to aid with mobility. They can be operated by using a joystick or control system, and offer greater independence and accessibility to the world for those who cannot walk. They also let users travel for longer distances without relying on others to assist. Additionally they can be customized and adjusted to meet the specific needs of users.
There are a variety of power chair, including portable, indoor/outdoor and mid-sized. Portable power chairs are lightweight and fold up to fit into small spaces. These are perfect for home use, or for smaller distances. Power wheelchairs that are mid-sized offer a balance of portability and durability. Outdoor and indoor powerchairs are designed to be used outdoors but they can also be adjusted for indoor use. Outdoor and indoor chairs could have grippy tires to assist with maneuvers over kerbs and they might also come with a kerb-climber.
Assistive technology is a vital tool for those with physical impairments. It can range from shop bought solutions, such as voice recognition software to specialized seating options that enhance the user's comfort and independence. High-tech assistive technologies are typically more expensive, but they provide advanced features and customization options that are suitable for people with a variety of requirements.
To find the right solution for your individual needs, it's best to seek out a professional assessment from a medical or physical therapist. They will be able to recommend the right device for your needs, size it correctly and teach you how to use it. They can also help you select accessories and integrate the equipment to your everyday activities.
Railings
Railings are commonly referred to as handrails and run diagonally along stairs or ramps. They offer a sturdy gripping point for people navigating the incline. The majority of building codes have requirements regarding the handrails' height and spacing to prevent accidents. Handrails can be designed to an easy-to-hold shape or constructed from materials that are easy to grasp. Handrails that are functional and meet ADA regulations have a finger recess on either or both sides. They should also be strong enough to withstand 200 pounds of force.
Handrails can also be a tactile guide for people with visual impairments, helping them to navigate staircases. By running their hands along the railing allows individuals 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. The electronic pillbox utilizes audio and visual reminders and triple alarms to ensure that seniors take their medications at the right time. This technology can lower the risk of medication errors, which are one of the most common causes of deaths among seniors. It can also help stop fatal overdoses.
The device consists of a medication container that comes with different compartments for every day and time of week and a sensor powered by batteries with an international mobile data connection as well as LEDs and speakers to notify users via audio or visual signals when the pills are due. This device is designed for patients who are taking multiple medications, vitamin supplements or both as well as caregivers in hospitals and retirement homes.
In the most basic version the sensors of the pillbox are integrated into the lid. They monitor the status of the lids for the subcompartment. The sensors are activated when a lid is opened by a user, and a message is transmitted to the microcontroller. The signal is timestamped and stored in a circular memory cache of the 18LF252 microcontroller.
The system is designed to be easily reprogrammed with the use of an external Arduino board, which manages every component. The Arduino board will be responsible for emitting light and sound signals to the pillbox to let the senior know that a pill has to be taken, and wirelessly transmitting the message to the caregivers. The acoustic signals and light will remain on for a brief duration, and then bleep every 10 seconds until the senior interacts. The pillbox will then begin dispensing the pill and the internal speaker and LEDs will turn off.