Electric Assistive Technology
More than one billion people require aidive devices and the number is expected to double by 2030. These devices can be bought in shops or even modified (like adding tennis balls to a walking aid) or even custom-designed.
A few examples of assistive technology include pencil grips ergonomic kitchen tools (such as OXO good grips), and specialized keyboards. Advanced devices may also be considered, including screen magnifiers.
Functional electrical stimulation
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) provides small electrical charges to muscles that have become weak or weakened due to injuries, such as multiple sclerosis or a stroke. The electrical impulses cause the muscle to move normally. This treatment is used to facilitate movements, like grasping or walking. it can also improve the function of the bladder and bowel and decrease the risk of pressure sores.
Electrical stimulation has been utilized for many years to treat various ailments. Examples include cochlear implants to restore hearing, phrenic pacemakers that aid in respiration, and systems that aid in the elimination of bladders by people. It may also help to reduce tremors caused by Parkinson's disease. Electrical stimulation can be delivered via electrodes that are inserted into the body or placed on the skin's surface without perforating the skin. These electrodes are referred to as percutaneous electrodes that are non-invasive.
The intensity of stimulation can be adjusted to achieve different results. For instance, the amplitude of the stimulus can influence the kind of nerve fibers targeted with the larger fibers closest to the electrode being targeted first. The duration of the stimulus is another important factor. This influences the length of time the muscle is stimulated, which may affect the speed at which fatigue develops.
FES is not for all. It can be very efficient in helping someone suffering from a spinal injury regain their functional movements. It's not appropriate for people who suffer from epilepsy that is not controlled, cancerous lesions on the skin to be stimulated or those who are sensitive to. It is also not recommended for those with a skin condition that is poor because the self-adhesive electrodes can lead to irritation or pressure injuries.
Power chairs
Power chairs are a form of motorized wheelchair that utilizes an electric motor and battery to aid mobility. These wheelchairs can be controlled by a joystick, or other control systems. They provide more independence for those who are not able to walk. electric mobility let users travel longer distances without relying on others for help. They can be customized to meet the needs of particular users.
There are a variety of different kinds of power chairs such as portable and indoor/outdoor as well as mid-sized. Portable power chairs are lightweight and fold up to fit in tight spaces. They are perfect for everyday home use or for shorter riding distances. Power chairs that are mid-sized offer a balance between portability and durability, while indoor/outdoor power chairs are designed to be used outdoors, but can be adjusted to suit indoor conditions. Outdoor and indoor power chairs have grippy tyres to help with maneuvers on kerbs, and could include the ability to climb kerbs.
For those who have physical limitations assistive technology is a crucial tool. It ranges from store bought solutions like voice recognition software to more specialized seating options that enhance the user's confidence and comfort. High-tech assistive technology is often more expensive, but offers advanced features and customizable capabilities that can be ideal for a wide range of user needs.
To find the right solution for your specific needs, it is best to seek out a professional assessment from a doctor or physical therapist. They can recommend the right device for you, help you select the correct size and guide you through the use of it. They can also help you in selecting the right accessories and integrating the equipment into your daily activities.
Railings
Often referred to simply as handrails railings run diagonally alongside ramps or stairs to provide a sturdy gripping point for individuals navigating the slope. Most building codes include requirements regarding the handrails' height and spacing to avoid accidents. Handrails are available in a variety of forms and materials. Functional handrails that comply with ADA regulations feature an opening for fingers on one side or both. They also need to be strong enough to withstand 200 pounds of force.
Handrails are also a tactile guide for people with visual impairments, aiding them to climb staircases. Handrails let people feel the number of steps or curves, as well as landings by running their hand along them. Handrails can be used to steer people away from danger during emergency situations.
Electronic pillboxes
The electronic pillbox is a smart device designed to help seniors remember their medication. The electronic pillbox utilizes visual and audio reminders and triple alarms to ensure that seniors take their medication at the appropriate time. This technology can lower the chance of errors in taking medication, which are one of the most common causes of death among seniors. It also helps avoid fatal overdoses.
The device consists of a container for medication with different compartments for each day and time of the week, a battery powered sensor with a global mobile data connection, and a set of LED and speaker to enable audio and visual notifications of the due date of a pill. This device is intended for patients who take multiple supplements, vitamins or both as well as caregivers at hospitals and retirement homes.
In the most basic version the sensors for the pillbox are integrated inside the lid. They monitor the state of the subcompartment lids. The sensors are activated whenever the lid is opened by the user and a signal is transmitted to the microcontroller. The signal is timestamped and stored in the circular memory cache of the 18LF252 microcontroller.
The system is easily reprogrammed by using an external Arduino board that controls every component. The Arduino board is responsible for sending wireless alerts to caregivers and also letting the senior know when a pill needs to be taken. The light and acoustic signals will be on for a short period of time, then bleep every 10 s until the senior is able to interact with the device. The pillbox will then dispense the pill, and the LEDs and internal speaker will be turned off.