Electric Assistive Technology
Over a billion people need aidive devices and that number is expected to increase by 2030. These devices can be store purchased; modified, for instance, adding tennis balls to a walker or even crafted.
Some examples of assistive technology are pencil grips ergonomic kitchen tools (such as OXO good grips), and specialized keyboards. Other advanced devices could be considered, such as screen magnifiers.
Functional electrical stimulation
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) commonly referred to as functional electrical stimulation is a method that relies on small electric charges to stimulate muscles that are weak or weakened due to an injury, such as Multiple Sclerosis or stroke. The electrical pulses cause the muscle to move normally. This treatment is able to improve your movement, such as a walking or grasping. It also helps improve the bladder, bowel, and reduce the chance of pressure sores.
Electrical stimulation can trigger responses in excitable cells, such as neurons, and has been used for years to treat a variety of conditions. Examples include cochlear implant to restore hearing, respiration assisters and systems to help people void their bladder. It may also help to reduce the tremors that are caused by Parkinson's disease. The electrical stimulation can be delivered by electrodes that are implanted into the body or placed on the skin's surface without cutting the skin. These electrodes are known as percutaneous or noninvasive electrodes.
The intensity of stimulation can be adjusted to achieve different outcomes. The amplitude of a stimulus could affect, for instance, the kind and the location of nerve fibers targeted. Larger fibers close to the electrode are targeted first. Another factor to consider is the duration of the stimulation. This influences the length of time the muscle is active, which could impact the rate at which fatigue occurs.
While FES can be effective in helping someone suffering from an injury to the spinal cord regain functional movements, it isn't suitable for all. It's not suitable for people who suffer from epilepsy that isn't controlled or a cancerous lesion on the area of the skin to be stimulated, or for those who are oversensitive to the sensation of the stimulation. It's also not recommended for those who suffer from a poor skin condition because the self-adhesive electrodes can lead to irritation or pressure injuries.
Power chairs
Power chairs are a kind of motorized chair that uses an electric battery and motor to assist with mobility. They can be controlled with a joystick or a control system, and provide greater independence and access to the world for individuals who are unable to walk. They also allow users to travel longer distances without having to rely on others to assist. These devices can also be customized to meet the needs of specific users.
There are many kinds of power chairs, including the portable, indoor/outdoor and middle-sized. Portable power chairs are extremely lightweight and fold down to fit in tight spaces. They are great for daily household use or for riding shorter distances. Mid-sized power wheelchairs offer a balance of flexibility and endurance. Outdoor and indoor powerchairs are designed to be used outdoors, but can also be adjusted for indoor environments. Outdoor and indoor chairs could have grippy tires to assist with maneuvers over kerbs and they could also have a kerb-climber.
For those who have physical limitations assistive technology is an essential tool. It can range from store purchased solutions such as voice recognition software to more specialized seating options that increase comfort and independence. High-tech assistive technologies are typically more expensive, but they provide advanced features and options for customization that are ideal for users with a variety of needs.
It is best to seek out advice from a physician or physical therapist in order to find the right solution. They can recommend the right device for you, help you size it correctly and guide you through the use of it. They can also assist you to select accessories and integrate the device to your everyday activities.
Railings
Often simply called handrails, railings are positioned diagonally along stairs or ramps to offer an effective gripping point for individuals navigating the incline. The majority of building codes have regulations regarding height and spacing for handrails to help prevent accidents. Handrails are available in a variety of forms and materials. Functional handrails that comply with ADA regulations feature a finger recess on either or both sides. They must also be strong enough to withstand 200 pounds of force.
Handrails are also an aid for those who have visual impairments, assisting them to navigate steps. By running their hands along the railing allows people to feel the number of steps, curves or landings. Handrails can be used to direct people away from danger during emergency situations.
Electronic pillboxes
The electronic pillbox is an intelligent device that helps seniors remember their medication. It utilizes triple alarms as well as visual and audible reminders to ensure that seniors take their medication at the right times. Read More Listed here can reduce medication errors, which are a major cause of death for seniors. It can also help to stop fatal overdoses.
The device is comprised of a medication container with different compartments for each day and times of the week. It also has a battery powered sensor with a global mobile data connection and a set of speakers and LEDs that allow visual/audible notifications of pill dueness. This device is intended for patients who are taking several medications, vitamin supplements or both and caregivers at hospitals and retirement homes.
In the most basic model the pillbox sensor is incorporated inside the lid and is able to monitor the condition of each compartment lid. The sensors are activated whenever the user opens a lid and a signal is sent to the microcontroller. The signal is time-stamped before being saved to the circular memory buffer of the microcontroller 18LF252 PIC.
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 also letting the senior know that a pill is required to be taken. The acoustic signals and light will remain on for a short period of time, and then bleep every 10 seconds until the senior has a response. The pillbox will then release the pill and the LEDs as well as the internal speaker will shut off.