Electric Assistive Technology
Over one billion people need aidive devices and that number is expected to increase by 2030. These devices can be bought in stores or even modified (like adding tennis balls to an existing walker) or even customised.
A few examples of assistive technology include pencil grips, ergonomic kitchen tools (such as OXO good grips), and specialized keyboards. Other devices, such as screen magnifiers, are also considered.
Functional electrical stimulation
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) provides small electric charges to muscles that have become paralysed or weak because of injuries, such as a stroke or multiple sclerosis. The electrical impulses allow the muscle to move normally. This treatment helps to ease movement, like grasping or walking, and it can help improve the bowel and bladder function and reduce the chance of developing pressure sores.
Electrical stimulation can trigger reactions in excitable cells like neurons, and has been used for years to treat various conditions. Examples include cochlear implants that 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. Electrical stimulation can be provided via electrodes that are inserted inside the body or placed on the surface of the skin without cutting the skin. These electrodes are referred to as percutaneous or noninvasive electrodes.
The intensity of stimulation can be adjusted to produce different results. The intensity of a stimulus can affect, for instance, the type and location of nerve fibers targeted. The fibers that are larger and nearer to the electrode are targeted first. The duration of the stimulus is also an crucial factor. This can affect the intensity of fatigue by impacting the duration that the muscle is stimulated.
While FES can be effective in helping someone suffering from a spinal cord injury regain functional movement, it's not suitable for all. It's not recommended for people who suffer from epilepsy that is not controlled and cancerous lesions that are on the skin area to be stimulated or who are sensitive to. It's not recommended for people who have poor skin condition due to the fact that self-adhesive electrodes could cause irritation or pressure injury.
Power chairs
Power chairs are wheelchairs with motors that utilize an electric motor and battery to aid with mobility. They can be controlled using a joystick or control system, and can provide greater independence and accessibility to the world for those who cannot walk. These devices allow users to travel further distances without the need of other people. Additionally they can be adapted and customized to meet the specific needs of users.
There are many kinds of power chair, including the portable, indoor/outdoor and middle-sized. Portable power chairs are extremely lightweight and fold down to fit in small spaces. They are perfect for everyday home use, or for shorter riding distances. The mid-sized power wheelchairs provide a balance of mobility and durability. Outdoor and indoor powerchairs are designed for outdoor use but they can also be adjusted for indoor environments. Indoor and outdoor chairs may include grippy tires that can assist with manoeuvres over kerbs, and they might also come with a kerb-climber.
For people with physical disabilities, assistive technology is an essential tool. The technology can be anything from voice recognition software that is available in retail stores to specialized seating that increases the user's comfort and independence. High-tech assistive technologies are often more expensive, but they provide advanced features and options for customization that are suitable for people who have a wide range of needs.
To find the ideal solution for your individual needs, it's best to seek a professional opinion from a medical or physical therapist. They will recommend the best device for you, help you choose the right size and demonstrate how to use it. They can also assist you to choose accessories and integrate the equipment with your daily activities.
Railings
Sometimes referred to as handrails, railings are positioned diagonally along stairs or ramps to offer a sturdy grasping point for people who are on the incline. Most building codes include regulations regarding height and spacing for handrails to prevent accidents. Handrails can be molded to a graspable shape or constructed out of materials that are simple to hold. Handrails that are functional and meet ADA regulations feature a finger recess either on one side or both. They also need to be strong enough to stand up to 200 pounds of force.
Handrails can also offer tactile guidance for individuals with visual impairments to aid them in navigating steps. Moving electric mobility scooters for adults uk along the railing allows individuals to feel the number of steps, curves, or landings. In emergency situations, handrails can help direct people to safe exit routes.
Electronic pillboxes
The electronic pillbox is an intelligent device designed to help seniors remember their medication. The electronic pillbox uses visual and audio 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 among the leading causes of death among seniors. It also helps prevent fatal overdoses.
The device consists of a medication container with compartments for every day and times of the week. It also has an electronic sensor powered by batteries that has an international mobile data connection, and a set of speakers and LEDs that allow audio and visual notifications of dueness of pills. This device is specifically designed for patients who regularly take multiple medications or vitamin supplements and caregivers in hospitals and retirement homes.
In the most basic model, the pillbox sensor is incorporated inside the lid and is able to monitor the state of each subcompartment lid. The sensors are activated every time the lid is opened by the user and a message sent to the microcontroller. The signal is time-stamped and saved to a circular memory buffer in the microcontroller 18LF252 PIC.
The system can be easily reprogrammed with an external Arduino board that handles every component. The Arduino board will be responsible for emitting sound and light signals to the pillbox to inform the senior that a medication needs to be taken and wirelessly sending the notification to caregivers. The acoustic signals and the light will remain on for a short period of time, and then bleep every 10 seconds until the senior responds. The pillbox will then release the pill, and the LEDs and internal speaker will shut off.