Electric Assistive Technology
Over one billion people need an assistive device and that number is expected to increase by 2030. These devices can be purchased in stores, modified (like adding tennis balls to an existing walking aid), or even customized.
Assistive technology can include ergonomic kitchen appliances, like OXO Good Grips and keyboards with specialized features. Other devices, such as screen magnifiers, can be considered.
Functional electrical stimulation
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) applies small electrical charges to muscles that have become weak or weakened because of injury, for example, stroke or multiple sclerosis. The electrical impulses stimulate the muscle to perform its usual movement. This treatment can be used to enhance movement, like the ability to walk or grasp. It can also improve bladder, bowel, and reduce the risk for pressure sores.
Electrical stimulation can trigger reactions in excitable cells, such as neurons, and it has long been used to treat various conditions. Examples include cochlear implants to restore hearing, respiration assisters and systems to assist people void their bladder. It can also reduce tremors that are caused by Parkinson's. Electrical stimulation can be provided by electrodes that are implanted into the body or placed on the surface of the skin without cutting the skin. These electrodes are referred to as noninvasive or percutaneous electrodes.
The intensity of stimulation can be manipulated to produce different results. For electric mobility scooters near me , 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. The duration of the stimulus is also an important factor. This can impact the rate of fatigue by impacting the duration that the muscle is activated.
While FES is effective in helping a person with injured spinal cord recover functional movement, it's not suitable for all. It's not recommended for people with epilepsy that isn't controlled, or a cancerous lesion on the the skin to be stimulated, or for those who are hypersensitive to the sensations of stimulation. The electrodes shouldn't be used for people with poor skin conditions as they could cause irritation or injury to the skin.
Power chairs
Power chairs are a kind of motorized chair that uses an electric motor and battery to aid in mobility. These wheelchairs can be controlled with the joystick or another control system. They offer greater independence to those who are not able to walk. They also allow users to travel further distances without having to rely on others for assistance. Additionally they can be adapted and customized to meet the specific needs of users.
There are many kinds of power chairs, including portable, indoor/outdoor and mid-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 rides. Power chairs that are mid-sized offer the perfect balance of flexibility and durability, whereas the outdoor and indoor power chairs are designed to be used outdoors, but can be adjusted to suit indoor environments. Indoor and outdoor chairs may have grippy tires to assist with manoeuvres over kerbs, and they may also include an kerb-climber.
Assistive technology is an essential tool for those who have physical impairments. It can range from voice recognition software that is available in stores to specially designed seating that improves comfort and independence. High-tech assistive technologies are typically more expensive, but they offer advanced features and customization options that are suitable for people with a variety of needs.
To find the right solution to meet your requirements, it is recommended to seek a professional opinion from a medical or physical therapist. They will be able to suggest the most suitable equipment for your needs, size it appropriately and show you how to use it. They can also help you choose accessories and integrate the equipment into your daily routine.
Railings
Often simply called handrails, railings are placed diagonally on ramps or stairs to provide an effective gripping point for those who are navigating the slope. Most building codes contain regulations regarding height and spacing for handrails to help prevent accidents. Handrails are available in a variety and materials. Handrails that are functional and meet ADA regulations feature a finger recess on either or both sides. They must also be strong enough to withstand 200 pounds of force.
Handrails can also offer tactile guidance for people with visual impairments to aid them in climbing the stairs. Running their hand along the railing allows individuals to feel the number of steps, curves or landings. In times of emergency handrails can assist in directing individuals to safe exit routes.
Electronic pillboxes
The electronic pillbox is a smart device that is designed to assist seniors remember 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 chance of errors in taking medication which are among the most common causes of deaths among seniors. It can also help avoid fatal overdoses.
The device consists of a medicine 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 LEDs and speakers that can provide audio and visual notifications of the due date of a pill. This device is intended for patients who take multiple medications, vitamin supplements or both and caregivers in hospitals and retirement homes.
In the simplest form, the pillbox sensors are integrated into the lid. They monitor the condition of the lids for the subcompartment. The sensors are activated when the lid is opened by the user, and a signal is transmitted to the microcontroller. The signal is time-stamped and stored in an internal memory buffer that is circular in the 18LF252 PIC microcontroller.
The system can be easily reprogrammed using an external Arduino board that controls all the different parts. The Arduino board is responsible for emitting sound and light signals for the pillbox in order to let the senior know that a medication needs to be taken and wirelessly delivering the message to the caregivers. The acoustic signals as well as the 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 start dispensing the pill and the internal speakers and LEDs will be turned off.