14 Smart Ways To Spend Your Extra Electric Assistive Technology Budget

Electric Assistive Technology

Over one billion people need aidive devices 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 crafted.

Assistive technology is comprised of ergonomic kitchen appliances, like OXO Good Grips and keyboards with specialized features. Other advanced devices could be considered, including screen magnifiers.

Functional electrical stimulation

Functional electrical stimulation (FES), also known as functional electrical stimulation is a procedure that employs small electric charges to stimulate muscles that are weak or weakened due to injury such as a stroke or Multiple Sclerosis. The electrical impulses cause the muscle to move normally. This treatment can be used to improve movement, such walking or grasping. It also helps improve the bladder, bowel, and reduce the risk for pressure sores.

Electrical stimulation has been utilized for many years to treat various ailments. Examples include cochlear implants that restore hearing, respiration assisters and systems that help people void their bladder. It can also help reduce the tremors caused by Parkinson's. The electrical stimulation is delivered via electrodes that can be implanted within the body or they can be placed on the skin without penetrating the skin, which is known as noninvasive or percutaneous electrodes.

The intensity of stimulation can be manipulated to produce different outcomes. The intensity of a stimulus could affect, for instance, the type and location of nerve fibers targeted. The fibers that are larger and closer to the electrode are targeted first. The duration of the stimulus is another crucial factor. This influences the length of time a muscle is activated, which can influence the speed at which fatigue develops.

Although FES can be beneficial in helping someone suffering from a spinal cord injury regain functional movement, it's not suitable for everyone. It isn't appropriate for those who suffer from epilepsy that isn't controlled or a cancerous lesion on the the skin that is being stimulated, or are hypersensitive to the sensations of stimulation. It's not recommended for people with a skin condition that is poor due to the fact that self-adhesive electrodes can lead to irritation or pressure injury.

Power chairs

Power chairs are wheelchairs with motors that utilize an electric motor and battery to help with mobility. They can be operated by using a joystick or control system, and provide greater independence and accessibility to the world for people who cannot walk. They also allow users to travel for longer distances without relying on others for assistance. Additionally, these devices can be adapted and customized to accommodate specific user needs.

There are many different types of power chair, including portable, indoor/outdoor and mid-sized. Portable power chairs are extremely lightweight and fold up to fit into small spaces. They are ideal for use at home or for smaller distances. Power chairs that are mid-sized offer the perfect balance of durability and portability, while 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 feature grippy tires to help with manoeuvres over kerbs, and they may also include the ability to climb kerbs.

For those with physical disabilities assistive technology is a crucial tool. It can range from voice recognition software that is available in retail stores to specialized seating that enhances comfort and independence. High-tech assistive technology can be more expensive, but offers advanced features and capabilities for customization that are ideal for a variety of needs.

To find the ideal solution to meet your needs, it's best to seek a professional opinion from a medical or physical therapist. They can suggest the ideal device for you, and help you choose the right size and show how to use it. They can also assist you to choose accessories and integrate the equipment with your daily activities.

Railings

Railings are also known as handrails and run diagonally across ramps or stairs. They provide a solid place to hold onto for those who have to climb the incline. To avoid accidents, many building codes have rules regarding the height and spacing of handrails. Handrails are available in a variety of forms and materials. Functional handrails that comply with ADA regulations feature a finger recess either on one side or both. They must also be strong enough to withstand 200 pounds of force.

Handrails can also offer tactile guidance for those with visual impairments. They can aid them in climbing stairs. By running  modern mobility solutions  across the railings allows users to feel the number of steps, curves or landings. Handrails can be used to steer people away from danger in emergencies.

Electronic pillboxes

The electronic pillbox was designed to help seniors remember to take their medications. It has triple alarms and visual and audible reminders to ensure that seniors take their medication at the correct time. This technology can reduce the risk of medication errors which are among the leading causes of deaths among seniors. It also helps prevent overdoses, which can cause death.

The device consists of a medicine container with compartments for every day and times of the week. It also has battery-powered sensor with an international 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 specifically designed for patients who take multiple medications or vitamin supplements and caregivers in hospitals and retirement homes.

In the simplest version, the pillbox sensors are integrated into the lid. They monitor the state of the lids in the subcompartment. The sensors are activated when the user opens a lid and a signal is sent to the microcontroller. The signal is timestamped and stored in a circular memory cache of the 18LF252 microcontroller.

The system is easily reprogrammed with an external Arduino board that handles all the different parts. The Arduino board is responsible for wireless notifications to caregivers and alerting the senior when a pill needs to be taken. The light and acoustic signals will be on for a short period of time, and then bleep every 10 seconds until the senior interacts with the device. The pillbox will then dispense the pill and the LEDs and internal speaker will be turned off.