Electric Assistive Technology
Over one billion people need an assistive device and the number is expected to double by 2030. These devices can be store purchased; modified, for instance, adding tennis balls to a walker; or even custom made.
Assistive technology is comprised of ergonomic kitchen tools like OXO Good Grip and keyboards with specialized features. Other devices, such as screen magnifiers, could be considered.
Functional electrical stimulation
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) uses small electrical charges to muscles that have become disabled or weak due to injury, such as from stroke or multiple sclerosis. The electrical pulses trigger the muscle to perform its usual movement. This treatment is able to improve your movement, such as the ability to walk or grasp. It also helps improve the bladder, bowel, and reduce the chance of pressure sores.
Electrical stimulation has been utilized for many years to treat a variety of conditions. Examples include cochlear implant to restore hearing, phrenic pacemakers that aid in breathing, and systems that aid in the elimination of bladders by people. It can also help reduce tremors caused due to Parkinson's disease. The electrical stimulation is delivered via electrodes that may be completely implanted within the body or they can be placed on the skin without penetration the skin, known as percutaneous or noninvasive electrodes.
The intensity of the stimulation can be adjusted to produce different outcomes. For instance, the intensity of the stimulus can influence the kind of nerve fibers targeted with the larger fibers closest to the electrode being targeted first. Another crucial aspect is the duration of the stimulation. This can affect the rate of fatigue by affecting the length of time that the muscle is stimulated.
While FES is effective in helping someone suffering from a spinal cord injury regain functional movement, it's not suitable for everyone. It's not suitable for those with uncontrolled epilepsy or cancerous lesions on the skin to be stimulated, or who are sensitive to. The electrodes are not recommended for people with poor skin conditions, as they may cause irritation or even pressure injuries.
Power chairs
Power chairs are a type of motorized wheelchair that use an electric motor and battery to aid in mobility. These wheelchairs can be controlled using a joystick, or other control systems. They provide greater independence to those who are unable to walk. They also allow users to travel for longer distances without relying on others to assist. These devices can be customized to meet the needs of particular users.
There are a variety of different kinds of power chairs, including portable or indoor/outdoor models, as well as a mid-sized. Portable power chairs are extremely lightweight and fold up to fit in small spaces. They are perfect for everyday home use or for shorter rides. The mid-sized power chairs provide 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. Indoor/outdoor chairs may include grippy tires that can assist with maneuvers over kerbs and they may also include an kerb-climber.
Assistive technology is a crucial tool for those who have physical impairments. It can range from shop bought solutions, such as voice recognition software to more specialized seating options that improve user confidence and comfort. High-tech assistive technologies are typically more expensive, but they offer advanced features and options for customization that are suitable for people with a range of requirements.
electric mobility scooter with seat for adults is recommended that you seek professional advice from a physician or a physical therapist to find the right solution. They can suggest the ideal device for you, help you select the correct size and show how to use it. They can also help you choose accessories and integrate the equipment to your everyday activities.
Railings
Railings are also known as handrails. They run diagonally across ramps or stairs. They offer a sturdy gripping point for people navigating the incline. To avoid accidents, many building codes have regulations about the height and spacing of handrails. Handrails come in a variety of shapes and materials. Handrails that are functional and in compliance with ADA regulations feature an opening for fingers on one side or both. They must also be sturdy 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 people to feel the number of steps, curves or landings. Handrails can be used to direct people away from danger in emergencies.
Electronic pillboxes
The electronic pillbox was developed to help seniors remember to take their medication. The electronic pillbox uses visual and audio reminders, as well as triple alarms to ensure that seniors take their medication at the right time. This technology can cut down on medication errors which are a leading cause of death for seniors. It can also help stop fatal overdoses.
The device is made up of a medicine container with compartments for every day and weekday times as well as a battery-powered sensor that has the ability to connect to mobile data worldwide as well as speakers and LEDs to give audio and visual notifications when the pills are due. This device is aimed at patients who are taking several medications, vitamin supplements or both, as well as caregivers at hospitals and retirement homes.
In the most basic version, the pillbox sensors are integrated inside the lid. They monitor the status of the lids for the subcompartment. The sensors are activated every time a lid is opened by the user and a message sent to the microcontroller. The signal is time-stamped before being saved to an internal memory buffer that is circular in the 18LF252 microcontroller.
The system is designed to be reprogrammable using an external Arduino board, which is responsible for every component. The Arduino board is responsible for emitting light and sound signals for the pillbox to let the senior know that a pill has to be taken and wirelessly transmitting the message to the caregivers. The light and acoustic signals will remain on for a brief period of time, and then bleep every 10 s until the senior has a conversation with the device. The pillbox will then begin dispensing the pill, and the internal speaker and LEDs will shut off.