Why We Are In Love With Electric Assistive Technology (And You Should Also!)

Electric Assistive Technology

By 2030, the number of people who need assistive devices will increase by a factor of two. These devices can be bought in shops or even modified (like adding tennis balls to a walker) or even custom-designed.

Assistive technology can include ergonomic kitchen tools like OXO Good Grip, and specialized keyboards. Other devices, such as screen magnifiers, can be considered.

Functional electrical stimulation

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) uses small electrical charges to muscles that have become paralysed or weakened due to injuries, such as a stroke or multiple sclerosis. The electrical pulses trigger the muscle to perform its normal movements. This treatment helps in facilitating movements, like walking or grasping, and it can aid in improving the function of the bladder and bowel and decrease the risk of pressure sores.

Electrical stimulation can trigger reactions in excitable cells, such as neurons, and it has been used for years to treat a variety of ailments. Examples include cochlear implants to restore hearing, respiration assisters and systems that help people void their bladder. It can also help reduce tremors that are caused by Parkinson's. The electrical stimulation can be delivered via electrodes that are inserted in the body or positioned on the skin's surface without piercing the skin. These electrodes are known as percutaneous or noninvasive electrodes.

personal transportation  of the stimulation can be adjusted to produce different results. For example, the amplitude of the stimulation can affect the nature of the nerve fibers that are recruited and the fibers that are closer to the electrode being targeted first. Another important factor is the duration of the stimulation. This influences the length of time a muscle is activated, which can impact the rate at which fatigue develops.

FES isn't suitable for all. It can be very effective in helping someone with an injury to their spine recover their functional movements. It isn't appropriate for those who have uncontrolled epilepsy or a cancerous lesion that covers the area of the skin to be stimulated, or who are hypersensitive to the sensation of the stimulation. It is also not recommended for those with a skin condition that is poor, as the self-adhesive electrodes can lead to irritation or pressure injury.

Power chairs

Power chairs are a type of motorized chair that uses an electric motor and battery to aid mobility. They can be controlled by an electronic joystick or other control system. They offer greater independence to those who are not able to walk. These devices allow users to travel further distances without the need of others. In addition they can be customized and adjusted to accommodate specific user needs.

There are a variety of different kinds of power chair, including portable, indoor/outdoor, and mid-sized. Portable power chairs are lightweight and can be folded in order to fit into tiny spaces. They are great for daily home use or for shorter riding distances. Mid-sized power wheelchairs offer a balance of portability and durability. Indoor/outdoor powerchairs are designed for outdoor use, but can also be adjusted to indoor conditions. Outdoor and indoor chairs could have grippy tires to assist 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 store bought solutions, such as voice recognition software, to specialized seating options that increase confidence and comfort. High-tech assistive technologies are typically more expensive but offer 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 doctor or a physical therapist to find the ideal solution. They will be able to recommend the right device to meet your needs, the right size it correctly, and teach you how to operate it. They can also assist you to choose accessories and integrate the device into your daily routine.

Railings

Railings are also known as handrails. They are a diagonal line that runs through ramps or stairs. They offer a sturdy grasping point for those who are navigating the slope. Most building codes include requirements regarding the height and spacing for handrails to avoid accidents. Handrails are available in a variety of shapes and materials. Functional handrails that comply with ADA regulations include a finger recess on either or both sides. They also must be sturdy enough to withstand 200 pounds of force.

Handrails are also a tactile guide for those with visual impairments, helping them to navigate staircases. Handrails enable people to feel the number or steps, curves, and landings by dragging their hands along them. 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 medications. The electronic pillbox utilizes visual and audio reminders and triple alarms, to ensure seniors take their medication at the right time. This technology reduces the risk of medication errors which are among the leading causes of death among seniors. It also helps to prevent overdoses that can cause death.

The device is made up of a medication container that has different compartments for daily use and times of the week, a battery-powered sensor with the ability to connect to mobile data worldwide as well as speakers and LEDs to notify users via audio or visual signals when pills are due. This device is aimed at patients who are taking several medications, vitamin supplements or both, as well as caregivers in hospitals and retirement homes.

In the simplest form the sensors for the pillbox are integrated into the lid. They monitor the state of the lids in the subcompartment. The sensors are activated when the lid is opened by the user and a signal sent to the microcontroller. The signal is then time-stamped and saved to an internal memory buffer that is circular in the 18LF252 PIC microcontroller.

The system can be easily reprogrammed by using an external Arduino board that handles all the different parts. The Arduino board will be in charge of emitting sound and light signals for the pillbox to let the senior know that a pill needs to be taken, and wirelessly sending the notification to caregivers. The light and acoustic signals will stay on for a brief period of time, then it will bleep every 10 seconds until the senior interacts with the device. The pillbox will then start dispensing the pill and the internal speakers and LEDs will be turned off.