Forget Electric Assistive Technology: 10 Reasons Why You No Longer Need It

· 4 min read
Forget Electric Assistive Technology: 10 Reasons Why You No Longer Need It

Electric Assistive Technology

Over one billion people need an assistive device and the number is expected to increase by 2030.  this hyperlink  can be store bought; modified, like adding tennis balls to a walker; or even custom made.

A few examples of assistive technology are pencil grips ergonomic kitchen tools (such as OXO good grips), and specialized keyboards. Other devices, like screen magnifiers, could be considered.

Functional electrical stimulation

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) commonly referred to as functional electrical stimulation, is a method that relies on small electric charges on muscles that are paralysed or weak due to an injury, such as Multiple Sclerosis or a stroke. The electrical pulses induce the muscle to move normally. This treatment helps in facilitating movement, like grasping or walking. it can aid in improving bladder and bowel function and reduce the chance of developing pressure sores.

Electrical stimulation can trigger reactions in excitable cells such as neurons, and it has been used for years to treat various conditions. Examples include cochlear implant to restore hearing, respiration assisters, and systems that help people empty their bladders. It can also help reduce the tremors associated with Parkinson's. The electrical stimulation is delivered via electrodes that can be implanted into the body or they can be placed on the skin without piercing the skin, referred to as percutaneous or noninvasive electrodes.

The intensity of stimulation can be adjusted to achieve different results. The amplitude of a stimulus may affect, for instance, the kind and the location of nerve fibers targeted. The fibers that are larger and nearer to the electrode are targeted first.  please click the next webpage  of the stimulus is an additional crucial factor. This influences the length of time that the muscle is activated, which can impact the rate of fatigue.

FES isn't suitable for everyone. It can be very effective in helping a person suffering from a spinal injury regain their functional movements. It's not suitable for those who suffer from epilepsy that is not controlled or cancerous lesions on the skin area to be stimulated, or who are oversensitive. It's also not recommended for those who suffer from a poor skin condition, as the self-adhesive electrodes could cause pressure injuries or irritation.

Power chairs

Power chairs are a kind of motorized wheelchair that utilizes an electric motor and battery to aid mobility. These wheelchairs can be controlled with an electronic joystick or other control system. They offer greater independence to those who are unable to walk. These devices let users travel further distances without the need of other people. They can be customized to meet the requirements of particular users.

There are many different types of power chairs that include portable or indoor/outdoor models, as well as a mid-sized. Portable power chairs are light and can fold to fit in tight spaces. These are perfect for use at home or for short distances. Mid-sized power chairs offer a balance between portability and durability, while indoor/outdoor power chairs are designed to be used outdoors, but can be adjusted to fit indoor environments. Outdoor and indoor chairs could feature grippy tires to help with maneuvers over kerbs and they might also come with an kerb-climber.

Assistive technology is an essential tool for those who have physical impairments. It ranges from store bought solutions, such as voice recognition software to specialized seating options that improve user satisfaction and independence. The most advanced assistive technology is usually more expensive but offer advanced features and customization options that are perfect for those with a variety of needs.

It is recommended to seek advice from a doctor or a physical therapist in order to find the right solution. They will be able to recommend the right device for your needs, and size it correctly and teach you how to use it. They will also be able to assist you in selecting the right accessories and integrate the device into your daily routine.

Railings

Railings are often called handrails. They run diagonally across ramps or stairs. They provide a solid grasping point for those who are navigating the slope. To prevent accidents, the majority of building codes have regulations about the height and spacing of handrails. Handrails can be designed to an easy-to-hold shape or constructed of materials that are easy to grasp. Functional handrails that comply with ADA regulations have an opening for fingers on one side or both. They must also be strong enough to withstand 200 pounds of force.

Handrails can also provide tactile guidance for individuals with visual impairments to aid them in navigating stairs. Moving their hands along the railing allows individuals to feel the number of steps, curves or landings. In times of emergency handrails can guide people to safe exit routes.

Electronic pillboxes

The electronic pillbox was created to assist seniors in remembering to take their medication. It has triple alarms and audio and visual reminders to ensure that seniors take their medication at the appropriate times. This technology can cut down on medication errors, which are a major cause of death for seniors. It also helps to prevent overdoses, which can be fatal.



The device is made up of a medication container with compartments for each day and weekday times and a sensor powered by batteries with the ability to connect to mobile data worldwide, and LEDs and speakers to give audio and visual notifications when pills are due. This device is designed for patients who regularly take several vitamins or medications and caregivers in retirement homes and hospitals.

In the most basic version the sensors of the pillbox are integrated inside the lid. They monitor the state of the subcompartment lids. The sensors are activated whenever the lid is opened by a user and a message sent to microcontroller. The signal is time-stamped and stored in the circular memory buffer of the microcontroller 18LF252 PIC.

The system is designed to be reprogrammable using an external Arduino board, which controls all the various components. The Arduino board will be responsible for emitting sound and light signals for the pillbox to let the senior know that a pill has to be taken, and wirelessly sending the notification to the caregivers. The acoustic and light signals will be on for a short amount of time, and then bleep every 10 seconds until the senior is able to interact with the device. The pillbox will then dispensing the pill, and the LEDs and internal speaker will be turned off.