A Electric Assistive Technology Success Story You'll Never Imagine
Electric Assistive Technology
More than one billion people require an assistive device, and the number is expected to increase by 2030. These devices can be purchased in shops or even modified (like adding tennis balls to an existing walking aid), or even customized.
Some examples of assistive technology include pencil grips ergonomic kitchen tools (such as OXO good grips), and specialized keyboards. Other devices, like screen magnifiers, can be considered.
Functional electrical stimulation
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is also referred to as functional electrical stimulation, is a technique that uses tiny electric charges to muscles that are paralysed or weakened because of an injury, such as Multiple Sclerosis or a stroke. The electrical pulses trigger the muscle to make its normal movements. This treatment is able to improve movement, such a walking or grasping. It also helps improve bladder, bowel, and reduce the risk of pressure sores.
Electrical stimulation can elicit responses in excitable cells, such as neurons, and has long been used to treat a variety of conditions. Examples include cochlear implant to restore hearing, phrenic pacemakers that aid breathing, and systems that assist people in removing their bladder. It also helps reduce tremors that are caused by 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 penetrating the skin, known as noninvasive or percutaneous electrodes.
The intensity of the stimulation can be controlled to produce different results. For instance, the intensity 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 an additional crucial factor. This can affect the rate of fatigue by impacting the duration that the muscle is stimulated.
While FES can be effective in helping a person suffering from a spinal cord injury regain functional movements, it isn't suitable for all. It's not appropriate for people who suffer from epilepsy that is not controlled and cancerous lesions that are on the skin area to be stimulated or who are oversensitive. The electrodes shouldn't be used for people with poor skin conditions, as they may cause irritation or pressure injuries.
Power chairs
Power chairs are a kind of motorized wheelchair that utilizes an electric motor and battery to aid mobility. They can be controlled using a joystick or control system, and provide more independence and access to the world for individuals who cannot walk. These devices allow users to travel further distances without relying on others. These devices can also be customized to meet the needs of specific users.
There are a variety of different types of power chairs that include portable or indoor/outdoor models, as well as a mid-sized. Portable power chairs are lightweight and can be folded in order to fit into tiny spaces. These are ideal for everyday home use, or for shorter riding distances. The mid-sized power chairs provide the perfect balance of flexibility and durability, whereas the outdoor and indoor power chairs are designed for use outside but can be adjusted to suit indoor conditions. Indoor/outdoor power chairs have grippy tyres to help with maneuvers on kerbs, and could include an kerb climber.
Assistive technology is a crucial tool for those who have physical impairments. It can range from store purchased solutions such as voice recognition software to specialized seating options that enhance the user's confidence and comfort. High-tech assistive technology is often more expensive, but it comes with advanced features and customizable capabilities that can be ideal for a variety of user requirements.
It is recommended to seek advice from a doctor or a physical therapist in order to determine the best solution. My Mobility Scooters UK can recommend the best equipment for your needs, and size it appropriately and show you how to use it. They can also assist you to choose accessories and integrate the device into your daily routine.
Railings
Railings are commonly referred to as handrails and run diagonally across ramps or stairs. They provide a solid gripping point for people navigating the incline. To prevent accidents, most construction codes contain regulations regarding the height and spacing of handrails. Handrails can be made into 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 should also be sturdy enough for 200 pounds of force.
Handrails can also provide tactile guidance to individuals with visual impairments to assist them in navigating the stairs. By running their hands across the railings allows users to feel the number of steps, curves or landings. In times of emergency, handrails can help direct individuals to safe exit routes.
Electronic pillboxes
The electronic pillbox is a smart device designed to help seniors remember their medication. The electronic pillbox utilizes audio and visual reminders and triple alarms to ensure that seniors take their medications at the appropriate time. This technology can help reduce medication errors that are the leading cause of death for seniors. It also helps to prevent overdoses that can cause death.
The device consists of a medicine container that comes with different compartments for every day and times of the week 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 the pills are due. This device is specifically designed for patients who frequently take several vitamins or medications as well as caregivers in retirement homes and hospitals.
In the simplest version the sensors for the pillbox are integrated inside the lid. They monitor the status of the lids in the subcompartment. The sensors are activated whenever the lid is opened by the user and a message sent to microcontroller. The signal is then timestamped and stored in a circular memory cache of the microcontroller 18LF252.
The system is designed to be easily reprogrammed with the use of an external Arduino board, which manages each of the different parts. The Arduino board will be responsible for emitting light and sound signals to the pillbox to inform the senior that a pill has 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 responds. The pillbox will then release the pill and the LEDs and internal speaker will shut off.