Electric Assistive Technology Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

Electric Assistive Technology

By 2030, the number of people who require assistive devices will increase by a factor of two. These devices can be store bought; modified, like adding tennis balls to a walker; or even custom made.

Assistive technology is comprised of ergonomic kitchen appliances, like OXO Good Grip, and specialized keyboards. More advanced devices can also be considered, like screen magnifiers.

Functional electrical stimulation

Functional electrical stimulation (FES), also known as functional electrical stimulation, is a method that relies on small electric charges to stimulate muscles that are paralysed or weakened due to an injury, such as Multiple Sclerosis or a stroke. The electrical impulses induce the muscle to move normally. This treatment helps to ease movement, like grasping or walking, and it can aid in improving bladder and bowel function and decrease the risk of pressure sores.

Electrical stimulation can elicit responses in excitable cells such as neurons, and it has been used for a long time to treat a variety of ailments. Examples include cochlear implants that restore hearing, respiration assisters and systems to assist people empty their bladders. It also helps reduce tremors caused due to Parkinson's disease. The electrical stimulation is delivered via electrodes that can be implanted within the body or placed on the skin without piercing the skin, which is known as noninvasive or percutaneous electrodes.

The intensity of stimulation can be manipulated to produce different results. The amplitude of a stimulus could, for example, influence the kind and the location of nerve fibers targeted. Larger fibers closer to the electrode are targeted first. Another crucial aspect is the duration of the stimulation. This can impact the rate of fatigue by altering the duration that the muscle is stimulated.

While FES is effective in helping a person suffering from a spinal cord injury regain functional movements, it isn't suitable for everyone. It isn't appropriate for those who have uncontrolled epilepsy or a cancerous lesions on the area of the skin that is being stimulated, or who are oversensitive to the sensations of stimulation. It is not recommended for people who suffer from a poor skin condition due to the fact that self-adhesive electrodes may cause pressure injuries or irritation.

Power chairs

Power chairs are a type of motorized wheelchair that use an electric motor and battery to assist with mobility. They can be controlled by using a joystick or control system, and can provide greater independence and accessibility to the world for people who cannot walk. They also permit users to travel for longer distances without having to rely on others to assist. In addition, these devices can be customized and adjusted to accommodate specific user needs.

There are many different types of power chairs, including the portable, indoor/outdoor and middle-sized. Portable power chairs are lightweight and fold down to fit in small spaces. These are perfect for home use, or for shorter distances. Power chairs that are mid-sized offer the perfect balance of flexibility and durability, whereas indoor/outdoor power chairs are designed for outdoor use but can be adjusted to suit indoor conditions. Outdoor and indoor power chairs have grippy tyres to help with manoeuvres on kerbs and may include the ability to climb kerbs.

For those with physical disabilities assistive technology is a vital tool. It can range from shop purchased solutions such as voice recognition software, to specialized seating options that improve user confidence and comfort. The most advanced assistive technology is usually more expensive, but they offer advanced features and customization options that are suitable for people with a variety of requirements.

To find the right solution to meet your needs, it is best to get a professional evaluation by a physician or a physical therapist. They will be able to recommend the right device for your needs, and size it appropriately and show you how to operate it. They can also assist you to select accessories and integrate the equipment into your daily routine.

Railings

Railings are commonly referred to as handrails. They are a diagonal line that runs along stairs or ramps. They offer a sturdy gripping point for people navigating the incline. Most building codes include requirements regarding the height and spacing for handrails to help prevent accidents. Handrails can be made into an easy-to-hold shape or constructed of materials that are easy to grip. Functional handrails that comply with ADA regulations have an opening for fingers on one or both sides. 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 climbing the stairs. Running their hand across the railings allows users to feel the number of steps, curves, or landings. Handrails can be used to guide people away from danger in emergencies.

Electronic pillboxes

The electronic pillbox is an intelligent device that helps seniors remember their medications. It uses triple alarms and audio and visual reminders to ensure that seniors take their medications at the appropriate times. This technology can lower the risk of medication errors, which are one of the leading causes of deaths among seniors. It also helps prevent overdoses that can be fatal.

The device consists of a medicine container with compartments for each day and times of the week as well as a battery-powered sensor that has a mobile data connection worldwide as well as LEDs and speakers to provide visual/audible notifications when the pills are due. This device is aimed at patients who are taking multiple supplements, vitamins or both as well as caregivers in hospitals and retirement homes.

In the simplest form the pillbox sensor is built in the lid and it monitors the state of each subcompartment lid. The sensors are activated whenever the user opens a lid, and a signal is sent to the microcontroller. The signal is then time-stamped and saved to an internal memory buffer that is circular in the 18LF252 microcontroller.

The system can be easily reprogrammed using an external Arduino board that manages all the different parts. The Arduino board is responsible for sending wireless notifications to caregivers and alerting the senior that a pill is required to be taken. mymobilityscootersuk and light signals will be on for a brief period of time, then it will bleep every 10 seconds until the senior has a conversation with the device. The pillbox will then dispensing the pill and the LEDs as well as the internal speaker will shut off.