Why We Our Love For Electric Assistive Technology (And You Should, Too!)

Electric Assistive Technology

Over a billion people need aidive devices and that number is set to increase by 2030. These devices can be bought in stores or modified (like adding tennis balls to a walker), or even customized.

Some examples of assistive technology include pencil grips ergonomic kitchen tools (such as OXO good grips), and specialized keyboards. Other devices, such as screen magnifiers, can be considered.

Functional electrical stimulation

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) provides small electrical charges to muscles that have become paralysed or weak due to injury, such as from stroke or multiple sclerosis.  buy electric mobility scooters  induce the muscle to move normally. This treatment is able to enhance movement, like the ability to walk or grasp. It can also help improve the bowel and bladder, as well as reduce the chance of pressure sores.

Electrical stimulation can elicit responses in excitable cells, such as neurons, and it has been used for years to treat a variety of conditions. Examples include cochlear implant to restore hearing, respiration assisters and systems to assist people empty their bladders. It may also help to reduce tremors caused due to Parkinson's disease. Electrical stimulation can be delivered by electrodes that are implanted in the body or positioned on the skin's surface without perforating the skin. These electrodes are referred to as percutaneous or noninvasive electrodes.

The intensity of the stimulation can be controlled to create different outcomes. The amplitude of a stimulus could affect, for instance, the type and location of nerve fibers targeted. Larger fibers located nearer to the electrode are targeted first. Another crucial aspect is the duration of the stimulation. This influences the length of time the muscle is stimulated, which may affect the speed at which fatigue occurs.

Although FES can be beneficial in helping a person suffering from an injury to the spinal cord regain functional movements, it's not suitable for all. It's not suitable for those with epilepsy that isn't controlled, cancerous lesions on the skin area to be stimulated, or who are hypersensitive. The electrodes shouldn't be used for those with skin conditions, as they could cause irritation or injury to the skin.

Power chairs

Power chairs are a kind of motorized chair that uses an electric battery and motor to aid mobility. They can be operated using a joystick or control system, and offer greater independence and access to the world for those who cannot walk. These devices let users travel further distances without the need of others. They can also be adapted to meet the requirements of specific users.

There are many kinds of power chairs, including portable, indoor/outdoor and mid-sized. Portable power chairs are lightweight and can be folded up to fit into small spaces. These are ideal for everyday household use or for shorter riding distances. The mid-sized power wheelchairs provide an ideal balance of flexibility and endurance. Indoor and outdoor powerchairs are made for outdoor use however they can be adjusted for indoor use. Outdoor and indoor power chairs have grippy tyres to help with maneuvers on kerbs, and could include a kerb climber.

Assistive technology is a crucial device for people with physical limitations. It can range from store bought solutions, such as voice recognition software to more specialized seating options that enhance the user's confidence and comfort. The most advanced assistive technology is usually more expensive, but it comes with advanced features and customizable capabilities that can be ideal for a wide range of needs.

To find the right solution for your individual requirements, it is recommended to seek a professional opinion from a doctor or physical therapist. They can recommend the best device to meet your needs, the right size it correctly and teach you how to operate it. They can also assist you to select accessories and integrate the equipment with your daily activities.

Railings

Railings are also known as handrails. They run diagonally across ramps or stairs. They offer a sturdy place to hold onto for those who have to climb the incline. To avoid accidents, many building codes have regulations about the height and spacing of handrails. Handrails are available in a variety and materials. Handrails that are functional and meet ADA regulations include an opening for fingers on one or both sides. They must also be strong enough to support 200 pounds of force.

Handrails can also be a tactile guide for people with visual impairments, helping them navigate the stairs. By running their hands along the railing allows individuals to feel the number of steps, curves or landings. In the event of an emergency handrails can assist in directing people to safe exit routes.

Electronic pillboxes

The electronic pillbox is an intelligent device designed to help seniors remember their medication. The electronic pillbox incorporates audio and visual reminders and triple alarms, to make sure seniors take their medication at the right time. This technology can reduce the risk of medication errors, which are one of the most common causes of deaths among seniors. It also helps in preventing overdoses, which could cause death.

The device is comprised of a medicine container with different compartments for each day and time of the week, battery-powered sensor with the ability to connect to a global mobile data network, and a set of LED and speaker to enable audio and visual notifications of the due date of a pill. This device is intended for patients who are taking multiple medications, vitamin supplements or both as well as caregivers in hospitals and retirement homes.

In the simplest version the sensors for the pillbox are integrated into the lid. They monitor the condition of the lids in the subcompartment. The sensors are triggered whenever the user opens a lid and a signal sent to the microcontroller. The signal is time-stamped before being saved to the circular memory buffer of the 18LF252 microcontroller.

The system is designed to be easily programmed by using an external Arduino board, which manages all the various components. The Arduino board is responsible for emitting light and sound signals for the pillbox to inform the senior that a pill needs to be taken, and wirelessly sending the notification to the caregivers. The acoustic and light signals will stay on for a brief period of time, then it will bleep every 10 s until the senior interacts with the device. The pillbox will then dispensing the pill, and the LEDs and internal speaker will be turned off.