Electric Assistive Technology<br /><br />In 2030, the amount of people who require assistive devices will nearly double. These devices can be store bought; modified, like adding tennis balls to a walker; or even made to order.<br /><br />A few examples of assistive technology are pencil grips ergonomic kitchen tools (such as OXO good grips) and keyboards with specialized features. Other devices, such as screen magnifiers, could be considered.<br /><br />Functional electrical stimulation<br /><br />Functional electrical stimulation (FES), also known as functional electrical stimulation is a technique that uses small electric charges to stimulate muscles that are weak or weakened due to injury such as Multiple Sclerosis or stroke. The electrical pulses allow the muscle to move normally. This treatment can be used to enhance movement, like the ability to walk or grasp. It can also improve the bladder, bowel, and reduce the risk for pressure sores.<br /><br />Electrical stimulation can trigger responses in excitable cells like neurons, and has been used for years to treat a variety of conditions. Examples include cochlear implants that restore hearing, phrenic pacemakers used to assist respiration, and systems that help people void the bladder. It can also help reduce tremors that are caused by Parkinson's. Electrical stimulation can be delivered via electrodes that are inserted in the body or positioned on the skin's surface without perforating the skin. These electrodes are referred to as percutaneous electrodes that are non-invasive.<br /><br />The intensity of the stimulation can be adjusted to create different outcomes. For example, the amplitude of the stimulus may affect the type of nerve fibers recruited, with larger fibers closer to the electrode being targeted first. The duration of the stimulus is another crucial factor. This can affect the rate of fatigue, by impacting the duration that the muscle is stimulated.<br /><br /><br /><br />While FES can be effective in helping a person suffering from a spinal cord injury regain functional movements, it isn't suitable for everyone. It's not suitable for people with epilepsy that isn't controlled, or a cancerous lesion that covers the area of the skin to be stimulated, or who are sensitive to the sensation of the stimulation. It's not recommended for people who suffer from a poor skin condition because the self-adhesive electrodes can lead to pressure injuries or irritation.<br /><br />Power chairs<br /><br />Power chairs are wheelchairs with motors that utilize an electric motor and battery to assist with mobility. They can be maneuvered using a joystick or control system, and can provide greater independence and accessibility to the world for individuals who cannot walk. They also let users travel longer distances without relying on others to assist. These devices can also be adapted to meet the requirements of specific users.<br /><br />There are a variety of power chair, including small, portable, indoor/outdoor, and mid-sized. Portable power chairs are lightweight and can be folded in order to fit into tiny spaces. <a href="https://www.mymobilityscooters.uk/categories/electric-mobility-scooters">mymobilityscooters</a> are perfect for everyday household use or for shorter rides. Mid-sized power chairs offer an ideal balance between durability and portability, while outdoor and indoor power chairs are made to be used outdoors, but can be adjusted to suit indoor environments. Indoor and outdoor chairs may have grippy tires to assist in maneuvering over kerbs and they could also have the ability to climb kerbs.<br /><br />For people with physical disabilities assistive technology is a vital tool. It can range from voice recognition software that is sold in stores, to specialized seating that enhances comfort and independence. High-tech assistive technologies are typically more expensive, but they provide advanced features and options for customization that are ideal for users with a variety of needs.<br /><br />It is recommended to seek advice from a medical or a physical therapist to find the ideal solution. They will be able to 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 choose accessories and integrate the equipment to your everyday activities.<br /><br />Railings<br /><br />Railings are often called handrails and run diagonally through ramps or stairs. They offer a sturdy 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 made into a graspable shape or constructed out of materials that are simple to hold. Functional handrails that comply with ADA regulations include an opening for fingers on one or both sides. They also must be strong enough to withstand 200 pounds of force.<br /><br />Handrails can also provide tactile guidance to individuals with visual impairments to assist them in navigating stairs. Handrails let people feel the number of steps or curves, as well as landings by running their hands along them. Handrails can be used to guide people away from danger during emergencies.<br /><br />Electronic pillboxes<br /><br />The electronic pillbox is a sophisticated device designed to help seniors remember their medication. The electronic pillbox utilizes audio and visual reminders and triple alarms, to ensure seniors take their medication at the appropriate time. This technology can reduce the risk of medication errors, which are one of the leading causes of death among seniors. It can also help to prevent fatal overdoses.<br /><br />The device consists of a container for medication with different compartments for each day and time of the week, battery-powered sensor with a global mobile data connection and a set 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 several medications, vitamin supplements or both, as well as caregivers at hospitals and retirement homes.<br /><br />In the simplest form the pillbox sensor is integrated in the lid and it monitors the status of each subcompartment lid. The sensors are triggered whenever the lid is opened and a signal is transmitted to the microcontroller. The signal is timestamped and stored in the circular memory cache of the 18LF252 microcontroller.<br /><br />The system is designed to be reprogrammable using an external Arduino board, which is responsible for all the various components. The Arduino board is responsible for sending wireless notifications to caregivers and alerting the senior when a medication needs to be taken. The acoustic signals and light will remain on for a brief period of time, and then bleep every 10 seconds until the senior has a response. The pillbox will then dispense the pill and the LEDs and internal speaker will shut off.<br /><br />