Technological Aids for Self-Care and Environmental Adaptations

Original Editors - Lucinda hampton

Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton, Mahbubur Rahman, Naomi O'Reilly, Kim Jackson and Ewa Jaraczewska      

Introduction

Steven Hawking was a valuable role model for technological solutions for those with disabilities. With his recognizable wheelchair and computer-generated voice, he demonstrated the value of technological solutions. For Example, liberating the voice of those with physical and communication disabilities. Assistive technologies facilitate the mobilities, and other functional abilities in various means like eating, seeing, hearing, etc. It includes the basic things to advance devices. An utensil with large handle to speech-generating devices, all are the form of assistive technologies. It reduced and diminished the disparities between peoples with different abilities.

What is Self Care?

According to recent study, self care defined as "The ability to care for oneself through awareness, self-control, and self-reliance in order to achieve, maintain, or promote optimal health and well-being.'' But the definition evolving over time and may relative with the person to whom it may define. It may differ from person to person and condition to condition. For example, some people may need to spend more time for self care and also need to engage their caregiver but other may need less.

Examples

Self Care and Environment Products adapt the environment, rather than the person, to support identified needs, choice, and control. These assistive devices may compensate for impairments and functional limitations and enable a quicker, safer, or more-efficient performance of everyday activities. Products may address vision, hearing, fine and gross motor, sensory, cognitive, communication, safety, and learning.

• Physical modifications in the built environment, including ramps, grab bars, and wider doorways to enable access to buildings, businesses, and workplaces.
• Mobility Products.
• Adaptive switches and utensils to allow those with limited motor skills to eat, play games, and accomplish other activities.
• Devices and features of devices to help perform tasks such as cooking, dressing, and grooming; specialized handles and grips, tub benches abs shower stools, devices that extend reach, and lights on telephones and doorbells.
• Assistive Technology.
• Wheelchairs and Walking Aids
• Posture control aides for cerebral palsy
• Pressure mattress
• Cushions
• Sling or hoist
• Complex home modifications
• Mobile or ceiling hoist
• Reminders applications

Home adaptation, using these devices, is a complex procedure whose implementation involves the execution of multiple actions

• Detection of individual needs
• Contact with several specialised professional profiles
• Visits to orthopaedics or companies in the sector
• Selection of the right device
• Search for financing options
• Purchase and installation of the selected assistive products

Cost Barriers

Despite the growing need, one of the primary barriers to obtaining needed or wanted self care and environmental products is cost; ie a large number of people with disabilities cannot afford them and get no reimbursement for them through existing funding systems. Eg tub benches have been found to support function and safety, they are typically not funded through third-party reimbursement systems, as they are considered “optional” and do not qualify as durable medical equipment. In response, a number of initiatives have occurred to increase access. Eg In the United States, a national network of alternative financing programs offers a consumer-directed program and range of alternative financing strategies to increase access to funding for these products and other technologies; Canada and Sweden, have implemented delivery systems that offer more-extensive access to these products as part of integrated community living plans.