Assistive Technology (Aging) « Assistive Technology

Articles, Publications and Resources
re: Assistive Technology
for People who are Elderly

Articles & Publications:

• 10 Pieces of Technology Seniors Should Embrace (9/17/13)
  Today’s technology can keep seniors engaged, connected, mentally active, and physically safe, making it increasingly important for our loved ones to keep in the high-tech loop. So what devices should seniors and their caregivers have their eye on?
• Assistive Technology and Aging – A Handbook for Virginians Who are Aging and Their Caregivers
  As we age, we may find it harder to climb stairs, drive cars, or remember what day of the week it is. Despite the challenges of aging, however, most of us want to continue with activities we have always enjoyed. We intend to be independent and live comfortably in our own homes for as long as possible. Assistive technology is a powerful tool for achieving these goals.
• Best Medical Alert System according to Retirement Living Information Center (12/21/17)
  The writers of this article examined 11 medical alert systems and found the three best choices for seniors in 2017.
• Budget-Friendly Smart Home Accommodations for Seniors and Individuals with Special Needs (HomeAdvisor)
  his guide was designed to provide a thorough understanding of the latest smart home technology, and suggestions for specific software and devices that can be incorporated into a home to accommodate each of seven of the most common types of disabilities: hearing difficulty, vision difficulty, speech/language difficulty, cognitive difficulty or memory loss, ambulatory difficult, arthritis, and self-care/independent living difficulty.
• High-Tech Devices Keep Elderly Safe From Afar (NY Times – 5-25-08)
  First thing every morning, Lynn Pitet, of Cody, Wyo., checks her computer to see whether her mother, Helen Trost, has gotten out of bed, taken her medication and whether she is moving around inside her house hundreds of miles away in Minnesota.  
• How to Save on Adaptive Equipment As You Care for Disabled or Senior Loved Ones
  Everything you need to know for buying assistive technology smartly.
• Physical Therapists Prescribe Wii Time (Reuters – Dec. 6, 2007)
  An occupational therapist is convinced that the Nintendo game could help patients build balance, coordination, endurance and upper and lower body strength.
• Sensors Help Keep the Elderly Safe, and at Home (New York Times – 2/12/09)
  Bertha Branch, 78, discovered the power of a system called eNeighbor when she fell to the floor of her Philadelphia apartment late one night without her emergency alert pendant and could not phone for help.
• Technology Can Help Seniors Stay in Homes (Aging and Disability in America – 8/26/10)
  NPR continued its series on seniors aging at home. Part two examined a company called Adaptive Home, "one of a growing number of startups that use monitoring technology to revolutionize elder care. These companies are also betting on a big market as the baby boomers enter old age. Chris Bridgers says a basic package includes about a dozen motion sensors placed strategically around a house. They can provide adult children with a stunningly detailed rundown of a parent's day."
• Technology that Helps Seniors Stay at Home (Business Week)
  We all want to remain independent as we age. But living alone can be difficult, if not dangerous, for seniors with declining cognitive abilities, including the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Even common tasks, such as preparing a sandwich, can be a challenge.
• Technologies to Help Older Adults Maintain Independence (Aging and Disability in America – 10/29/09)
  This paper is intended to inform potential grant applicants and other key stakeholders, including older adults, health and social service practitioners, technology vendors, payers, policy makers/regulators, and The SCAN Foundation about technologies that are ready to be quickly taken to scale.
• The Medicine Cabinet of the Future (Popsi.com)
  Your future medicine cabinet will integrate home, pharmacy and doctor's office into a digital health network.
• What is Assistive Technology?
  Assistive technology is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.

Resources:

• Aging in Place Technology Watch
  A market research firm that provides thought leadership, analysis and guidance about technologies and related services that enable boomers and seniors to remain longer in their home of choice.
• Assistive Technology News
  Independence through technology.
• Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST)
  Leading the charge to expedite the development, evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies that can improve the aging experience.

Products:

• EATWELL 
  Eating should be a simple task for most people. However, the cognitive and various sensory impairments of Alzheimer’s may result in a variety of eating problems. Eatwell is a tableware set for people with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer's.