There is not easy answer to the question, "what is an Assistive Device and why do we need it?
The role of technology in healthcare to improve Patient Care with IT Solutions is becoming a norm nowadays. As a result, some people, with the help of assistive devices, people with disabilities who may never get a chance, can get an education or ability to work. For this reason, the demand for assistive devices is on the rise. Assistive devices are medical aids in nature that help you with disabilities to live a more independent and normal life. I mean by normal, desirable and optimal, There are also high-tech devices that are helping us to lead a better and more independent life. You need to follow through strong preventive maintenance program to make sure that these devices are operating perfectly and providing the necessary help to the user as intended. A keyword " role" assistive devices play is in preventing and maintaining our health. Some devices have a role in keeping the mental and physical health status quo. Similarly, other devices have a role in supporting what we have from further decline. To point out, preventative use of a device includes ensuring that these devices are not set up improperly and are not causing harm to the user. In the first place, it must be understood proper maintenance and user training is an important tool in our toolbox to reduce injuries.
For example, a person with a bodily function limitation can benefit, yet when used improperly can be caused hard, It is important to weigh the benefit and risks before making decisions. we need to make sure and understand the safety feature on the operation manual and follow the safety guideline given the circumstances. The device in use should be calibrated, maintained, and always operational. Here are a couple of assistive devices that are helping thousands of people with disabilities to accomplish their daily chores more effectively.
Gross Motor Assistance
Small signs vital sign devices Adult Cuff.
Mobility devices like scooters, wheelchair orthotics, and prosthetic devices can help individuals with various physical disabilities. Also, building accommodations, like wide doorways, ramps, and handlebars, allow disabled people to access public facilities using assistive devices.
Fine Motor Assistance
A huge range of high-performance, lightweight assistive equipment falls under this category. These devices enable individuals to participate in physical and sports activities. Devices, like special pencil grips, page-turners, adaptive utensils, and switches can help people complete other tasks that require fine motor skills. Other specialty tools can help disabled people cook, dress, and groom.
Sight Assistance
Individuals having problems with eyesight can reap the benefits of assistive devices for eyesight-related issues. For example, dark-lined paper, bold markers, visors, etc can help people with low vision to complete written tasks. Along with that telescopes, magnifiers, and closed-circuit television can also act as assistive optical devices.
Hearing Assistance
According to Chodosh et al. Difficulty hearing is a prevalent cause of disability among the aging population in the US. Around half of people over the age of 60 have significant hearing loss. This condition is known to cause social isolation, depression, a decline in physical ability, and a decline in quality of life. It is important to note that Verbal communication is more problematic in environments that are unfamiliar and where there is competing ambient
Sound making active listening situations difficult. Simple assistive devices, like closed caption Technologies and hearing aids, can help people with hearing loss or other auditory issues access media.
Educational Devices
Several computer-based assistive devices are specially created to help individuals with cognitive disabilities. Take the text-to-speech software, for example. This software can help students who are suffering from reading-related issues. The speech-to-text software, on the other hand, helps people who are unable to write due to some medical conditions. Screen readers and voice recognition software are other helpful Technologies that can boost the comfort level and independence of people suffering from disabilities.
Establishing a maintenance program
There is no doubt that assistive devices are costly. You need to invest significant money to gain access to these devices. It does not matter whether you are using these devices as part of a business or in an educational setting, you need to follow the maintenance regulations properly to maintain the performance level and safety issues. Here are some tips that will help you to do that.
Schedule regular maintenance
All the assistive devices come with an instruction manual. You can enter all the relevant data in a maintenance management system. This will help you to track the maintenance schedule easily. At the scheduled time you can perform the routine inspection cleanups and parts replacement to make sure that your assistive devices remain operational and safe.
There is no doubt that assistive devices are the results of the amazing technological advancements of today. You can keep your assistive devices functional through preventive maintenance. Talk to your healthcare professional to better understand your assistive devices' care process.