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Assistive Devices that Aid a Disabled Senior

Earlier assistive devices for incapacitated seniors were merely a few items like grab bars and wheelchairs. But today’s technology and creativity have increased them to hundreds or even thousands of tools and devices that seniors can make use of. These devices assist them in walking, vision, speech, eating, or even getting dressed. These external aids contribute to improving our seniors’ mobility and communication. With the help of these devices, the caregivers are less stressed and it helps them deliver care more effectively and safely. There has been a significant rise in the senior population, which has raised the need for assistance with their daily tasks.

4 min read · Updated 2023-06-19

Hand-drawn line illustration of a path through the hills, a clock and a walking stick for the guide "Which devices can help incapacitated seniors"

What are a few requirements of incapacitated seniors?

Most households can gain from having the following aids and appliances for disabled seniors in their homes:

  • senior-friendly furniture
  • grab bars on the stairs or bedside
  • a wearable alert gadget

Basic Assistive Technology Devices for the seniors

1. Memory Aids

Many seniors tend to forget things and experience embarrassing situations. The ones suffering from dementia or its symptoms struggle even more. It is beneficial that persons with memory problems have access to a wide range of supportive technological tools. With the help of these memory gadgets, seniors don’t forget their things.

2. Screen readers and visual aids

The use of this technology has made life easier for persons who are visually impaired. Nowadays, whether it is a phone or a computer, Screen Readers can effortlessly read out anything that is on a screen. This way, blind or visually impaired people can always know what is happening and what is expected of them.

3. Aids to Communication

Today’s smartphones are all highly accessible. Your loved ones won’t feel alone and isolated because they will be able to contact and share with you frequently using their smartphones. The key to satisfying old age is communication. Because of this, specialists place a high value on various communication tools to ensure that the seniors’ demands are satisfied.

4. Personalised Alarms

If you need to constantly know where your senior loved one is, then personal alarms are the best fit. They can be transported anywhere and are wearable. When seniors are wearing a personal alarm device, they can be tracked by family members. It has a button that can be quickly pressed whenever the seniors need assistance. If they need it, they can always call you and request assistance immediately. The personal alarm allows seniors to be away and still you can monitor and take care of your senior too, it makes the seniors feel confident and independent.

5. GPS Tracking

GPS trackers always let you know where your senior loved ones are, like personal alarms. They can be used as wristbands. For older family members who wander easily, GPS trackers are ideal.

6. Telecare devices

Similar to burglar alarms are telecare systems. Its sensor can easily detect something amiss when installed inside a home. If your senior loved one forgets to close the door or doesn’t get out of bed, it will immediately notify you.

7. Home Security & Safety

Your senior family members can now effortlessly use hundreds of security devices. You can now get intelligent locks and doorbells that include cameras so you can monitor the safety and security of your senior loved ones around the clock. Utilising this technology makes 24/7 monitoring easier.

Hand-drawn line illustration of a phone call, a path through the hills and a walking frame, for the section "Basic Assistive Technology Devices for the seniors" of Which devices can help incapacitated seniors
Illustration: Basic Assistive Technology Devices for the seniors

Emoha App

With the Emoha app, you get access to 24/7 emergency support for non-medical & medical emergencies alike that can be availed from any place in India within seconds. You also get exclusive benefits like travel booking assistance, special discounts on travel & medicines, a helpdesk for daily support, and much more. You can also read exclusively tailored blogs for seniors on several topics ranging from health to well-being to entertainment. Download the app from Google Playstore or iOS App Store.

Conclusion

These are the most typical assistive technology devices for physical challenges to use or seniors should have in their homes to help them be safe as they age. The comfort, health, safety, and quality of life of your senior loved ones can be readily improved using modern technology. These gadgets can easily enable seniors to lead happy and fulfilling, independent lives.

FAQs

What devices can help people with disabilities?

A list of assistive devices is: 1. Mobility aids 2. Hearing aids 3. Cognitive aids 4. Voice recognition programs, screen readers, sensory devices 5. Tools like book readers, automatic page-turners, book holders, and adaptive grips.

What are the four assistive devices?

Four basic assistive devices are wheelchairs, crutches, prosthetics, and seated scooters.

What kind of assistive device can be used by persons with locomotor disabilities?

In place of wheelchairs, one can always use transport chairs called Rollator.

What equipment is available to help people increase their mobility?

Various mobility devices are available to meet the needs of the seniors. They can be wheelchairs, high-end technology sensory canes, crutches, and stair lifts.

Equipment mentioned in this guide

Large-display talking clockShows the day, date and time in big print and speaks on a button.Buy · Price on requestAdjustable walking stickLightweight, height-adjustable stick with a non-slip rubber tip and comfortable grip.Buy · Price on request

Tags: assistivedeviceshealthaidseniorcareAids and Appliances for DisabledDevices for Seniors DisabledWalking and mobility aidsLarge-display talking clockAdjustable walking stickDaily living aidsMobility and walking aids

Written by the Emoha editorial team. General information only.

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before changing your exercise, diet or medicines.

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