Home Technology Helps Disabled People With Daily Activities
Though we usually think of computers and phones when we think of technology, some technology helps disabled people with their day-to-day routines.
When they want to remain as independent as possible without relying on other people for help, these individuals may benefit by having certain inventions in their homes. These innovations make daily living easier and allow people with such challenges to maintain their independence at home.
Let’s take a closer look.
How Technology Helps Disabled People
Whether you’ve experienced an accident or live with chronic pain, you’ll find some technology helps disabled people accomplish more independently.
Even the smallest tasks can become a major problem when physical impairments get in the way.
For example, a lot of elderly folks struggle to stand after sitting in a chair for a while. However, with the assistance provided by a lift chair, they are able to comfortably stand without the risk of sudden pain or injury.
Reclining and Lift Furniture
Getting up and down out of a chair or sofa can be one of the most difficult obstacles that disabled individuals face at home. They may risk falling when they try to stand up or toppling over when they try to sit down.
Rather than fall and be unable to get back up, people with limited motion may benefit by using furniture that can recline or be raised to different angles. For example, a lounge chair with this lift function helps people stand upright into a stable and secure position. Once upright, people may then be able to grasp their walking aid like a cane or walker. Without the lift function, they might fall back or even fall forward onto the floor.
Likewise, a lounge chair that reclines back into a lying position may help people who prefer to remain in one location during the day and when they want to take a nap or go to bed. Sometimes the simple act of getting up to go to bed is painful and distressing. If they are more comfortable where they are at, people with this challenge could benefit by investing in a chair that lies back into a sleeping position.
Enlarged Electronic Devices
People with visual impairments often cannot see the buttons on their TV remote or their phones. They must squint to see the numbers or have someone use the devices for them.
When they want to remain independent at home, these individuals are able to make phone calls, channel surf, and more with remotes, cell phones, and other electronics that come with enlarged, easy to read buttons. The large print buttons are easy to see and push. They take the guesswork out of changing the channel or dialing someone on the phone.
Remote Alarm System
Senior citizens and people with debilitating illnesses like COPD need immediate help when they experience medical emergencies. They cannot wait for a friend or loved one to come and help them.
Because every second counts during an emergency like a fall or a heart attack, these individuals benefit by having a remote alarm system placed in their homes. The system includes a button that they wear and push if they experience an emergency.
It also has a voice-activated call system that alerts 911 and police during a crisis. This system is available for a monthly subscription fee. Veterans and people who belong to certain senior citizen groups may be eligible for a discounted rate.
People with disabilities often want to stay as independent as possible at home. They do not want to rely on others to help them with basic tasks like making a phone call or getting out of a chair. New inventions on the market help ease the challenges that such individuals face on a daily basis. Some of this technology also comes in handy during an emergency like a heart attack.