Individuals with disabilities are made infinitely more comfortable and fulfilled when they can be cared for in the comfort of their homes and with the help of technologies and tools that accommodate their unique needs to make everyday tasks simpler and safer. Creating an accessible and supportive home environment for individuals with disabilities can significantly enhance their independence, as well, which is something they tend to feel they lack when they have a caretaker. We recommend implementing some assistive technology and tools to help people with developmental disabilities in their homes!
1. Mobility Aids
Mobility aids are precisely what they sound like: they are aids for mobility and assist with everyday movement. Some common examples of mobility aids include wheelchairs, walkers, walking frames, canes, crutches, prosthetic or orthotic devices, orthopedic shoes, mounting systems, braces, and gait belts.
2. Automation
Installing smart home systems like Amazon Alexa and similar models that can be used through voice activation is an excellent way for an individual with disabilities to easily control lights, thermostats, locks, appliances, and other home features. Smart locks and automated door openers can be controlled via smartphone, voice, or remote.
Speech-generating devices, or SGDs, can help individuals with speech impairments communicate verbally. Text-to-speech technology transforms written text into spoken language, offering valuable assistance to people with visual or reading challenges. Hearing aids and amplifiers should also be worn for those with hearing loss or impairment.
3. Adaptive Equipment and Home Modifications
Installing grab bars, handrails, and benches in areas requiring more support is a great way to ensure safety and lower the risk of dangerous falls. These susceptible areas include bathrooms, hallways, and staircases. If you plan on designing a home to be more accessible, implementing widened doorways will accommodate mobility aids, such as lowered countertops, cabinets, and other highly frequented spaces.
4. Cognitive Devices
Devices with cognitive capabilities are created to assist people with brain injuries, dementia, mental health disorders, and intellectual disabilities. Adaptive cognitive devices include diaries, calendars, lists, schedules, personal organizers, and other tools for memory and organization. Various assistive devices, such as talking wristwatches, automated pill dispensers, and warning signs on dangerous appliances, are also designed for people with dementia.
5. Sensory Aids
Sensory aids are significant and valuable for individuals living with blindness, visual impairments, or hearing impairments. Including Braille displays and screen readers allows for touch and hearing senses, while implementing systems that alert through vibrations and flashing lights can alert individuals with hearing impairments of essential alarms or calls to action like doorbell rings.
6. Medical Monitoring Devices
Medical devices are essential for safety purposes in the event of accidents and medical emergencies. Fall detection sensors can sense falls and send alerts to caretakers or first responders for help when the individual cannot seek it themselves. There are also wearable devices that can help in an emergency and health monitoring apps and devices that can read an individual’s vitals and health metrics.
7. Recreational Aids
Just like there are hearing aids for those with hearing impairments and mobility aids for those with physical impairments, recreational aids exist to help individuals with limited mobility to participate in fun recreational activities with more accessibility and ease. They even make gaming controllers that are accessible and customized for those with limited hand mobility to enjoy video games. Sports equipment can also be manufactured to accommodate individuals if they like to play sports that aren’t conducive to their disabilities.
8. Daily Living Devices
This is the largest category of miscellaneous assistive devices for people with disabilities, and it includes niche items that non-disabled individuals wouldn’t think of having. These are made to assist with completing both basic daily tasks (ADLs) and more complex daily tasks (IADLs). Some standard assistive and adaptive daily living devices include dressing sticks, long-handled shoe horns, button hooks, sock aids for getting dressed, automatic page turners and book holders for reading and learning, and reach extenders for accessing high places.
Bringing assistive technologies and tools into the home of an individual with disabilities can significantly impact their quality of life and ignite feelings of independence, safety, and comfort. It's essential to assess the individual's needs and customize the home environment to support their daily activities and overall well-being. Our support staff at Serenity Support Care is here to help you or your loved one make a living with disabilities more comfortable and manageable. Call us today to learn about our home care services!
