Assistive Technologies to Update Your Home
Living in a comfortable home is vital for everyone, but reaching this feeling of comfort can be hard for those living with a disability. Factors like hearing impairment, limited mobility, or vision challenges can all make it harder to get around your home.
Fortunately, advances in technology have made it easier to turn a home into an accessible environment that can meet anyone’s needs.
6 Pieces of Assistive Technology for Your Home
You may have worries about your safety or comfort or that of a loved one who has difficulty living alone. These six assistive technologies can make a home more accessible to retirees, people with disabilities, or anyone who wants a safer and more convenient space:
1. Communication Aids
Whether they are coping with hearing difficulties or speech impairment, potential communication problems can impact people of any age. One of the best ways to update your home is with communication aids. A variety of communication aids are available to help with these difficulties and make daily living easier.
For example, mobile phones with enhanced volume can help those with hearing concerns. You can also buy landline phones with display screens that translate speech into written words as you talk to family and friends. These communication tools are especially helpful for anyone who is feeling lonely due to their hearing concerns.
2. Medical Alerts
A common concern is that something may happen to you or a loved one who is home alone, and there will not be a way to get assistance. Medical alerts are one of the most crucial assistive technologies, as they can call for medical help as soon as possible.
Medical alerts are wearable devices that work with a central hub connected to close contacts and local emergency services. In an emergency, you can press your medical alert button to speak to a family member or call 911 for help. Some medical alert systems even detect falls, automatically putting you in touch with services.
3. Screen Readers and Visual Aids
Some more vital assistive tools are visual aids. For someone who has vision problems, living alone can be tricky. Visual aids make independent living simpler because they can make your home and the things in it easier to navigate.
Tools like screen readers and magnification devices can make it possible for someone with impaired vision to see television screens, computer monitors, and smartphones. These tools can also make hobbies like reading or arts and crafts easy, helping you enjoy yourself in the comfort of your home.
4. Stair Lifts and Mobility Equipment
Stair lifts have existed for several decades, and they remain one of the most popular assistive technologies for good reason. Many people struggle with some level of limited mobility. If your home has stairs, limited mobility can make it difficult or impossible to access the upper levels.
Stair lifts allow people to access the entirety of their homes without difficulty. Other mobility equipment includes ramps for wheelchair users outside the home.
If your home has steps that lead into the front or back entrance, exiting and entering the home can present a tricky situation. Having a ramp installed will allow for easier access into and out of the home while using a wheelchair, walker, cane, or other mobility tool.
5. Smart Doorbells and Security Devices
Family members often worry about the safety of their loved ones who live alone. Retirees or disabled residents may present as more vulnerable to those looking to commit a crime or take advantage of a homeowner. Having assistive tools like smart doorbells and security devices can provide everyone with much-needed peace of mind.
A smart doorbell allows you to monitor the perimeter of your home, giving you a constant view of the area outside your front or back doors. You can also give friends and family access to this footage so that they can see what is going on at your home.
6. Memory Aids
People who are suffering from brain fog or memory problems may need a little help from assistive technologies. Memory aids can provide gentle reminders of daily activities, such as when to take your medication, eat meals, or attend appointments.
Memory aids can include a wide variety of assistant devices. For example, daily pill dispensers can be set to the specific times you need to take your medication. Memory devices also include tools like automatic pet feeders, which can feed your pet at certain times every day so that you do not forget.
The Importance of Assistive Technologies in the Home
From memory aids to communication devices, there are a wide variety of ways to update your home for someone living with a disability. An accessible home is the best way to create an environment that is safe and inclusive of everyone.
