Assistive Devices

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Assistive Devices and Technology

Physical challenges associated with ageing, illness, or injuries can make moving around and performing daily activities difficult.

Assistive devices and assistive technology are products and technologies that can help or improve your loved one’s mobility so that they are able to participate in physical and social activities. This can also give your loved one the confidence and assurance for him/her to move about safely at home. Using them may prevent development of other health conditions such as pressure sores and complications from falls.

Commonly Used Assistive Devices

Here are some assistive devices that are commonly used by seniors or people recovering from injuries or illnesses, such as stroke:

Vision aids: Glasses or magnifying devices can help with poor vision or protection from the sun.
Toilet and shower aids: Portable commodes, raised toilet seats, grab bars, and handles make it more convenient for seniors to use the bathroom.

Hearing aids: Electronic devices can be placed inside or behind the ear to amplify sounds so that the seniors can hear clearly.
Mobility aids: Walkers, canes, wheelchairs, and scooters can help with walking, balancing, or supporting your loved one’s weight to reduce strain on their muscles and joints.

Getting the Right Device

To find out if your loved one requires an assistive device, speak to his/her doctor, physiotherapist or occupational therapist, who will assess your loved one and recommend the right devices for them. A right fitting will provide the most effective and safe use of the devices.

You may also wish to discuss with your loved one if he/she has difficulties doing any of the following activities:

Standing up from a chair or bed
Feeling unbalanced while walking
Experiencing weakness or numbness in legs
Unable to walk for long distances

Feeling out of breath easily
Lack of confidence while walking independently
Limited movement in one side of the body

Make sure you are familiar with the instructions and proper use, precautions, and care of the equipment. Do take note of the device’s warranty, maintenance, repair or service dealer too.

The Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) provides subsidies on selected mobility aids and home healthcare items.

Assistive Technology

There are also other types of assistive technology devices and software to help persons with disabilities live independently. An assistive technology assessment can help to evaluate the needs of such persons, and recommend the most suitable assistive technology option. Learn more about it here.

Make your home environment safe by rearranging the furniture or declutter spaces so that your loved one can move about independently and comfortably. In this way, falls can be prevented at home too.