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Where Mobility Needs Meet Technology /
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By
Sandra Fusion, Staff Writer
Adding Technology to the Care Plan:
After the family has a
clear idea of the types of mobility challenges
that they may be facing, it is then appropriate
to begin adding technological aspects into the
care plan. Some individuals may easily adapt to
assistive technology while others may not be
able to adjust without caregiver assistance. For
example, several manufacturers are marketing
wearable devices for the blind or low vision
community to use GPS navigation. While the
concept is an excellent one to consider, it may
also be difficult for the person to adjust.
Teaching the caregiver(s) to use the device also
is useful in the event that there are problems
that need to be addressed that the individual
cannot solve.
Research is the key to
adding technology. Some assistive technology has
been in the development stage for many years,
making products more reliable and with more
research available on their use. Other products,
however, are still in the development stages.
With these devices, the patient and caregiver
team need to make careful choices. Some of the
issues that may be considered when researching
products:
- How much does it cost? Can the cost be
offset by
insurance?
- How much support is available for
installation and
ongoing usage?
- Can a caregiver or other individual be
trained and then,
in turn, train others to use the product?
- Is the training available in the cost of
the product or
covered by insurance?
- Will accommodations need to be made to
the home and/or patient’s vehicles?
- Will this product – or combination of
products – provide a
meaningful, life-enhancing solution to
the patient’s
mobility concerns?
The last issue on the list
is one of quality of life more than of hard
dollars and cents, yet it may be the one that is
the most important. Technology can do many
wonderful things to enhance the quality of life
for someone, yet the underlying issue may not
need a sophisticated solution. Families need to
make not only the financial decisions but the
quality of life decisions when deciding if a
product is needed to help with mobility.
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