Assistive Technology (Essay Sample)

Benefits of Assistive Technology
Name
Grade Course
Tutor’s Name
2nd April 2015
Benefits of Assistive Technology
Assistive technology is a collective term used to refer to any device designed to improve the quality of life for a person with disability or those with complications caused by advanced age. In general, assistive devices are devices that enable individuals to do things that they would not be able to without the technology (Cook & Hussey 2002). The technology is beneficial to both the service users and healthcare organisations. Benefits that service users may obtain from the technology include increased independence and sense of control, increased safety both at home and in public places, maintenance of ability to remain at home, and reduced burden on caregivers. Health and social care organisations also benefit from assistive technology. These benefits include reduced acute admissions, redistribution of resources, and improved quality of care.
Assistive technology helps service users to live independent lives. The amount of independence gained by using assistive devices depends largely on the part of life that is altered. Those with extensive alterations may require devices that are more complex (Gillespie, Best & O'Neill 2012). However, it is important to note that people with disability desire to live active lives with little or no dependence on others regardless of the type of disability. Assistive technology helps caregivers to meet the need to maintain independence. Independence enables a person to have more choices and flexibility in performing activities of daily living. Independence may also improve the general well-being of an individual.
Assistive devices improve the overall safety of the service users. Some disabilities and complications of old age may make an individual more prone to accidents and falls. In the past, institutionalisation of such an individual or assigning a full-time caregiver was favoured. However, this approach was costly and other approaches like use of assistive devices were adopted. For instance, visual aids reduce the risk for injury caused by falls or bumping into objects in the house (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2002). Moreover, these devices improve a person’s safety in public places. For instance, visual aids can enable its users to read road and street signs accurately. This enables them to avoid injury and to find their way home. Assistive technology does not only improve safety but it also reduces the burden on caregivers. It enables the caregivers to do other important chores.
Assistive technology helps people with disability to maintain the ability to remain at home. Patients prefer home-based care to institutionalisation. For some patients, Institutionalisation may signify loss of control. Assistive technology may be used to extend home stay. However, this should be done within a defined framework (Scherer and Stefano 2012). This enhances the overall well-being by promoting sense of control and safety.
Assistive devices also reduce acute admissions to health and social care organisations. Acute admissions are associated with acute alteration of function. Assistive technology ensures that normal fun...