So then you’ll live healthily, be as mobile as possible, stay safe and independent at home – and yes, you can do this!
Technology is your friend when it comes to managing your health and wellbeing. There is a wealth of knowledge, information and experience available at your fingertips which has revolutionised the way we live our lives. Not everything will work for everyone - it’s about being aware of the options and choosing what is right for you or your family.
There’s a lot of simple, relatively low cost assistive technology to promote a person’s health, independence and wellbeing. They’re readily available in the retail market and so can be purchased by the person themselves or by their family/carer etc.
People who can benefit from assistive technology are anyone and everyone, but particularly:
those with chronic disease or long-term conditions by supporting their self-care
those who will benefit from lifestyle support for healthy living through activity monitoring
older people living alone – it helps to minimise the risks in their own homes, increasing their confidence relating to trips and security
people with physical disabilities by providing remote control devices
people with increased frailty by providing a safety net of support and long-term monitoring of the progression of their health condition and wellbeing
people with back or other muscle or joint problems, to help them to combat pain and build or maintain their strength
people with sensory impairments such as loss of vision or hearing by associated sensors to help compensate for their reduced senses and minimise risks in their everyday living e.g. with a range of automatic home-based sensors
Top tips:
Technology can assist people with health and wellbeing problems to self-manage their conditions better and engage with clinicians, or friends and family.
Match digital aids to the purpose you want it for.
Technology can never replace physical care by person-to-person interaction - and nor should it.
Digital aids and Websites
Take a look at tips on how to get active around your home from Sport England: https://weareundefeatable.co.uk
If you want to know more about what digital aids you can use for your own health and wellbeing and weigh up your choices, take a look at: https://www.digihealthwell.co.uk
You can access Staffordshire County Council’s Happy at Home website which involves an interactive home. Your journey starts with you picking a room where you’re struggling with a daily living task, and then transporting you to a series of ideas and solutions that could possibly help you to overcome your difficulties and challenges. The innovative Happy at Home house highlights the range of simple and affordable assistive technology equipment available, such as help to prepare food, get washed or dressed or feel safer around your home. There is a library of video demonstrations of assistive technology products that gives you a wide choice of solutions. Explore the online interactive house and find out more at: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/happyathome
Or for more ideas of ways to use assistive technology and digital services for yourself or your loved ones take look at this handbook: Chambers R, Owen L, Rowley A, Edden P, Chockalingam N. Smart aids to live well; staying healthy with assistive technology. ISBN 978183897760 Amazon kindle & paperback August ’21:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1838397760