As the population ages and more people are living with disabilities, it may be necessary to consider the option of moving into residential care homes to receive that care. The decision to move into a care home is often a difficult choice faced by the community today. 

The Facts

With an increasing ageing population and support for those living with long term disabilities the UK’s health and care sectors have a significant demand. To meet the needs of the population, new and innovative assisted living technologies are being developed to support those living with disabilities as well as the aging population to live more independent and comfortable lives in their own homes. 

One in five individuals in the UK are disabled, with over a quarter of those people experiencing limitation to control or choice over their day to day lives. In the UK, 18% of the population is aged 65 and over, of which 32% are living alone. Of which, one out of eight of the elderly people questioned stated that they live with some level of unmet need that limits their ability to carry out important daily tasks.

What Is Assisted Living Technology?

Assisted living technology refers to a product or service which can help maintain or improve the ability of disabled or elderly people, which can assist living an independent and autonomous life.

Assisted living technology is for people who need assistance but are not fully dependant. The types of products that are defined as assisted living technology may include; pull cords in rooms or products such as the Komodo, electric shower chair commode. 

Simply, assistive technology is any aid that can assist the most frail and vulnerable members of our society to live safely and live well at home or in a care home environment.

Impact Of Assistive Technology

By adopting assisted living technology to meet the needs of its user, can allow disabled and elderly people to have control and self manage their health at home when appropriate.

It can also empower the person to live a more independent and sustainable life. This can improve the quality of life for the user of assisted living technology by increasing their autonomy and control of their daily life by being able to continue their routines. Consequently, this can also reduce some pressures that are faced by traditional healthcare services.

It’s important to note that assistive technology is not about the technology. Instead, it is about enhancing a person’s quality of life through improved outcomes in safeguarding, living standards, social interaction and greater independence.

Benefits Of Assistive Technology

A key benefits of Assistive Technology is the increase in choice, enabling an individual using assistive technology to have more choice over their actions and a deeper sense of control.

It also improves the safety of everyday life for the user, reducing accidents and falls in the home.  It can enable a user to maintain their ability to remain at home, reducing the burden placed on carers. 

Assistive Technology can improve support for people living with long term health conditions and ultimately improve the quality of life of the user and carers.