Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

The Pinecone | June 2024 • 5 • TECHNOLOGY Assistive Devices and Do you remember The Jetsons? Set in 2062, you may remember The Jetsons as a futuristic show that played with ideas about the future for laughs. People lived in houses in the sky, worked a three-day workweek, and drove aerocars that looked like flying saucers. The most impressive part of the show was the incredible conveniences that left the Jetsons with plenty of leisure time. While we may not have aerocars that fly us around, we certainly have many technologies and devices to make our lives easier! There are numerous assistive devices, such aswalkers, canes, hearing aids, and glasses. Remember, this category includes anything designed to help in performing a specific function. There are infinite options out there – it really comes down to what you need a little help and support with. The most common categories of devices include: Mobility Devices – help you move from place to place with more independence. Examples: Rollators, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, canes, prosthetics Daily Living Devices – help you complete activities of daily living. Examples: Adapted cutlery and cups, shower seats and stools, dressing sticks Hearing Aids – help you hear or hear more clearly Vision Devices – helps you see more clearly. Examples: Magnifiers, eye glasses, screen readers Assistive technologies might include smart home assistants, medication reminders, and medical alert systems. These technologies can either be low- tech, such as phones with larger number buttons on them, or high-tech, like balance and fall prevention systems. In today’s world, you can simply ask AI to record your shopping list, set a reminder about taking your medication, or ask what day of the week it is. We have technology at our fingertips – much like the Jetsons did! Imagine where we will be in 2062! What assistive devices do you use – and are they the most appropriate device(s) for you? Consider contacting the Therapy Team at Kirby Pines to learn more about what assistive technology and devices may be most beneficial for you!