Indiana Assistive Technology Blog

Did you remember to take your pills today?  Whether you’ve got a cognitive impairment or are just plain forgetful, assistive technology can help you stay on track with your medication.  Here are a few adaptive aids we have available at the INDATA Loan Library.

Pill Organizer

Pill Organizer – This tray will hold a week’s worth of medication, up to four doses a day.  Each compartment is labeled both in print and braille with the day of the week as well as the time of day (Morn, Noon, etc).

MedReady Medication Pill Box Reminder – The manufacturers of this handy device have thought of everything!  Not only does this pill tray have 28 different compartments for nearly a month’s worth of medication, it has an alarm!  When the alarm sounds, a little window slides open for you to access your pills.  You can set the alarm to go off once, twice, three times, or four times a day, and the alarm volume is adjustable.

Voicemate – This portable device monitors blood glucose and will also identify insulin vials.  It talks its user through the process of pain-free testing and identifies vial labels.  Very easy to use for those with low vision.

Talking Watch – If you don’t necessarily need a container for your medication, a talking watch is a great reminding tool.  Set an alarm for whatever time you need to take your medication and hear the time announced by a clear female voice with the touch of a button.

If you found these items intriguing, come see what else we have in store for you at the INDATA Loan Library!

Assistive technology comes in many shapes and sizes.  It can be high tech computer software, or very low tech tools, such as a magnifying glass.  These items are not restricted to any one group; all kinds of people can gain independence from using assistive technology.  There are technologies that can help with hearing loss, mobility challenges, learning difficulties, vision loss, and communication.  These items are available for the young and aging, whether you have a severe disability or just need a little extra help.  I know that I myself take advantage of eyeglasses for my poor vision, and am not afraid to admit that I use a jar gripper from time to time!

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Image of woman's hands at 87 years

October 12-18 is National Aging-in-Place Week.  The National Aging-in-Place Council has two objectives for this week:

Build lasting coalitions of allied business professionals in communities across the U.S. to assist homeowners with pursuing their long-term care needs, and

Organize educational activities to highlight home and community-based services and products—including healthcare, transportation and housing—that enable seniors to successfully age in place.

Easter Seals Crossroads works year-round to build activities and provide information on how seniors can age in place. A recent brochure from the INDATA project titled “Continuing Independent Living: Assistive Technology and Aids for Daily Living” was published and describes the different kinds of assistive technology that can be useful to the aging community.

Click here for a PDF version of the Continuing Independent Living brochure.  The last page has a list of Indiana assistive technology vendors and aging resources.  If you would like hard copies, email Sara Croft at scroft@eastersealscrossroads.org.

Now that you know what we are doing for National Aging-in-Place week, it’s time for you to share your events and ideas!