Supporting Independent Living: Assistive Technology and its Impact on Health and Social Care

This assignment explores the concept of independent living and the role of assistive technology in supporting individuals with disabilities. It examines the influence of recent technological advancements on health and social care services, highlighting the benefits and limitations of assistive technology. The assignment also delves into the ethical and safety considerations associated with the use of assistive technology, using case studies to illustrate real-world applications and challenges. It concludes by discussing the usefulness of technology for individuals like Jane, who require support to live independently, and its broader impact on health and social care services.

Supporting Independent Living

Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................2
PART 1..............................................................................................................................................3
2.3................................................................................................................................................3
1.1................................................................................................................................................5
1.3................................................................................................................................................6
1.2................................................................................................................................................8
2.1..............................................................................................................................................10
2.2..............................................................................................................................................11
PART 2............................................................................................................................................13
3.1..............................................................................................................................................13
3.2..............................................................................................................................................14
3.3..............................................................................................................................................15
CONCLUSION.................................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................17
1

INTRODUCTION
This assignment describes the concept of independent living and support of technology for
independent living. Independent living is a philosophy that helps the persons with disability to
work and perform their daily life activates effectively (Barnes, 2014). The assignment also helps
us to understand the barriers to use of technology in health and social and helps to perceive the
significance of this technology of the organization related to H&S. It also helps to perceive the
concepts of safety and ethical consideration in the use of technology and examines. Various
factors such as ethical and safety issues with assistive technology for in H&S organization and
the users have also been highlighted in this assignment.
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PART 1
INTRODUCTION
Technological up-gradation in the assistive device has helped to make the life of many persons
suffering from disability easy and positive. This essay is on the impact of assistive technology on
its users and also explains various ethical and safety issues related to it.
BODY
2.3
INFLUENCE OF RECENT TECHNOLOGICAL UP-GRADATION ON THE SERVICES AND WORKERS OF
H&S
The case of Sally helps us that technical support can help to change the lifestyle and create an
support system for the person with difficulties. It can be understood that various physical
challenges that are the result of diseases or maybe birth born can be aided with the help of
technological devices. Form the case of Sally it can be learned that life can be lived normally
with the assistance of the technological devices. Various types of technological devices are
available for the patients and it is the assistive technology specialist guides the patients about
the type of technology they can use for the assistance (Goh et al. 2011).
With the help of the technical assistance, the patients can perform daily work and job. It helps
them to improve confidence, as they feel independent. The recent technological development
has supported the problems of all type of persons with disability; they help in diseases such as
epilepsy, memory issues, and sclerosis.
The scope of technical assistance is increasing in the healthcare sector, due to this more
patients can be helped for better living (Chow et al. 2012). In the case of Sally, we can see that
assistive technology helped Sally to work better in the office and memory assistance device like
pocket couch helped to make the memory of Sally better. The technological development has
helped to persons with difficulty to communicate, it has also helped them to manage the risk
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properly as with the help of gadgets such as capacity switches they can call the services
effectively.
4

1.1
HOW TECHNOLOGY WAS USED TO SUPPORT HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE and HELPS
INDEPENDENT LIVING
The technological assistance certes as a support system for the person living with difficulties, it
helps them to perform the function that they are not able to perform properly. The various
ways in which technology supports normal living is as follow:
 Technology such as eye blinking sensors have helped to make communication of
personal suffering from paralysis of body easy, they can use the sensor deliver their
messages, in addition to they can use the automated wheelchairs and digital assistance
for performing their daily work (Chow et al. 2012)
 We can understand in case of Sally, she was able to do her job as an accountant with the
help of technical assistance and the tools such as spinner knob supported an individual
living for her, as she could drive the car. Sally was also provided with a memory
assistance device called Pocket couch, the Pocket couch has helped sally to remember
the order of work function and it has also helped Sally to remember the daily
medication and nutrition taking time.
 With the help of assistive technology, Jonathan Bredin is able to transform the life.
Jonathan Bredin was suffering from disability since childhood, technological assistance
helped him to perform his routine, do a job and succeed in living a normal life. The
technological assistance has helped him to manage communication, easy relocation
from one place to other and surf internet and live a normal life.
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1.3
BENEFITS OF THESE TECHNOLOGIES, EQUALLY TO THE SERVICE USER AS WELL AS TO THE
ORGANISATION
The recent technological development that has taken palace in the H&S take helps to make the
services provided by the organization better. With the help of devices such as computers and
smart technology the overall performance of H&S organization better. The benefits of this
technology for H&S are as follows:
 With the help of advanced technology the planning has become better, this has
supported in providing better service to the patients (Cowan et al. 2012).
 Technological up gradation has also helped to improve the risk management of the
organization as it reduces the chances of human error (Kellermann and Jones, 2013)
 Communication better all the levels of the organization have improved
 Advance technology has supported detection of the diseases at early stages
 Technology has improved the operation efficiency of the organization as with the help
of technology the organization are able to make the data of patients, their inventory
and other factors well (Cowan et al. 2012)
 Technological advancement has also provided assistance in critical areas of H&S
 It also helps to improve the reputation of the service in the public, as public looks at the
organization as well developed
 The most significant impact of technological development is that helps to reduce the
number of deaths (Cowan et al. 2012)
 The technological development also helps to reduce the pressure on the emergency
service of the organization
The benefits of technology for the technology to the H&S user are as follows:
 It helps to improve the age of the service user, as the user can communicate about the
issue that he/she is facing (Nesensoryservices, 2018).
 It also helps the service use to live independently as in the case of Sally, she was able to
continue her work as an accountant with the help of special keyboard designed for her
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 The technology also helps to reduce negativity in the patients as they can confidently
perform all the task in daily routines as sally is able to perform all work such as dressing,
and gardening properly.
 With the help of the digital assistance the service user can easily move, this creates an
impact on the quality of the life (Cowan et al. 2012)
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1.2
POTENTIAL BARRIERS AND LIMITATIONS TO THE USE OF SUPPORTIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Assistive technology can create a significant impact on the life of the person suffering from the
disability (Borg et al. 2011). It can help the individual to communicate effectively, to move, and
to do the daily activates properly but there are certain limitations that the technological up-
gradation faces, this limitation are as follows:
Choice of device
It is important to select the right device for the person with the disability because the person
can face a lot of challenges regarding use and performance of the device (Borg et al. 2011). In
the case of Sally right selection of the computer Keyboard helped her to perfume well with the
office work, if the selection of keyboard would have been wrong then she would have to face a
lot of complications.
Learning restriction
Many persons suffering from disability have issues regarding learning the new technology that
is involved with the device, this creates a resistance in them to use the technology for use.
Economical limitation
The budget limitation is seen as one of the biggest limitations in case of assistive technology,
persons suffering from disability may require one or more than one device for independent
living, and the cost of such device is high and requires to engage a large amount of financial
resource.
Availability of device
If the challenges that a person with the disability is facing unique that the device that will be
required to assist him/her will be different from that are commonly available (Borg et al. 2011),
In addition to this the personal challenges that he/her face may also limit the scope of the
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device. In such case it is required to make a new device for the person or upgrade the existing
device otherwise the utility of the existing device remains limited.
Psychological resistance to technology
It is observed that certain persons suffering from disability have a psychological resistance to
the use of the device; this may be because of self–esteem issues or any other psychological
barrier that the patient is facing (Scherer et al. 2011).
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2.1
SAFETY ASPECTS THAT MIGHT BE INVOLVED WITH THE USE OF THESE NEW TECHNOLOGIES
The assistive devices are in direct contact with the user, and any kind of mal-functionality with
this devices can lead to an accident with the user. The risk that is associated with this devices
may range from minor injury to death of the user (Gov.uk, 2018). We can see this in case of
Sally that with that she use of assistive technology with all the consideration that helped to
protect her from any kind of accident. The various safety considerations for assistive technology
are as follows:
 Proper maintenance and care should be done for the equipment of the assistive
technology, the routine of maintenance that is suggested by the manufacturer with the
medical professional must be followed (Gov.uk, 2018)
 No kind of modification or adjustment must be made to the assistive device by a person
who is not having proper training in the subject
 A trained professional must suggest the assistive device as we can see in case of Sally
the equipment that she was using were suggested by the assistive technology specialist.
 The assistive device must have an emergency voice and visual sensors that help the user
to know about risk (Street et al. 2013).
 The assistive device such as wheelchair and automated mobility devices must be added
with safety gadgets such as belts and breaks to ensure the safety of user (Gov.uk, 2018).
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2.2
ETHICAL ISSUES OR DILEMMAS THAT MIGHT OCCUR IN RELATION TO THEIR USE
The medical professionals that deal with assistive technology are likely to face the ethical
challenge. We can observe this in case of Sally the doctors have to maintain the privacy and the
confidence of the family member and the Sally herself while suggesting and implementing the
assistive technology. The various ethical challenges that are faced with assistive technology are
as follows:
Agreement to use of assistive technology
The person suffering from disability and the family member must be ready to use the device, as
a disagreement in any of the tow may breach the ethical principle. In addition to this, the both
of them should be explained about the technology and properly (Zwijsen et al. 2011). We can
see this in case of Sally, she and her family member were ready to use assistive technology.
Communicating about the risk of assistive technology
It is the responsibility of the medical professional to elaborate all the risk that is associated with
the assistive technology (Zwijsen et al. 2011). This is significant because this helps the service
user to perceive all the risk and take measure that to protect him or herself from the loss. This
is also one of the important H&S ethics.
Sourcing equipment
It should be taken care that the source of the device is right and all the legal factors are
followed during the purchase and manufacturing of the product. If any kind of dis-functionality
is observed during sourcing of the assistive technology, then it must not be purchased or used
by the user.
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Installation
During the installation of the assistive technology, the trained medical profession must install it
and care must be taken that quality standards are maintained. This ensures that the user gets
the best of the assistive technology and ethics regarding installation are followed (Zwijsen et al.
2011).
Social Factors
It is observed that persons suffering from disability are subjected to social isolation, the
assistive technology should not eliminate or reduce the social care that the user is given, and it
should be noted that the assistive technology should also not be considered as an alternative to
the care and support that is provided to the user (Zwijsen et al. 2011).
CONCLUSION
The essay highlights the various aspects related to assistive technology, it helps to identify the
ethical and safety issues with assistive technology and also help to understand the positive
impact of this technology on the life of users.
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PART 2
3.1
JANE’S SPECIFIC NEEDS IN ORDER TO SUPPORT JANE TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY
Jane is suffering from multiple health issues and it is she wishes to live independently. These
health problems have been a restriction for her as she suffers from major issues that affect her
day to day lifestyle. The disease she is suffering from and the specification needs that she will
require to address for are as follows:
 She is suffering from learning disability die to which she suffers from memory issues;
this issue also creates a difficulty to remember daily routines and the work schedule.
Learning disability also creates trouble in direction and coordination identification and
she faces issues related to being organized (Grant et al. 2010).
 Jan is also suffering from epilepsy due to which she is in risk of getting a seizure, the
seizure many hurt the body badly as she is old and it may also risk to breaking the
bones or muscular difficulties (Scherer 2011).
 Due to limited mobility, she has difficulty to walk and a lot of walking during the day
may result in joint pains. Also, there is a risk is falling from stairs and wet areas, due to
limited mobility she is also facing difficulty to related to balance.
 Recently Jan has also suffered from heart attack, due to which she is likely to suffer
from dizziness, numbness, and pain in the chest region. This has also increased the risk
of second heart attack, which may result in danger of life. Due to the risk of the heart
attack, she required to take the mediation on time and constantly monitor the risk so
that she can alert about the danger of the attack to others.
 Jan is also suffering from type 2 diabetes; she is facing troubles such as frequent
urination, thirst, and hunger. In addition to this, she also needs to monitor her blood
sugar constantly and take her meals at the time to prevent further damage from
diabetes.
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14

3.2
HOW THE TECHNOLOGY MIGHT SUPPORT HER INDEPENDENT LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
Assistive technology can help to support independent living of Jane, and help to adders all the
challenges that she is facing due to health difficulties properly. The technologies that may be
used by Jane are memory assistance tool, automated wheelchair, compact switch, epilepsy care
belt and constant BP and sugar monitor.
The memory assistance tool will help Jane to manage her diet properly; it will also help Jane to
remember to take all the medication necessary (Buckss, 2018). In addition to this, the memory
assistance device will also help Jane to remember a number of a close relative, important dates,
and address of the nearby person (Lancioni et al. 2012). The ideal memory assistant device for
Jane is one with a beeper, which makes a beep sound when there is a notification.
The automated wheelchair will support the movement of Jane easily, due to the wheelchair she
will not face any kind of fatigue and it will also help Jane to move from one place to other easily
(Kawde and Jambhale, 2014). The wheelchair can also be used by Jane for limited mobility and
she can do all the routine work easily and at a rapid speed.
The other devices that can be used by Jane is compact switch, it will help Jane to quickly alert
all emergency and the relatives if she suffers from any serious medical emergency, in addition
to this an epilepsy care belt will help to alert the about her epilepsy attack to the emergency
centre (Buckss, 2018).
In addition to this she must also use a constant BP and sugar monitor which will help to support
her if there is any rise or fall in the blood pressure level or sugar level of Jane, this technological
support will help independent living for Jan and reduce the health risk that she is suffering from
(Lancioni et al. 2012).
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3.3
USEFULNESS OF TECHNOLOGY FOR JANE AND ALSO FOR OTHER USERS OF HEALTH AND
SOCIAL CARE SERVICES
The technology proves to be very useful for Jane and other people as it helps them to get an
control over their own life. Due to the technical support, they can do all the daily activity
themselves, with the support of anyone else. This satisfies the core principles of individual
living.
The technology also helps the user to participate actively in the activities either personal or
social. This participation helps the people with difficulties to live confidently and happy life as
they feel an integral part of society (Borg et al. 2011). The technology also helps to boost self-
motivation in the user, like in the case of Jane, with the help of technology she can fulfill her
wish to live independently with the help of technological support.
The technology also helps the H&S service to detect the diseases faster and provide better cure
to hem. The technology helps the make id helpful for the medical professional to perform their
duties well. With the help of alternative technologies the users can look at new opportunities in
their life, this helps them to make their existing life better and explore new dimensions in life,
this also helps them to stay positive and face the challenges with more determinations
(Kellermann and Jones, 2013).
The technology also create significant impact in the life of the user if they are the student, as it
helps them to take education and professional degree. The technology helps the persons in jobs
and ensures that they are financially independent and their integrity is maintained.
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CONCLUSION
The assignment explains the impact of technology on the user for living independently. It also
highlights the barriers to the technology and its impact on the H&S organization. The
assignment also helps to perceive the concept of Assistive technology and the consideration of
safety and ethics that are reviewed during the implementation of Assistive technology. Is also
highlights the utility of Assistive technology indifference case and its usefulness for the
users.The study conducted with the help of the case of Jane and sally helps to get detail
knowledge about the subject. The information gained in the subject is useful and will definitely
help in improving professional life.
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REFERENCES
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whom, for what, and by whom?. Disability & Society, 26(2), pp.151-167.
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