Technology Support for Independent Living: A Report

This report examines the role of technology in supporting independent living within health and social care services, focusing on case studies of Sally and James. Part 1 discusses the support technology provides, including specific applications, benefits for organizations and individuals, and barriers to its use. It also covers health and safety considerations, ethical implications, and the impact of recent technological advancements. Part 2 analyzes James's specific needs to recommend technology solutions for independent living, evaluating the technology's usefulness for both James and other users. The report highlights the importance of assistive technology in improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and emphasizes the need for careful consideration of ethical and practical issues when implementing these technologies.

Supporting Independent
Living

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
PART 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Support of Technology in health and social care services....................................................1
1.2 Barriers to the use of technology.........................................................................................2
1.3 Benefits of technologies to health and social care organisations and individual.................3
2.1 Health and safety considerations in the use of technologies.................................................3
2.2 Ethical considerations in the use of assistive technologies...................................................4
2.3 Impact of recent and emerging technological developments................................................5
PART 2............................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Identify James’s specific needs in order to support him to live independently....................6
3.2 Make your own recommendations on how the Technology might support her independent
living arrangements.....................................................................................................................7
3.3 Evaluate the usefulness of technology for James and also for other users of health and
social care services......................................................................................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Independent living is capability of individual to live independently as well as
productively within community with freedom of choice as non-disable person (Finn, 2015).
Moreover, it can also explain as ability to examine alternatives for making informed decisions
and to provide appropriate direction to life of specific person. Everyone want live life according
to their desirability so they can spend money as well as time properly with good health. In
addition to this, independent living explain as ability of examining people where they are living
separately for spending their life. In other words, it is the movement where disable people work
for their self determination, equal opportunity as well as for self respect of own.
This report is based on given two case studies out of which first is of Sally and second is
James. Case study of sally will discuss important technology and its impact of developments
within health and social care. Apart from this, case of James will evaluate and recommend
technology for supporting independent living for user of health and social care services.
PART 1
1.1 Support of Technology in health and social care services.
In modern era, technology have improve the entire living standard of people and make
number of advancement in almost every field. In medical sector, technology have played a very
advanced role due to which individual can get various advantages in order to treat or overcome
specific medical diseases. The advance sort of technologies help the general public and entire
society which benefit them to live a healthier and diseases free life for more longer time frame.
The most critical thing to bear in mind is that there are still changes needed by the
implementation of advanced equipment and innovations. In the daily life of each affected
individual from the impairment issue, this will have a significant impact (Mbabazi, 2012).
There are many apps in this modern world that can help people with disabilities. Such
tools and electronic systems can help alleviate the autism issue in some manner as they can
connect with people better and can even eliminate the problem by rendering everyday work
experiences even simpler. From the given case scenario, Sally a 42 year old female have been
facing different issues like tingling and numbness in left foot and problem of double vision. In
order to overcome these she have a proper medical concern with a neurologist which provide her
with some medicines to recover same problems. Moreover, to remove the fatigue, neurologist
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advice her to change her routine activity and add something new in her lifestyle by considering
proper heath education. She was also asked by her GP to get the suggestion from a technology
professional in order to make proper use of available devices. As many technical devices can be
supportive to eliminate the problem of Sally and also support her to drive safely. Furthermore, it
would also support her children to complete their work on time that is consider to be most crucial
element for her.
As she faced many problems, for either the diagnosis of her kneecap, she was linked to an
occupational therapist. She is also pointed to as an expert in assistive which can help solve that
dilemma she has to address through type-up, lunch and every day life. Furthermore, she was
needed to cop up with a professional driver which will help in driving the cars in more secure
ways i.e. to keep accelerator on with left foot. Her grandparent ask, Sally to have a meeting with
social worker which will in financing activity and also make suitable decision to meet the daily
life basic requirements. When she has the app recognized as Personal digital support which could
be very useful to her, since by clicking a special button she will be told that her first mission is
over. However, this tool can help you manage some job related to health care.
1.2 Barriers to the use of technology
It was noticed that many obstacles are necessary to overcome in any patient's health and
they are technological resistant, budgetary resistance, information barrier among many others.
When addressing this whole issue, assistive software is among the key tools to help anyone with
an impairment making a right choice, and can help to address the question of dependence on
anyone else. From the case of Sally, it is determined that she was capable to continue and
manage the total work by making use of assistive advance technology (Morgan, 2012). The
problem of double vision was resolved by engaging large keyboard that includes character with
unique dark ink which help her to deliver the correct desired results. Even more the assistive
equipments are consider to be the main source for people having different disabilities issue.
Some of the common barriers related with Assistive technology has been discussed underneath:
Battery operation: In most cases, other batteries are controlled that are not secure for
injured patients. During the charging process, the individual can not use equipment that may
impact their daily activities. This system is not consistently safe to use by disabled person.
Chances of failure: As it is a technical equipment so there are even chances of failure in
Assistive tool. There can be different reason for failure like network error, fault and shortage,
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chip damage etc. Many time, it is not easy for the user to operate the device because of its
advance inbuilt software which could even results in wrong outcome.
1.3 Benefits of technologies to health and social care organisations and individual.
In today's time, it is compulsory for each and every disable person to have a in depth
understanding about the assistive technology before making use of it in their life (Coll and
Fortinsky, 2019). Advance and supportive features of assistive tool is beneficial for both
healthcare organisation as well as persons suffering from any type of disabilities. Some of its
basic advantages are discussed underneath:
Availability of devices: Such machines are very useful to any patient because they can
taking care of themselves. Such equipment is costly and seems to be one explanation why every
individual that wants it is not authorized to be supported by the medical centre. All of these
facilities must be accessible at affordable prices, to ensure each individual access healthcare
organization. Throughout this way the approved government agency has worked hard for this
devices available for customer at really reasonable prices by reducing the tax percentage.
Advance recovery system: This device is useful in number of medical cases which
support patient to overcome the diseases. In the above case, sally will be helpful with this device
in overcoming different body disorder and live a better life making better decision for future.
Such as she can easily hold the tray and even see properly. The particular device will be effective
to increase the speed of recovery of a patient suffering from any disability. The positive result of
this equipments motivate patient and in few time they do not depend on other for survival.
2.1 Health and safety considerations in the use of technologies
In modern working environment, health and safety is necessary for the person performing
daily activities in context to deliver healthier life. Almost each operation is performed with the
motive to make a person healthier. In present days, legal authority and government organise
various crucial campaigns in order to educate and make public aware about different diseases.
They also provide valuable guidance to make proper prevention regarding different harmful
diseases.
As shown in the present case, clinicians should make reasonable use of various systems
to handle Sally in a manner that does not hurt and provides them with better infrastructure.
Techniques could not be used to mess with people's personal lives (Brydon, 2014). It is essential
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to observe and analyse the influence on individuals private lives of particular tasks. Several
factors that practitioners should recognize are set out below:
 Health and safety act 1974, defines that technical tools which are used by businesses do
not provide any kind of damage and harm to worker, patient as well as environment in
any circumstances.
 There are numerous tasks, like occupational safety, safe operating methods, potential risk
mitigation, electrical fire planning as well as other activities, that need to be done by the
company.
 There have been several range when using technical assistive device so it is very much
needed to make proper safety precautions before making use for any patient.
 Operators have to take various strategies into account by using present advance
technology like daily living abilities, cognitive deficits, new offices construction and
systems, preparation of staff etc.
2.2 Ethical considerations in the use of assistive technologies.
Ethics apply to a series of rules that guarantee that unusual reasoning is both good and
bad. There are several types of moral measures that organizations must obey while implementing
technology in a suitable way (Kantaris, 2018). Techniques can continue to better deliver services
and activities. The following are the legal standards surrounding the use of assistive devices:
Beneficence: This requires a surgeon accountable for determining the advantages of
these strategies. Patients should be presented with sufficient data on the care they receive.
Non-maleficence: Diverse procedures have opportunities for exposure to risk, so medical
professionals need to align their efforts to ensure better privacy and security of patients.
Justice: This shall be in the interests of justice with regard to existing resources and
therefore should be committed to the specific needs of people within the larger community in
such an proper manner.
As per the above case study, psychologist have to make sure about the all above
discussed principles before and at the time of offering medical services to Sally. This will help
her to get out of body disorder and live a better life by doing all activity in correct manner such
as holding tray properly, typing notes, driving car etc. They also provide Sally Personal digital
assistant that is a moveable coach for her and help her in number of ways. Various Ethical
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methods that are relevant to assistive techniques are assessment, sourcing equipment, risks
associated, social isolation, installation and well being.
2.3 Impact of recent and emerging technological developments
There are several type of technology which possess several positive as well as negative
impact on the services which provided to the users (Vodden and Leech, 2019). Moreover, it is
compulsory to do observation, evaluation as well as analysis of effects in relation of technology.
Because it will help in identifying that whether these technology will be constructive or not
according to the requirements. With respect of helpful technology, several treatment in health
care sector will proceed in appropriate manner through which desired outcomes will be gained.
There are several type of technologies which medical profession which provide assistance in
gaining accurate outcomes in relation of patients. Moreover, there are numerous assistive
technologies like Ventilator, Insulin implant, artificial limbs, Pacemaker (Heart implant),
Cochlear implant (ear implant), Hoists Adapted computes, Electric wheelchairs and several
others. These technology will provide assistance to Sally in remembering things as well as also
in carrying out their daily basis activities within proper manner. By using normal methods sally
will be treated but due to critical condition technology devices was used by practitioners for
welfare of Sally. Emerging technology have its positive as well as negative impact on activities
conduct in health care sector. Explanation of these are as follows :-
Positive impact – In relation of emerging technology there are several positive impact on
healthcare sector. Explanation of these are as follows :-
 Emergency technology provide assistance in health and safety of society in effective
manner. Along with this, it also result in boosting up efficiency and save lots of time
while conducting any activity related to healthcare.
 With the assistance of latest technology number of death ratio decline because
practitioners are able to serve patients in enhanced manner which help in recovering their
life.
 It also result in promoting better quality of care and serving people in better manner.
Negative impact – Along with positive impact there are some negative effects also of emerging
technology on healthcare sector. Explanation of these are as follows :-
 It include expensive equipments which result in several other expenses also such as
training of employees for working on these in proper manner (Kable and Coles, 2018).
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 It leads to high a demand which leads to creation of high pressure on health and social
care organisations.
 People's expectation will get increase which result in unhealthy expectations within same
sector organisations (Salazar, 2012).
Thus, from above explanation it has been identified that emerging technology have wide impact
on individual as well as organisation also which working in healthcare sector.
PART 2
3.1 Identify James’s specific needs in order to support him to live independently.
It is important to identify actual requirement of specific person so that proper treatment
will be provided to patient. Body of Human being has immunity system which is responsible for
several kind of allergies along with response from external environment. When an individual
going through several health issues it will be essential for them to take support of several
equipment which will provide assistance to them in living life independently. In other words,
everyone want to live life independently because it will help them in fulfilling their desires in
effective manner (Molinsky, Herbert and Forsyth, 2019). These technology will provide
assistance to Sally in remembering things as well as also in carrying out their daily basis
activities within proper manner. By using normal methods sally will be treated but due to critical
condition technology devices was used by practitioners for welfare of Sally. Emerging
technology have its positive as well as negative impact on activities conduct in health care sector.
As per the given case study of James, she is suffering from several issues such as learning
disability, limited mobility and chronic health problems which include Epilepsy and Diabetes
type 2. James is 59 years old lady who need bed rest with appropriate treatment for living
comfortable life. It is essential to analyse complications of James case and then provide them
treatment carefully for gaining needed results. People with many other issues require attention
through medical professionals while doing diagnosis. These factors are agitation, memory
distortions, depression, restlessness, tremor, trouble eating, delusions and several more.
According to the case of James, she is going through numerous issues such as learning disability,
limited mobility as well as chronic diseases because of that James is not able to perform daily
activities like cook, wash, cleaning and many more. Due to heat attack she fell to the floor and
not even reached to the emergency alarm in her room. After feeling better, she wishes to get back
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herself in flat Sunshine Sheltered Accommodation where it is possible for her to live
independently.
3.2 Make your own recommendations on how the Technology might support her independent
living arrangements.
There are several type of technologies that an specific person can utilise for spending
their life in comfortable and appropriate manner. It comprises of several devices such as electric
wheelchairs, stair lifts, definite techniques to utilisation of smart phones for replacing speech and
several more (Tovin, 2015). In addition to this, there are various types of sensors that can be use
in several places such as beds, door, flood, monitoring of falls, epilepsy, enuresis and for many
other areas.
According to the given case study of James, it has been recommended to them that they
can utilise sensors for purpose of detecting everything as well as also aids in conducting daily
basis activities within appropriate manner. This will assist James in doing her work by own and
she will no longer need depend on other people for any type of work. In addition to this, James
can utilise various devices in case of mis-happening or natural disasters such as earthquake,
flood, tsunami and many more. Along with this, She can also use telecare techniques because it
will help her in several manner by providing medical assistance within proper way. Moreover,
MAT (movement assistive technology) can also utilise which involve sensors with digital
devices that will provide assistance to her in ducting day to day activities.
3.3 Evaluate the usefulness of technology for James and also for other users of health and social
care services.
There are several benefits of technology on James and also on other health and social
care services users. For an specific person it is essential to have improved quality services by
ensuring their safety. Innovation within technology helps in boosting up wide choice as well as
also in remaining independent. There are several benefits comprised within this such as like
reduced burdens kept on carers, reduction in social isolation, enhancing health conditions for
longer duration, decrease in accidents and several more. According to the given case of James, it
is essential to use different technical devices for living life within effective manner and also help
in conducting routine activities properly. James can use stair lifts, electric wheelchair, epilepsy
sensors which can be kept under mattresses & will trigger an alarm if someone has motion and
enuresis sensors for detecting moisture (Bedaf, Gelderblom and De Witte, 2015).
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CONCLUSION
After going through entire discussion it has been summarised that, technology is play
crucial role within each and every aspects of society. In relation of health and social care,
utilisation of technology advancements help in serving appropriate services to individual which
help them in living life trouble free. In addition to this, technology may also result in certain
limitation as well as harm if equipments will not used in proper manner. Thus, practitioners have
to ensure that while using any technology in health care necessary precautions will be taken in
advance for avoiding complications.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals:
Salazar, A. M., 2012. Supporting college success in foster care alumni: Salient factors related to
postsecondary retention. Child Welfare. 91(5). p.139.
Bedaf, S., Gelderblom, G. J. and De Witte, L., 2015. Overview and categorization of robots
supporting independent living of elderly people: what activities do they support and
how far have they developed. Assistive Technology. 27(2). pp.88-100.
Tovin, M., 2015. Children, Teens, and Young Adults with ASD: Supporting Transitions Through
Physical Therapy.
Molinsky, J., Herbert, C. and Forsyth, A., 2019. Housing and planning supporting healthy aging.
In Healthy Aging (pp. 355-366). Springer, Cham.
Kable, J. A. and Coles, C. D., 2018. Evidence supporting the internal validity of the proposed
ND-PAE disorder. Child Psychiatry & Human Development. 49(2). pp.163-175.
Vodden, M. and Leech, I., 2019. P-219 Living well programme: supporting our community to
live independent and healthier lives.
Kantaris, X., 2018. Supporting the Mental Health of University Students: The Views and
Experiences of an Academic. Psychology Teaching Review. 24(1). pp.77-78.
Brydon, K., 2014. Young People Leaving Care: Supporting Pathways to Adulthood.
Coll, P. P. and Fortinsky, R. H., 2019. Public Policy Supporting Healthy Aging. In Healthy
Aging (pp. 377-384). Springer, Cham.
Morgan, H., 2012. Supporting People: Towards a Person-Centred Approach.
Mbabazi, P., 2012. The role of school administrators in supporting teachers living with HIV and
aids on their job performance in Mpigi District (Doctoral dissertation).
Finn, K., 2015. Supporting New Graduates: Sustaining and Troubling Intergenerational Ties.
In Personal Life, Young Women and Higher Education (pp. 100-120). Palgrave
Macmillan, London.
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