By Nicole Levison

Ah, the advances of technology. It can sometimes be overwhelming, but it is technology that allows us to lead longer, better lives. My friend, Sarah, is in a wheelchair, lives alone, and only requires her caregiver to come by in the mornings to help her bath eand dress. Otherwise, because of technology, she is completely self-sufficient—she drives, she cooks, she leads an adventurous life. She is, without a doubt, independent in every sense of the word.

Alarms, monitoring devices, lifts, ramps, and other assistive technology (such as canes, and hearing aids or more sophisticated devices such as computer applications) can be essential in order to keep a loved one safe and afford both independence and peace of mind.

Several resources are available to assist you in making your space safe, comfortable, and functional for someone with special needs:

• www.EasterSeals.com: This foundation is working to eliminate the more than 20,000 home accidents that kill Americans annually and provides safety checklists and guides for making a home safe and accessible (many of which are low-cost suggestions).
• www.AARP.org: Offers tips to improve safety and self-sufficiency for the ailing, plus a home-design section that includes a checklist for you to rate how your home measures up.
• www.Homemods.org: Provides an array of information on modifying your home and all sorts of resources dealing with financials, picking a vendor, and assistive technologies.
• Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS): These professionals specialize in the needs of elderly folks and are trained in design modifications to help this growing faction remain independent. Visit www.nahb.org to locate a CAPS in your area.
• www.Caregiver.org: A tremendous resource dedicated to supporting and voicing the needs of caregivers.
• www.AssistiveTech.net: Supplies information, solutions, and cost comparisons for assistive technology (AT).

Like many debates—one week, experts will tell you that wine and coffee are beneficial to your health, the next they are not—you need to analyze your personal situation to determine whether bed rails, alarms, etc., are right for your charge.

For instance, bed rails can be dangerous! Many individuals feel caged in, there is the possibility of being trapped between the bed and the railings, and many people are injured trying to climb over the rails, which are just a few reasons to consider the following alternatives to bed rails:

• Use a bed that can be raised and lowered to be of service to both the patient and caretaker.
• Frequently look in on the person to assist him/her in getting out of bed and monitor habits. Many caregivers find that falls often occur at a certain time of the day (such as when a person gets up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night).
• Use a mattress with raised foam edges. This type of setup can provide a sense of boundary.
• Other options: sensors, assist bars, or a mat placed next to a lowered bed. Do not be afraid to get creative and find a solution that works for your particular set of circumstances. After all, necessity is the mother of invention.

While it’s recommended that you hire a qualified expert to assess your needs, there are many checklists created (and available at the aforementioned Websites) with the intention of preventing needless injuries. The guidelines and questions may seem obvious, but, surprisingly, many factors are overlooked. Whether it’s as simple and economical as upgrading doorknobs to a more accessible design or removing throw rugs that could be obstacles, or as complex a facelift as investing in a home redesign, remember that “universal design” (design features that cater to everyone, disabled or not) accommodates anyone who walks or wheels through your front door.