Sally is a 42-year-old female who presents to her GP with complaints of tingling and numbness in her left foot, 18 months later she also complained of double vision. Consultation with a neurologist at that time resulted in a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. She was placed on disease-modulating medication and educated about lifestyle changes to avoid fatigue, which manages her double vision, with the exception of long workdays. The GP refers her to a vision specialist for management of the impairment of double vision that interferes with activities and participation in her job as an account executive. The GP has also requested the assistive technology specialist to provide information and education about other assistive devices that are available should she develop additional impairments.
A vision specialist recommended an eye patch for use when warranted and suggested she stays in touch with the assistive technology specialist should other problems arise. Two years later, Sally returned to her GP with complaints of weakness and numbness in her right side (upper and lower body). These new impairments interfered with her ability to drive to and from work and chauffeur her children to soccer and other after-school activities. Her function at work has been greatly compromised as well. She was experiencing difficulty with typing, maneuvering around the building, holding her lunch tray, and performing other activities of daily living. She was referred to the Occupation Therapist for an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) for the right foot and a cane to improve her mobility, and she was also referred to the Assistive Technology Specialist for consideration of alternate input methods for the keyboard. A keyboard was chosen that covered a larger surface with large black letters surrounded by a yellow background. Both specialists worked together to identify other aids to facilitate additional activities, such as Sally’s personal care activities using a dressing stick and toothbrush handles; cooking using kitchen aids, including jar openers, recipe card holders, and large-handled pots and pans; and gardening using adapted gardening tools.
The GP referred her to a driver’s trainer specialist to adapt her vehicle with a spinner knob and left foot accelerator and to train her in this new way of driving. At this time, the GP also referred her to a social worker for support and counseling regarding her finances, work, and personal life decisions.
Throughout the previous 4 years, Sally’s family has noticed changes in her memory function. After the psychologist completes a cognitive evaluation and identifies strengths and weaknesses, Sally was provided a hand-held personal digital assistant (PDA), called the “Pocket Coach,” to aid in her memory skills. This device enabled her to push a single button to remember “what to do next.” It assisted her to remember to complete task activities and to manage important aspects of her healthcare, such as taking medications and nutritional supplements.
Further useful web links:
http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/10/473/pdf/souza.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1279282/
http://www.nesensoryservices.org/
http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/careSupport/healthWellbeing/sensoryServices.aspx
http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/healthsoc/supportforadults/sensdisteam/
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/social-care/care-for-adults/sensory-services/
[The body of the Assignment Brief, please add the tasks]
Based on Case Study 1 and the web-links provided, please address Task 1 and 2 below:
TASK 1 – Essay
1.1 Explain how technology can be used to support users of health and social care services in living independently.
1.2 Analyse barriers to the use of technology to support users of health and social care services in living independently.
1.3 Explain the benefits of these technologies to health and social care organisations and their users.
(Opportunities to meet M1, M2, M3, D2, D3)
TASK 2 – Essay
2.1 Explain health and safety considerations in the use of technologies in health and social care.
2.2 Discuss ethical considerations in the use of assistive technologies
2.3 Explain the impact of recent and emerging technological developments on health and social care services, organisations and care workers
(Opportunities to meet M1, M2, M3, D2)
Task 3: Mini Report or Essay
Case Study 2:
Joseph is a 62 year old man who has early onset dementia. He recently lost his wife. he is an extremely active gentleman who goes out on a number of occasions each day. He is disorientated to the day and time. His family has significant concerns that Joseph is leaving his home at night and reports from his neighbour confirm this. A fortnight ago is daughter, Lisa paid him a visit and she found water flowing out of her door. When she pressed the door bell, there was no answer because Joseph was not home. On occasions homecare arrive early in the morning and Joseph is already out which means he can miss taking his medication and is skipping meals. A risk assessment highlighted an unknown prevalence of joseph leaving his home.
Further useful readings:
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=109
http://www.overstock.com/Bedding-Bath/Dream-Man-Arm-Pillow/5894513/product.html
http://www.alzheimer.ie/Services-Support/Resources/Technology-and-you.aspx
http://www.alz.org/library/downloads/search_assistivetechnology.pdf
Based on Case Study 2 and the web-links provided, please address Task 3 below
- Identify Joseph’s specific needs for support to live independently
- Recommend appropriate assistive devices in order to support joseph to continue living independently
- Evaluate the usefulness of technology for users of health and social care services
