Technology can provide:
Social
Physical
Cognitive
Emotional
Spiritual
Healing...
Where does it begin?
It first begins with proper assessing to determine the true needs of the patients. Remember to consider the patient's needs not yours during your evaluation because expectations can become costly when ordering unnecessary equipment and complicated software.
When I consult I provide a pre- survey and post survey questionare to learn the patients initial computer knowledge. Then the five domains are explored in determining each area's needs. i.e. physical,cognitive abilities.
Families may need to be involved in the assessment for those that may not be able to make their needs known due to aphasia or cognitive limitations. Family hold key to a patient's past and current interests that play a part in customizing programs and sites to visit.
It is important to gather as much information including existing environmental and computer availability for patient living in the community for an effective experience. Questions to ask are simple but important.
i.e. can a wheelchair fit under the desk?, is the location accessible for user?, do you have DSL, and what type of computer do you have? etc.
This determines if modification is needed and if it is possible to use existing computer or update due to the equipment, and software use. One thing to consider are ports, speed, and location.
There are many clients I've worked with that had grandchildren at home who had their computers in their rooms, not easily assessable to the client due to a wheelchair or physical situation. Many clients are confined to certain areas in their home due to environmental limitations.
Once all information is gathered then a determination of modifications, software, adapted devices can be made. Remember the user should be made part of the process to feel comfortable with the expectations of use.
To many sibling buy their parents computers without going over the very basics of each piece and making time for lessons. It is important to gather informational sites using the users interests/needs and pre-design a page with large icons and folders with simple names for site visits or program use.
Tip: There are sites that are helpful tutorials made easy
(go to my resource page for links).
Working at CNR I developed a technology component to the Therapeutic Recreation department to include a modified mobile computer with touch screen, special variety of mouse, headsets, camera, and keyboards.
In developing custom computer programs I developed assessment forms, manuals, graphic large print glossary,and leveled lesson plans.
As a volunteer's coordinator I built community partnership with neighborhood schools and services that helped in creating a wonderful intergenerational technology program where students buddy up with residents to teach them one on one with use of adapted devices. The students and volunteers also go through a initial orientation with developed training manuals that assist in teaching with the understanding that the seniors need more attention and may also need repetition, cues and prompts in the learning process.
Below is a sample taken from assessment forms developed by Brenda Torres.
Choosing a variety of software was fun considering I looked at it as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in assessing the needs and individualized the needs according to the residents diagnosis, five domains, limitations,strengths, interests, and needs.etc.
There are many software and free sites offering games to input in a favorite folder. In fact Play station has created the Wii and brain fitness to assist in virtual and mind stimulation. Which is important in keeping the body and mind young and functional. For Dementia patients brain fitness games work in maintenance and provide freedom from boredom.
I remember taking my clients to their hometown and watching some get very emotional even cry because being in a wheelchair they usually say the same thing."I can't travel anymore in this"... How sad to hear this but wonderful to become empathetic and create a traveling experience and include the music, tastes i.e. ( pre-planned cultural snacks), with smells to give a more realistic momentum.
Overall this experience is not over it has just begun.... I take this journey very seriously due to my own personal interest in preparing the future for someone like myself who may end up in a nursing home in the future, but hope to remain in my own home and community as long as possible before considering long-term and maximizing my potential and
maintenance considering my passions in life is what truly drives my purpose..... Brenda Torres CTRS
Rehabilitation Patients
The Internet provides a wealth of health resources and products available for the elderly. Empowering seniors to conduct their own research, learn about their conditions and shop for their own medicine is invaluable. Access to the information and the tools to address their health will allow seniors to become more active in their personal health care and foster a better and longer quality of life.
Cognitive Development
Independence
Isolation and Loneliness
Bedside computer keeps residents in tune, in touch and informed with convenient access to entertainment, family and friends.
The mobile computer allows residents to interact in a non-threatening way allowing for true self-expression, which becomes a need for healing, through poetry,stories, spiritual programs, reminiscence and more.
Email has become one of the seniors’ number one uses for the Internet. They use email for family connectivity, communication with friends far and near, sending digital photos, reading daily news, and more. Increasingly, they are enjoying senior-related user groups, theme-based forums, virtual games, and on line chat rooms. These resources allow an expansion of their social network, thus allowing seniors to feel more involved and engaged in the world.
