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According to the 2000 U.S. census, approximately 42 percent of the population age 65 and older are living with a disability. Baby boomers, who make up one third of the country’s population, are beginning to reach retirement age. By 2010, one in five Californians will be over the age of 60. Also, California’s fastest growing population is comprised of individuals aged 85 and older. Increased longevity is accompanied by physical changes such as vision loss, hearing difficulties, decreased flexibility and agility, memory loss, etc. Many seniors will need assistive technology to maintain independence and quality of life. photo of senior with hearing aid Assistive Technology (AT) is characterized as any device that allows an individual to live more independently, improve productivity, and enhance one’s quality of life while achieving, maintaining, or enhancing function. AT can be used by individuals of all ages, from a child with a learning disability, to an adult in a wheelchair or an aging senior. Further, AT includes any item, piece of equipment, or product system used to increase learning, independence, mobility, communication, environmental control, or choice.
Understandably, many seniors find the aging process difficult as their physical and mental abilities change. Many seniors do not view aging as a disability, thus they feel no connection to the disability community. Because they don’t see themselves as disabled, seniors will often fail to take advantage of services for the disabled.
While seniors are familiar with devices such as reachers and grab bars, they do not think of those items as assistive technology devices. Most are also unaware of the many AT devices that can increase their function and independence. However, seniors may also reject using such devices, even if they understand the benefits, because the devices are associated with people with disabilities. In using AT, they may feel stigmatized as disabled. Seniors who lose their vision or hearing, develop arthritis or lose mobility must accept their age-related disability and learn that they can utilize the same resources as a middle-aged adult with the same impairments. Understanding their level of function will open more doors for seniors and provide seniors with greater resources for living independently.
Since the word “technology” is part of the term, many seniors may believe assistive technology deals exclusively with computers and high-tech devices, which is not appealing to many seniors. This is not the case. Many AT devices are simple items like reachers, reading glasses, or walkers and make the aging transition easier for seniors. Of course, there are also high-tech AT devices such as voice-activated computers, digital organizers and environmental control systems. Other examples of AT which may benefit seniors include: large button telephones, hearing aids, screen readers, chair lifts, shower chairs, raised toilet seats and magnifying glasses.
A variety of mobility devices besides wheelchairs and scooters can help seniors continue to live in their own home as well as participate in their community. Stair lifts allow seniors unable to climb stairs to access to the second story of their homes. Ramps provide wheelchair access to homes and other structures, and modified vans with ramps or lifts make it possible for individuals in a wheelchair to continue driving. Other popular AT for the home include grab bars, lever door handles, and rocker light switches.
Assistive technology also helps seniors continue to enjoy recreational pursuits. Card stands and large-print playing cards make the game accessible to players with low vision or limited finger dexterity. Assistive technology devices also exist for bowlers, golfers, swimmers, and gardeners. Many devices are designed to help people modify or eliminate much of the bending and lifting often associated with their favorite activities. In this regard, AT enhances quality of life through seniors’ continued involvement in favorite pastimes.
Many insurance providers will fund all or part of the cost for AT devices. Click here to see more information about funding. Private insurance, Medi-Cal, and/or Medicare may pay for AT, especially durable medical equipment (DME). Examples of DME items include: wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, and seat-lift mechanisms. Finally, seniors with private insurance should contact their provider to see if their policy includes AT coverage.
For seniors covered by more than one type of health insurance, understanding “who pays what” can be difficult when applying for insurance coverage of AT. In fact, it may be very beneficial for individuals with AT-related insurance questions to meet with an AT advocate at their local Independent Living Center to learn how to navigate the insurance benefits bureaucracy.
Seniors may benefit from a variety of organizations in California, including the 29 Independent Living Centers Click here for a list. A common misconception among seniors is the idea that an independent living center is a residential facility, such as a nursing home or an assisted living facility. Independent living centers are actually non-profit, non-residential service agencies that promote independent living and empowerment for people with disabilities. They provide peer support and advocacy on a variety of issues such as: housing, assistive technology, financial benefits, personal assistance, and others.
Another useful resource for seniors is the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging (C4A). C4A is a non-profit organization representing California's 33 area agencies on aging. The association advocates for meeting the needs of the elderly and adults with disabilities, with the purpose to implement the provisions and intent of the Older Americans Act and the Older Californians Act. The agencies throughout California provide a variety of services including adult day care, Alzheimer’s day care resource centers, group meals, the Foster Grandparent program, health insurance counseling and advocacy, home-delivered meals, information and assistance, in-home services, legal assistance, respite purchase of service, senior community service, employment program, senior companion program, transportation and other services. For more information on C4A please visit www.c4a.info or phone them at 916-443-2800.
The AT Network, a statewide program of the California Dept. of Rehabilitation, offers information and referral on assistive technology and can answer questions on a broad range of topics including: what devices are available, where to find particular items, where you can be evaluated to determine which product will meet your needs and abilities, and potential funding sources for consumers who could not otherwise afford to buy the AT they need or want themselves.
Examples of AT devices useful to seniors include:
The AT Network is dedicated to protecting the rights of our consumers and allowing them to remain independent in the community. If you have a question, concern, or a story to share with us then please don't hesitate to contact us:
Toll-Free: 800-390-2699
TTY: 800-900-0706
E-mail: info@atnet.org
For Steve Richardson, the use of hearing aids has always been part of his daily routine. Today, the technology continues to facilitate his communication and participation at work, at home and in the community.
