Assistive Technology: A Guide for Seniors

When you hear the term “healthy aging,” you probably think about maintaining your physical condition as you get older. However, according to researchers from Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, the CDC and other organizations, physical condition is only one aspect of healthy aging. You also need to preserve your mental health and continue getting plenty of social engagement.

Unfortunately, age-related changes can make it difficult to perform activities of daily living and socialize with others, leading to depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. If you have a chronic medical condition, these changes may be even more pronounced, resulting in social isolation and loneliness. Many seniors also worry about the possibility of losing their independence.

Although physical changes can create some new challenges, the use of assistive technology (AT) may help seniors overcome many of these issues. Assistive technology is any item that makes tasks easier for individuals with physical and cognitive impairments. Some forms of AT are highly complex, requiring computer software, operating systems and/or robotic components to work. Other types, such as canes and walkers, are much simpler.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the assistive technology available to help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life. You’ll also find a list of resources that may help you secure funding for some of the more expensive pieces of AT equipment.

Health Changes That Occur With Age

Your body goes through many changes as you age. Some are just a normal part of the aging process, such as reduced flexibility and more difficulty maintaining your balance. Other changes occur due to chronic health conditions. For example, arthritis can cause pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion, making it difficult to walk, grasp small objects, get up from a seated position or sit comfortably on your favorite piece of furniture. Some medications also cause side effects that can interfere with normal functioning. Below are some common challenges associated with getting older.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a disease or disorder that causes the joints to become inflamed. This inflammation causes stiffness, swelling and pain, which can interfere with everyday activities. Some types of arthritis are autoimmune disorders, which develop when the immune system can’t distinguish healthy from harmful tissue. This causes the immune system to attack the joints, resulting in irreversible damage. Depending on which joints are affected, seniors with arthritis may have difficulty with these activities:

• Walking
• Bending over
• Grasping objects
• Lifting the arms
• Reaching for high objects

Cognitive Decline

Cognition is the ability to make decisions, remember things that happened in the past and learn new things. Cognitive decline refers to confusion or memory loss that occurs over time. It’s normal to be forgetful once in a while, but persistent forgetfulness and confusion may be symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another neurological condition. Confusion and forgetfulness can interfere with the ability to do many tasks, including the following:

• Following recipes
• Cleaning the house
• Remembering to take medications
• Keeping track of keys, purses and other items
• Following directions/reading maps
• Performing grooming activities

Poor Balance

In seniors, balance disorders often develop due to problems with the inner ear. Poor balance can also be caused by stroke, head injuries, low blood pressure and other conditions that result in dizziness. Seniors with poor balance have an increased risk of falls and may have difficulty with these tasks:

• Walking
• Using stairs
• Reaching items stored on high shelves
• Bending over to pick up items from the floor

Frailty

Frailty syndrome refers to functional impairments involving multiple parts of the body. It typically causes weight loss, poor endurance, reduced stamina and a general lack of fitness. The syndrome is especially common in seniors who have two or more chronic health conditions. Those with frailty syndrome may have difficulty with the following:

• Walking
• Using the stairs
• Toileting
• Showering/bathing
• Performing household chores

Hearing Loss

Many seniors experience hearing loss due to long-term noise exposure, fluid buildup or an accumulation of earwax that blocks sounds from being delivered to the inner ear. It’s also associated with diabetes, stroke, brain injuries, heart conditions and infections. Hearing loss sometimes interferes with the following activities:

• Watching television
• Listening to audiobooks
• Having conversations
• Enjoying live or recorded music

Reduced Range of Motion

Reduced range of motion is common in older adults, mostly due to the changes in flexibility that occur with aging. It may also be related to arthritis, pain, tight muscles, injuries or living a sedentary lifestyle. If you have reduced range of motion, you may find it a little harder to complete tasks you once considered easy, such as:

• Cooking
• Walking outdoors
• Taking a shower
• Getting dressed

Vision Loss

As you age, you’re more likely to develop eye problems that affect your vision. Cataracts are extremely common, affecting about half of all Americans by the time they turn 75. Seniors may also develop age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, making it more difficult to see. If you have vision loss, it may be more difficult to perform these activities:

• Reading
• Watching television
• Driving
• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Using a computer or tablet
• Dialing the telephone

Assistive Technology Categories

Assistive technology covers several categories, so it’s possible to find devices to help with communication difficulties, vision problems and other challenges associated with aging or chronic health problems. Most items fall into one of the five categories listed below.

How To Choose Assistive Technology To Meet Your Needs

Assistive technology can make it easier to perform tasks independently and stay connected with your loved ones, but it’s important to select items that match your needs. Each time you buy an assistive device, follow these steps to make sure the item fits your lifestyle and your budget.

• Focus on tasks you perform regularly: It might be nice to have assistive technology to help with every task, but many seniors live on fixed incomes and need to make their selections carefully. For the greatest return on investment, the items you buy should be the ones you’ll use most frequently. If you have difficulty cooking, doing dishes, getting dressed, grooming yourself or performing related activities, look for assistive technology that can help with these daily tasks first.
• Assess your environment: Go into each room of your home and look around to determine which areas present the greatest challenges when it comes to living independently. You may find it difficult to get in and out of the shower because you have poor balance, or maybe you can’t turn off the living room light because the switch is too high to reach from your wheelchair.
• Request a demo: High-tech devices can be costly, so it’s important to understand how they work and verify that they have the features you need before you make a purchase. Before buying assistive technology, ask for a demonstration. As you watch someone else operate the device, you may notice missing features or some components that would be difficult for you to operate.
• Take the item for a test drive: You wouldn’t buy a car without taking a test drive first, so there’s no reason to invest in assistive technology without trying it out beforehand. Check the item to make sure it’s sturdy, fits your body (if applicable) and has all the features the vendor advertised. If the device is computerized, it’s also a good time to make sure you can press the buttons easily and work all the main features without assistance.
• Request training or implementation assistance: Once you buy a device, you need to implement it into your lifestyle. For some seniors, this implementation process is difficult, especially if time has passed since you saw the product demo. Some vendors offer training or post-purchase support to ensure you can use their assistive technology safely. If your vendor doesn’t offer this type of assistance, contact your local senior organization to find out if training is available or if they can refer you to a provider.
• Monitor the situation: When you start using the device, note how much of an impact it has on your life. Do you feel more confident and independent? Is the device helping you do things you weren’t able to do before? Keep these questions in mind. If the item is difficult to use, doesn’t work as promised or simply isn’t a great fit for your needs, you may need to return it.

Getting Financial Assistance To Pay for Assistive Technology

Although the use of assistive technology has many potential benefits for older adults, some seniors avoid using these items due to concerns over how much they cost, especially if they lack health coverage or have limited financial resources. Health insurance covers some types of assistive technology, but only items that are considered medically necessary. There may also be copays or other out-of-pocket costs associated with using health insurance to buy assistive devices. Below are some government agencies and private organizations that may cover the cost of assistive technology for eligible individuals.

Private Funding Sources

Government Funding Sources

Tips for Qualifying for Funding

Once you identify potential funding opportunities, there are a few ways to improve your chances of being approved:

• Obtain a letter of medical necessity: Some of the above organizations require applicants to prove that they have a medical need for assistive technology. You can speed up the application process by asking your doctor or another licensed medical professional to write you a letter of medical necessity. The letter should contain your full name, date of birth, diagnosis and the severity of your condition. If possible, your health care provider should also explain how assistive technology will help you overcome the challenges associated with your diagnosis.
• Request a needs assessment: You have a better chance of qualifying for funding if you can show the organization that assistive technology will improve your life. A needs assessment can help you determine what features you need and how they will help you be more independent. During this assessment, a social worker, registered nurse or other medical professional will review your health history and ask you about how your medical condition affects your ability to carry out everyday tasks. Based on your answers, they may recommend assistive technology that has visual components, internet access, symbols, words or other features to help you overcome age-related challenges.
• Demonstrate your use of assistive technology: Some organizations receive thousands of applications for a limited amount of funds. One way to set yourself apart is to provide visual evidence of how assistive technology can help you stay engaged and maintain your independence. For example, you may want to create a short video showing how much effort it takes you to grasp objects compared with how much easier it is when you’re using assistive technology.
• Be prepared to provide proof of financial need: Many organizations only provide funds to individuals with a demonstrated financial need. To verify your need, you may be asked to provide tax returns, bank statements and other financial documents. Gather these documents ahead of time so you’re prepared to meet the verification requirements when you apply.

Assistive Technology Directory

The directory below describes some common assistive technology devices in each category and explains how they can help seniors with a variety of age-related changes. Before you start shopping for assistive technology, consult this directory to learn more about each type of item.

Communication Tools

These tools come in many forms, from simple communication boards to high-tech devices that convert text into speech. These tools make it easier to express yourself when you have difficulty writing, reading, speaking or hearing. Some devices cost less than $100, while others range from $200 to $7,000 depending on their complexity. Communication tools are especially helpful for seniors with multiple sclerosis, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or any medical condition that weakens the throat muscles, makes it difficult to hold a writing utensil or results in hearing or vision impairment.

Daily Living Aids

Daily living aids make it easier for seniors to perform many activities around the house. They can also help seniors be more independent when they attend social events or go into the community to attend church, visit the doctor and participate in other activities. These aids can be used by almost anyone, but they’re especially helpful for seniors who have medical conditions that make it difficult to maintain their balance, walk long distances, eat, drink or move around the house. Many of these items cost less than $50, but high-tech devices may have an upfront cost of several hundred dollars or require you to pay a monthly subscription fee.

Learning Tools

Learning tools are designed to help seniors with cognitive difficulties improve their daily functioning. They’re especially helpful for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Depending on whether you choose a mobile app for brain training or a full suite of cognitive training software, your cost may range from as little as a few dollars to more than $100 per year.

Mobility Aids

Mobility aids help seniors stay as active and independent as possible by making it easier to move around. Some seniors only need mobility aids when they must walk long distances or spend a lot of time standing, while others use the devices daily. The cost of these aids typically rises as the devices become more complex. Canes and walkers are fairly inexpensive, while chair lifts and power wheelchairs typically cost several thousand dollars. Mobility aids can be used by any senior with limited physical endurance. They’re also helpful for those with back pain, arthritis, foot problems and other medical conditions that make walking, standing and other movements more difficult.

Vocational (Job) Tools

Vocational tools help seniors perform work-related tasks. They’re typically used by individuals with visual impairments and medical conditions that affect their upper-body strength. If you work for a private company, your employer may provide vocational tools for you, reducing your out-of-pocket costs.