Please Help to Answer this...?

Question

I need good ideas from people that know technology !!!

I just started a Voluntary Organization with a goal to Engineer, Build & Provide Assistance Devices to Seniors that will allow them to stay in their Current Homes for an additional 10 to 20 years.

What are your ideas ? It doesn't even have to be highly technical, sometimes the simple ideas are the best.

Maybe you have an elderly family member or friend and have something that you think would help them.

Even if it is ROBOTIC or a fantasy type item that can not be made yet... any idea will help move us forward to making them into real items to help older people.

You can see some of the ideas on the website :
http://www.senior-assistance-devices.com

Thank you for your Answers.

This is the website

http://www.senior-assistance-devices.com

Thank You.

Answer 1

> Some suggestions ...for a mom who uses a walker/wheelchair

A walker having with viscous damping in the wheels, so that rolling resistance is proportional to the velocity squared. Analogous to a rotary shock-absorber, this should help the walker move more smoothly, and will provide more resistance when moved more quickly.

> Hardwood floors, yet my elderly Mom wants a rug to step on when she
> gets out of bed. Current ones DO NOT WORK WELL. There is a danger
> of slipping-can you fix this problem?

Put one of the newer non-slip materials under the rug, some types may work better than others. Put down wall to wall carpet. Attach the rug to the floor semi-permanantly with adhesive or fasteners. And/or use a bedside rail support
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94070

> Pot & pans-too heavy for her. Lifting becomes a problem.

Aluminum Pot & pans are lighter in weight, especially compared to iron or steel, however they also conduct heat well so you have to be careful not to burn food. A double-boiler might be more forgiving in general. But why not just buy food that's ready-to-eat (like fruits and veggies that are rich in fiber?), or other prepared food, or microwavable?

> some audible signal if she forgets the oven is on, something
> that can be added quickly to her old oven.

That's a good one, I'll have to think about it... The device could be very simple, but the design challenge is making it so it can be added quickly. Until then perhaps she could use a cooking timer.
Electric cooking is safer than gas.

> My Aunt is hard of hearing, is there a fire detector you can make
> that can flash arrows pointing the way out in case of confusion?

Yes, that's possible. Also, standard red lighted exit signs are common. Most fire detectors are quite loud, test it to see if she can hear it. If not, investigate products that are available for the deaf community. Also I think some security alarm systems connect to the phone and will call an emergency service.
The technology to do this is not terribly difficult or expensive. The device at the following link is not a product but an electrical engineer can program it as needed.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/rat_ring/
If there was a care-provider in the same town, such a device could be set up to call them in an emergency. Perhaps a two-way radio would help, or a cell phone with one-touch 911 dialing.

> " The bathtub! My 86 yr old Mom is now afraid to take a bath or shower,
> since she slipped once. There has got to be a simple solution without an
> expensive new tub that she cannot afford.

Yes, there are non-slip mats designed to go in a tub.

> The fear of falling is one of their big ones!

Cover or replace hard surfaces with softer, more cushioned material. Avoid hardwood, concrete, asphalt, etc., instead use carpeting with extra padding underneath, outside use woodchips, or grass, etc. Perhaps there is padded sporting equipment that could provide some protection in case of a fall.
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=padded+bike+shorts&btnG=Search+Froogle

>Also, something that goes on the bathroom mirror to allow them
> to see better for make-up etc.

A concave mirror provides magnification.
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=makeup+OR+magnification+mirror&btnG=Search&lmode=online&scoring=p

> Light bulbs are more difficult for them to change.

Use flourescent bulbs, they last much longer, and use less energy so they save money and are better for the environment.
http://www.energyfederation.org/consumer/default.php/cPath/2050_25_44_169

To raise money, look for real estate solutions. Rent out a room, convert a house to apartments, or condos, get a reverse mortgage, etc.

Good luck,
MP

Answer 2

I would say to engineer just the opposite.

Their are too many recluses already. Old people die and it takes a long time before anybody figures out they are dead.

Figure out a way to get seniors together in a group home. That way they can help each other and not turn mental because of lonliness.

Answer 3

Volunteer at a local home for the elderly. Make note of your observations. Good luck!

Answer 4

I answer first, and if the answering makes me think of or makes my day, then i will famous man or woman. i be attentive to...it relatively is picky of me, sorry. o.o yet this manner I finally end up pointing my followers and contacts to the *stable stuff* you be attentive to? ^__^ Or a minimum of i attempt to. yet have a famous man or woman besides in basic terms for being affected person and understanding. ^_^

Answer 5

You need to change the federal government and find a new FDR.