This is because older adults are a large (and growing) population that is prone to conditions that sometimes warrant surgery and other times require technological assistance, such as a mobile scooter or a walker. These kinds of technologies can be crucial in maintaining a senior citizen's mobility and independence, but they are not cheap. It can be difficult for an individual to afford these items, or other more expensive technologies like modified bathrooms, and there is limited funding available to help support these cases. According to the Executive Director of the American Society on Aging, Gloria Cavanaugh, the major hurdle is often proving that these devices or home modifications are 'medically necessary.' Healthcare providers are often hesitant to approve funding for assistive technologies, since they claim that they are essentially frivolous. The fact of the matter though, is that these assistive technologies can dramatically improve the quality of life for an older individual by preserving independence and eliminating the need for a personal caretaker. This is a great reason to approve funding, in my opinion. One of the most difficult aspects of aging in America is the dependence that is associated with it. Prolonging the independence of a senior citizen should always be a priority.
3/22/09
Assistive Technology for Older Americans
While this may not be directly related to orthopedic surgery, I feel that I should discuss the current situation of assistive technologies for older adults. This is because older adults are a large (and growing) population that is prone to conditions that sometimes warrant surgery and other times require technological assistance, such as a mobile scooter or a walker. These kinds of technologies can be crucial in maintaining a senior citizen's mobility and independence, but they are not cheap. It can be difficult for an individual to afford these items, or other more expensive technologies like modified bathrooms, and there is limited funding available to help support these cases. According to the Executive Director of the American Society on Aging, Gloria Cavanaugh, the major hurdle is often proving that these devices or home modifications are 'medically necessary.' Healthcare providers are often hesitant to approve funding for assistive technologies, since they claim that they are essentially frivolous. The fact of the matter though, is that these assistive technologies can dramatically improve the quality of life for an older individual by preserving independence and eliminating the need for a personal caretaker. This is a great reason to approve funding, in my opinion. One of the most difficult aspects of aging in America is the dependence that is associated with it. Prolonging the independence of a senior citizen should always be a priority.
This is because older adults are a large (and growing) population that is prone to conditions that sometimes warrant surgery and other times require technological assistance, such as a mobile scooter or a walker. These kinds of technologies can be crucial in maintaining a senior citizen's mobility and independence, but they are not cheap. It can be difficult for an individual to afford these items, or other more expensive technologies like modified bathrooms, and there is limited funding available to help support these cases. According to the Executive Director of the American Society on Aging, Gloria Cavanaugh, the major hurdle is often proving that these devices or home modifications are 'medically necessary.' Healthcare providers are often hesitant to approve funding for assistive technologies, since they claim that they are essentially frivolous. The fact of the matter though, is that these assistive technologies can dramatically improve the quality of life for an older individual by preserving independence and eliminating the need for a personal caretaker. This is a great reason to approve funding, in my opinion. One of the most difficult aspects of aging in America is the dependence that is associated with it. Prolonging the independence of a senior citizen should always be a priority.
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