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When you're considering assistive technology, it's helpful to look at both simple and complex solutions to find the one     
  that's best for you over a range of time. Complex, high-tech solutions may be more expensive, but they're usually more     
  adaptable if your needs change over time. Simple, low-tech solutions may be cheaper in the short-run, but they aren't as     
  adaptable. Before purchasing any expensive assistive technology, make sure it can be upgraded to change with your needs and     
  upgraded as improvements are designed. Here are some questions to ask when considering assistive technology for   href="You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login">elder care:
This assessment is most thorough when it involves many people within your spectrum of support. For instance,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, if you have     
  trouble communicating or are hard of hearing, you may wish to consult with your doctor, an audiology specialist, a     
  speech-language therapist, or other elder care provider to identify your     
  specific problem and determine the plan that will best address your needs. If assistive technology is a part of this plan,     
  your team can help decide which devices are appropriate for you, choosing the most effective tools at the lowest cost.     
  Training to use the devices chosen may also be included in your plan.
 


 
Since private health insurance does not cover the entire cost of this equipment, you may want to look into subsidy     
  programs, which can provide some kinds of assistive technology at a reduced cost or for free. For more   href="You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login">elder care help you can simply refer to our website at:   href="You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login">www.thecaringspace.com
Other options to pay for assistive technology are private health insurance and paying with your own funds. Paying     
  out-of-pocket is generally a viable option for simple items like modified eating utensils, but most senior citizens need     
  assistance in paying for more complex devices. Another option is finding discounts, grants, or rebates from not-for-profit     
  organizations or companies that want you to try a certain product that you might not otherwise consider. If you're looking     
  into this option,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, you may want to be careful-businesses with commercial interests have the potential to be fraudulent.
Assistive Technology Needs Assessment in the Elderly
Some state-run Medicaid programs also cover some assistive technology. This may help you, but it will not cover the entire     
  cost of buying an expensive device like a power wheelchair.
  what you need?  How do you expect your needs to change over the next six months?  Is the equipment up-to-date?   Will it likely be off the market in the near future?  Which kinds of assistive technology are available that meet your needs?  Which types of assistive technology have you used before, and how did those devices work?  Will you always need help with a certain task,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, and can the device be adjusted to fit your needs as your condition     
  changes?     
Another important aspect of deciding whether you'd like to use assistive technology is cost and financing. Currently, no     
  single private insurance plan or public program will cover the entire cost of assistive technology under any circumstances,     
  but Medicare Part B can cover up to 80 percent of the cost of equipment that falls under the category of "durable medical     
  equipment." This includes devices that are "primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose, and generally are not     
  useful to a person in the absence of illness or injury."
 
 
    Which tasks do you need help with,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, and how frequently do you need help?  Which types of assistive technology will enable you to be most independent?  Is there a more advanced device that addresses more than one of your needs?  Does the manufacturer have a preview policy so you can try out the equipment and return it for credit if it isn't     
Is assistive technology right for you? Planning and assessment are important parts of deciding whether to use assistive     
  technology since it can interfere with your current services or the way in which those services are provided.