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Engineering as a clinical tool for geriatric rehabilitation
Medical Instrumentation
|September 1, 1982
Summary
Elderly individuals with permanent handicaps can achieve greater independence and happiness through a multidisciplinary team approach. This approach, involving geriatric medicine specialists and various experts, addresses vision, hearing, speech, and mobility impairments.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Assistive Technology
Background:
- The over-60 age group exhibits the highest prevalence of permanent, incurable, and progressive handicaps.
- Elderly individuals often face challenges with vision, hearing, speech, and mobility impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the efficacy of a multidisciplinary team approach in improving the quality of life for elderly individuals with permanent handicaps.
- To enhance the independence and happiness of older adults with disabilities.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 14 years of clinical research at the National Institute for Rehabilitation Engineering.
- Employed a multidisciplinary team comprising geriatricians, medical specialists, industrial engineers, mobility experts, and trainers.
Main Results:
- The multidisciplinary team approach significantly improved the well-being of elderly individuals with permanent handicaps.
- Participants reported increased happiness and independence.
Conclusions:
- A collaborative, multidisciplinary team led by geriatric medicine physicians is effective in addressing the complex needs of the elderly with permanent disabilities.
- This approach offers a viable solution for enhancing the lives of older adults facing vision, hearing, speech, and mobility challenges.