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Advanced Technology
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Residents have easy access
to doors and elevators
through wireless technology
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Advanced Technology Comes Home:
Advanced Equipment Raises the Bar
on Resident Comfort, Convenience, Control
Transport systems that glide along
ceiling tracks. Elevator doors that open
magically with the mere presence of an
expectant passenger. Space-age chairs
seemingly snatched from the Starship
Enterprise.
No, this isn’t the set of a sci-fi film. It’s
real life at The Boston Home—and a
real boost for residents’ quality of life.
Guiding our innovative efforts in this area is
our Technology Committee, which plans for the
systematic integration of new technologies and
seeks partnerships with area colleges and
corporations.
Of particular interest is the work of The Boston Home
physical therapist and seating specialist Faith Saftler.
Faith has made presentations focusing on "The Wheel of
Accessibility" -- ways to promote the independence of
residents in all areas of their lives, including
communication; personal comfort; intellectual, creative,
and recreational engagement; and mobility and access.
Thanks to the vision and efforts of The Boston Home
staff and volunteers, we continue to make great strides
in identifying how technology can improve the quality
of life for disabled adults.
Thanks also to the excellent planning
and oversight of Cynthia Walsh in
Clinical Services and Bob Barry in
Facilities Management, a variety of
innovative systems is now in place.
The Boston Home’s most recent enhancements—
wireless elevator and door access,
overhead lifts, and ergonomic shower
chairs—are further examples of our
progressive approach to technology.
“We’re constantly investigating creative
ways to give residents more control of
their world and promote their
independence,” says Don Fredette,
adaptive equipment technician at The Boston Home.
Recent high-tech additions include:
Wireless Door and Elevator Access
When residents are within range (usually
11 feet) of the elevator or door, a
wheelchair-mounted pass automatically
sends a radio-frequency signal to a
“reader” next to the elevator or door.
The reader calls the elevator to the floor
or opens the door.
Says resident Don Dalpe, “This system
has saved me from wasting a lot of time
waiting for or stuck on elevators.”
Adds resident Lillian Carr, “This
system is the biggest boost to my
independence ever.”
Residents no longer need ask staff to
push elevator buttons, and they’re more
apt to move about on their own.
Currently, 28 wheelchairs, two elevators,
and the new front door are fitted with
wireless technology. In the works: 12
more wheelchairs, the two new elevators
under construction, and the back door
leading to the garden.
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Residents are safely
transported with
an overhead lift
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Overhead Lifts
Descending from a
ceiling track are a lift mechanism and
sling ready to lift, lower, and move
residents to and from bed, wheelchair,
physical therapy mat, and shower chair.
Truly a gift from above, this system is
now in every resident room. Next are
the physical therapy area, shower rooms,
and new resident rooms.
According to The Boston Home seating specialist
Faith Saftler Savage, the advantages
over the former floor lifts are many:
Residents no longer need wait for an
available floor lift; they’re lifted from
more of a sitting position; less physical
maneuvering is required, saving time
and reducing the risk of injury; and no
storage space is needed.
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Ergonomic shower
chairs accent
safety and comfort
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Ergonomic Shower Chairs
The power tilt on our four new chairs lets staff ease
residents, comfortably and securely,
from sling to shower chair. Previously,
residents had to lie flat in a shower bed
or sit upright in a shower chair. Now,
says Faith, “We can put our residents
into any position and adjust for any
weaknesses. This is the best shower
chair I’ve seen, and residents are very
pleased.”
The Boston Home is also home to a host
of hands-free equipment: wheelchairs;
computers; and environmental controls
for beds, nurse calls, phones, and TVs.
What’s Next?
Ten new resident rooms
will be fitted with X10 remote-control
technology. Thermostats, lights, TVs,
radios, and VCRs will plug into sensors
that will plug into electrical outlets, and
the resident’s wireless remote will emit
radio-frequency signals to “talk” to the
sensors. The remote can be hand, voice,
or chin-activated, depending on need.
According to CEO Marva Serotkin,
“With our building renovation upgrades
and our exciting new technology
applications, we are making great strides
in maximizing residents’ comfort and
control in their wheelchairs or beds. Our
plan calls for the systematic integration
of Advanced Technology throughout The
Boston Home, as well as the optimal fit
between resident and technology.”
The systems may be very sophisticated,
but the goal is simple: A resident’s wish
should be technology’s command.
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