One study by UCLA researcher Teresa E. Seeman, PhD, and colleagues, as reported on by WebMD, indicates a new trend among aging Baby Boomers: disability. The findings indicated that one in five 60-somethings need help with basic daily activities -- up from 13% just a decade ago. Various disabilities are up 40% to 70% in 60- to 69-year-olds.
"Our results have significant and sobering implications," Seeman and colleagues say. "To the extent that persons currently aged 60 to 69 years are harbingers of likely disability trends for the massive baby-boomer generation, the health care and assistance needs of disabled older Americans could, in the not so distant future, impose heavy burdens on families and society."
The article went on to say that, compared with those surveyed in 1988-1994, 60-somethings surveyed in 1999-2004 were:
- 70% more likely to have difficulty walking from room to room, getting in and out of bed, and/or eating and dressing.
- 70% more likely to have difficulty doing chores, preparing meals, and/or managing money
- 50% more likely to have difficulty walking a quarter mile and/or walking up 10 steps without rest
- 40% more likely to have difficulty stooping, crouching, or kneeling; lifting or carrying 10 pounds; and/or standing from an armless chair.
According to the National Family Caregivers Association, more than 50 million Americans provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year, and that number is growing. Adult children are often first in line to care for their aging parents. Many of those adult children are still raising children of their own, making an entire "Sandwich Generation" of family caregivers. But given these new findings, is the sandwich generation already too stretched? What do you think?
You often hear about accessibility as it relates to airplanes, bathrooms and hotels, but what about the Internet? Can the Internet be accessible? The answer is yes! According to author Debbie Marsh, "You'll find a variety of disability software, all of it free, which allows users to hear text on their computer. Some of it was created specifically to work with Firefox, another requires Windows, but all of it designed to make your life easier."
In fact, Disaboom came up with a list of the best free, open source web browsers for seniors as well as text-to-speech converters for people with disabilities that many might find helpful. Check out which browsers made the cut:
1. WebbIE
With a proven track record since 2001 and world-wide use, WebbIE comes with a suite of accessible programs. You can hear news and audio on the internet, enabling you to listen to podcasts, access RSS and more with your screen reader.
2. EdWeb
It may take a little extra effort to get EdWeb set up just how you like, but you'll be glad you took the time! There's a comprehensive manual to help you download full symbol support and text-to-speech (tts)/talking buttons.
Choose to access it with a mouse, touch screen, mouse emulator, Grid Editor (another free download), or switch scanning. This disability software operates on Windows 98-XP and later. Combine it with the free EdWord symbol/talking word processor and link your symbol set or create grids.
3. Fire Vox
Featuring a mouse-driven interface, this extension for the Firefox web browser is like a screen reader with more than the usual basic features. Sure, Fire Vox identifies headings, links, and images for navigational assistance, but it also supports MathML and the CSS speech module. Better yet, it works on Windows, Macintosh and Linux.
Fire Vox is one component of the Core Library Components for Text-To-Speech. The suite is comprised of three extensions, including Fire Vox, a core library for test-to-speech synthesis, and a utilities library for navigating the HTML DOM.
4. CliCk, Speak
Unlike its cousin Fire Vox, above, which was designed with blind and visually impaired users in mind, CLiCk, Speak caters to sighted users who want text-to-speech capability. It neither identifies elements nor informs you of events, two functions essential to visually impaired users but merely irritating to sighted users.
If you are sighted but have cognitive disabilities (dyslexia, MS, etc.) that are mitigated by listening to, rather than reading, web content, then CLiCk, Speak is the extension for you. The system features an easy, mouse-driven interface that is a snap for users accustomed to point-and-click graphic interfaces. Like Fire Vox, it also works on Windows, Macintosh and Linux. Additionally, CLiCk, Speak's multilingual support makes it ideal for practicing a foreign language.
5. Orca
The Orca browser is fast, friendly and ready to help: more like a greyhound than a killer whale! The browser itself features security, low memory consumption, a spell-checker, built-in download manager and more, but it also trumpets an AD blocker, flash blocker, online profile storage, automated form filler, and an RSS reader.
With a username and password, the above features let users access information such as personal bookmarks, autofills and RSS feed remotely from any computer.
6. Simply Web 2000
If you prefer using Internet Explorer and want a speech-friendly, speech-enabled accessible browser with easy navigation for visually impaired users, then check out Simply Web 2000. The software-based speech synthesizer included in the package can be used as a talking web browser in standalone mode.
7. SpeakOn
A single keystroke will get you downloads of media on demand for audio and text alike, whether you're working in Media Centre, Radio Time or VI Services applications. Plus, it implements with Seeing Ear library books and eText, as well as TNAUK publications, which can be converted automatically to HTML format to use with your cell or an external player.
8. Thunder
This award-winning screen reader hails from across the pond, and the Brits have done a nice job. With features suited for people who are blind and visually impaired, Thunder can become your radio, library and mailbox. One fan even claims her talking computer is now her best friend! And what's really cool if you secretly have monarch envy? HRH the Duke of York is a patron.
Have you used these browsers? What do you think? Do you use a browser that isn't listed that you find to be extremely accessible? Weigh in now!
I can't believe it (and I say that every year around this time): Halloween has come and gone and Thanksgiving is already upon us, spiraling into the holiday season. People do a lot of traveling this time of year to visit family, friends and loved ones, which, in and of itself, can be difficult for very young children, seniors and people with disabilities. It can be further frustrating for all parties involved if the destination is not accessible, or "visit-able." According to
Inside Elder Care, visit-ability is a trend that has been gaining more and more support since the mid-1980s. This "movement" seeks to insure that all homes are at least partially accessible to people with mobility impairments.
There are some modifications in every area of your home, inside and out, that can be made to help visitors move about with greater ease. Many of these changes can be temporary or permanent, and can be low cost as well.
Outside, make sure that any areas that people will be walking on or using assistive mobility devices such as a walker, cane, wheelchair or scooter are clear of ice and snow. It's also recommended to have at least one zero-step entry into your home, so those that have physical limitations and cannot navigate stairs can enter your home easily.
Inside your home, you can make some simple alterations throughout most of the living areas to decrease injuries and frustrations, and also create greater ease of navigating throughout the home. Some free and easy changes include removing area rugs and floor mats, and securing thresholds and dividers between hard-surface and soft-surface floors to lower the risk of tripping and falling, and moving any pieces of furniture out of high-traffic areas such as family rooms/living rooms and hallways to provide easier movement and reduce falling risks for those using assistive mobility devices. Some low cost additions to make to your home include purchasing and installing temporary risers to your tables to allow enough leg room and knee clearance for those in wheelchairs; toilet seat lifts, shower benches and railings for the bathroom; and renting or purchasing ramps for step-entry doorways.
Read more about
visitability for seniors and the disabled.
Health policy advocates often tout "paying for quality," and giving patients more information. As you can imagine, however, it is difficult to measure "quality", and what information would be useful for patients. Such is the topic of this WSJ story about public report cards for Minnesota doctors. According to Jacob Goldstein, a nonprofit called Minnesota HealthScores has been measuring clinics and physician groups for a while, focusing on the care of diabetes patients.
The organization reports what percentage of a clinic's diabetic patients meet targets for health measures such as blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and blood sugar. Under state law, all physician groups will have to participate starting next year. The report cards have prompted some groups to step up their efforts; one clinic added a care coordinator who calls patients every few months to make sure they're on track with testing and treatment. But some docs say the reports penalize groups that treat sicker people, and don't take into account the complexities of treating individual patients.
Click here to read the full article. What do you think about the concept of publishing public report cards for doctors? Would this be helpful to you?
We recently published the results of a survey conducted by BrightStar owner Lynn Berberich indicating that more than 40 percent of hospital case managers may only provide information regarding private duty in-home care services if it is requested by the patient at discharge. Now, two-thirds of seniors will need some form of long-term care at some point in their lives, according to this study, and in-home care is a viable option.
Elizabeth E. Hogue, attorney and author of a recent article, Private Duty Home Care Services and Patients' Right to Freedom of Choice of Providers, weighs in: "From a legal point of view, discharge planners/case managers must comply with Conditions of Participation (COP'S) that govern hospitals. Specifically, discharge planners/case managers are required to develop appropriate discharge plans, if necessary, for all patients. Development of appropriate discharge plans undoubtedly includes private duty home care services for patients who may benefit from them."
And many patients are benefiting from them. U.S and World Report indicates that an estimated five million North Americans suffer from the heart disease. According to a recent study, given they are seeking the appropriate treatment for their condition, patients with chronic heart disease fare better in the home. Remaining in the comfort and familiarity of your own home can also help to alleviate stress and loneliness that can occur when moving to a new environment.