Page 164 - Handbook of Electronic Assistive Technology

152 HANDBOOK OF ELECTRONIC ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Reasons for EC Provision

Whereas automated control of the environment is increasingly possible, the primary pur-
pose of EC is to enable choice and therefore independence for the individual, with ben-
efits, including:

• Improved autonomy of function of the individual, reducing reliance on others for
functional control of the home environment.
• Supporting independence of residential living.
• Improved quality of life for the individual.
• Enhanced well-being and psychological status.

There may also be secondary benefits, including:
• Improved welfare, health and quality of life of family members or others who are
carers (reduced ‘carer strain’).
• Alteration in the pattern of care, which enhances the independence of the individual.

Environmental Control Functions
The functions of an ECS (Fig. 6-1) can generally be differentiated into the categories of:
• Security.
• Communication.
• Leisure.
• Comfort.

Typical control functions available include:
• Call alert (e.g., to a portable pager, alarm sounder or nurse call system).
• Emergency call alert (e.g., to a community alarm lifeline or nurse call system).
• External door entry control with intercom to identify visitors, with means to release
the door lock to allow access.
• Telephone (landline) for hands-free loud speaking operation to make and receive calls.
• Access to mobile telephone functions.
• Home entertainment equipment (e.g., television, CD/DVD music and other media).
• Overhead lighting.
• Mains power socket operation (e.g., side lamps).
• Profiling powered beds and riser/recliner chairs.
• Room temperature control (e.g., heaters, fans and air conditioning).
• Window, curtain or internal door openers.

There is also potential for:

• Basic communication functions (i.e., simple prestored messages).