Page 187 - Handbook of Electronic Assistive Technology

Chapter 6 • Environmental Control 175

• Risk aspects: Times alone, means of summoning assistance and means of carer/entry
control.
• Pattern of life and routines, community involvement, outdoor and indoor activities and
hobbies and interests.
• Current means of entry/exit from a property for patients and visitors.

Environmental:

• Local environment: The physical space for the patient and other residents to ensure
sufficient and appropriate room to install EC equipment and for satisfactory ongoing
operational use. To ensure enough mains electrical power points for EC equipment
and availability of telephone connection if required, there must be local support to
assist with the equipment. This level and availability will influence the prescription
choice.
• External agencies: It is essential that EC services are able to work with agencies
responsible for the property (e.g., local authorities, housing associations, other
specialist services or charities).
• Identification of any minor adaptation work required on a patient’s home for EC
provision, such as additional mains sockets, door lock release, door openers, etc. and
providing advice when extensive adaptation work is being done for possible future EC
installation.

Equipment and technology:
• Community alarm and telecare equipment provision.
• Other EAT provision and means of access (powered wheelchair, communication aids;
consider for possible interfacing, integration or other equipment for EC to be interfaced
with: door entry control, window, curtain openers, etc.).
• Liaising with local occupational therapy equipment stores or charities regarding any
requirement for interfacing EC with hospital beds and riser/recliner chairs, wheelchair
controls, local community alarm, lifeline/telecare services, etc.
• Existing technology and current means of access: What computer does the patient have
(desktop/laptop/tablet/smartphone), running which operating system (Windows/
Linux/Apple or iOS/Android, etc.)? What home entertainment equipment does the
patient have? Are broadband and WiFi in place?
• Working with the patient, their families, charities and professionals when a patient is
looking to purchase a new computer.

Assessment scales or instruments may be used in whole or in part, especially to evalu-
ate the level of cognitive ability and memory function, which will affect the suitability and
eventual effectiveness of computer access provision; examples include Addenbrooke’s
Cognitive Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Screen and Edinburgh Cognitive
and Behavioural ALS Screen scales.
Information from these assessment domains will determine the EC equipment pre-
scription to meet the identified needs for the individual. Various factors identified in each