The initiative will prescribe and provide personalised assistive technology and carry out adaptations to the homes of the beneficiaries.
Although the digital divide in people over 65 years old is gradually diminishing with the rise in internet use, the gap in knowledge, skills, and the use of technology is still notable. The Ramon Molinas Foundation is collaborating with the Association for Independent Living (AVI) with the aim of making technology more available for elderly people with dependency, a disability, and who are socioeconomically vulnerable with the aim of improving their quality of life and encouraging personal autonomy.
Under the name Adaptation technology for the homes of elderly people with a dependency, a disability, or who are socioeconomically vulnerable, both organisations are collaborating as part of a programme which aims to compare and contrast the impact of assistive technology products to create an accessible home. The initiative, launched in the city of Barcelona, conducts a thorough assessment of each participant and collates information from their local health clinic on their psychological state and the environment in which they live in order to provide them with a personalised technological solution.
After assessing the personal needs of each individual, the programme can prescribe, provide and install safety features such as advanced teleassistance solutions, alarms or door viewers; communication aids such as adapted telephones, doorbell and telephone amplifiers or voice recognition devices; or products that improve comfort such as installing motors for the doors, blinds or curtains, among others. Lastly, the programme offers training in how to use the assistive technology installed and monitor the efficiency of each product to evaluate its impact.
The beneficiaries of the scheme, who have been referred by Barcelona City Council social services, are elderly people who cannot carry out basic everyday activities by themselves, are from low-income backgrounds and require immediate help. The initiative prescribes and provides assistive technology and carries out modifications to the homes of vulnerable elderly people. Aside from improving the quality of life and promoting personal autonomy in the elderly, the programme allows them to live in safety and with dignity in their own homes.
The Independent Living Association is a leading organisation in Catalonia that works to promote and evaluate assistive products and technology with the aim of improving the quality of life and autonomy of elderly people, people with disabilities, or people with any other type of dependency, as well as their families and carers.
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