AzTAP: AzTAP’s Initiative on Aging:Assistive Technology and Aging in Place
AzTAP’s NEW INITIATIVE ON AGING: Assistive Technology
Article 4 - Can You Hear Us Now? Assistive Technology for Hearing
Loss
Randy Collins, M.Ed
Training and Outreach Coordination, Arizona Technology Access Program
[ Download 
| 
]
"Senior Moments" Don't Have to Be Moments of Lost Memory: Assistive Technology Can Help
Jill Sherman-Pleasant, MA, OTR/L
Project Director, Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP)
Did you hear the one about the guy who takes gingko biloba so he can remember where he put his Vitamin E? Memory loss can be related to a number of things including Alzheimer's disease, poor nutrition, prescription drugs, allergies, mini strokes, conditions that cause chronic pain, alcoholism, and depression to name a few. Often memory loss is associated with stress and a combination of lifestyle factors such as not exercising. This common type of memory loss is called page related memory impairment. Here's the good news! You can do something about all of the above. Often, according to Dr. Dharma Khalsa at the University of Arizona and a founding member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, with the right combination of treatment, nutrition, and exercise, memory loss can be delayed, halted, and frequently, reversed. Accepting memory loss as a "senior moment" may no longer be necessary. While you are working on your recovery, I've presented you with a number of different memory devices that may prove useful for day to day activities.
General
FINDIT Key Finder from Dynamic-Living, 1.888.940.0605 - The FINDIT device is the size of a domino tile, and attaches to any commonly lost household item via a key ring or adhesive strip. When you clap in a specific three-clap pattern, FINDIT will respond by beeping so you can locate your lost article. FINDIT works from as far as 20 feet away.
Key Chain Recorder from Dynamic-Living, 1.888.940.0605 - Forget where you parked? Want an important phone number to be handy? Remember the short shopping list for the market? This compact memo recorder that fits on your key chain allows you to record a short message that can be played anytime you push the button.
Medication Reminders
Talking Rx Identifies Pill Bottles from Dynamic-Living, 1.888.940.0605 - An easy-to-use device, the Talking Rx™ can be programmed to tell you exactly how many pills to take, at what time, and what they are for. You don't need to be confused about what medication is in a bottle when your prescription bottle can tell you what the contents are along with any important directions and warnings!
Aqua Pill Timer from MaxiAids, 1.800.522.6294 - Pillbox that can be programmed to beep when medication is needed. Equipped with container for 2 oz. of water, and a straw.
7 Case Pill Organizer with Time from Healthcare Logistics, 1.800.848.1633 - Pill organizer and reminder that has 7 separate compartments for medicine, 3 different alarm mode options, and allows up to 4 alarms per day.
Voice Organizers/Recorders
Voice It Voice Recorder VT 300 from VXI, 1.800.742.8588 - Low cost voice recorder allows for memos sorted into 4 channels, 5 minutes of recording time.
Perfect Data 52 from Innovative Rehabilitation Technologies, 1.800.322.4784 - A digital chip recorder for storing phone numbers, shopping lists, and messages to be reviewed at a later time. Up to 52 minutes of recording time.
Personal Digital Assistant/Handheld Computers
Rolodex RF 8120 from Franklin, 1.800.266.5626 - Basic low-cost personal digital assistant with a 4 line touch screen display.
Watches
Beeperwear Pro Pager Watch from Timex, 1.203.346.5000 - A watch and pager in one. It can hold up to 16 personal messages and the user can select a visual or musical alarm.
Medical 4-Alarm Talking Watch for Ladies from MaxiAids, 1.800.522.6294 - A ladies medical reminder watch with a large LCD display that shows time, day of the week, date, and year. Allows up to 4 separate alarms to be set up daily.
This is the seventh in a series of articles designed to educate people about assistive technology and its benefits to older Arizonans. For more information, contact Randy Collins, Training and Outreach Coordinator for the Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP). Randy can be reached at 602.728.9533 Voice, 602.728.9536 TTY or toll free at 800.477.9921 Voice/TTY. The AzTAP website is Http://www.nau.edu/ihd/AzTap
Support for DES-AAA/NAU/AzTAP’s collaborative project Assistive Technology and Aging in Place is provided by the NAHB Research Center’s National Center for Seniors’ Housing Research through a grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging.
DES, Aging and Adult Administration: Aging, if it’s not your issue…it will be.
Please fill out our survey here.
