Phones For People With Parkinsons

Parkinsons Mobile Resource Unit The Amp Mobile

To elevate awareness of Parkinsons Disease and how to slow its progression, PFNCA launched its Parkinsons Mobile Resource Unit The AMP Mobile in July of 2019. The vehicle is a former fire command unit from Ontario Canada that is used to share information about Parkinsons Disease in community settings. The truck features the ability to view educational videos, host physician lectures, a Parkinsons lending library, a prize wheel and more.

If you would like to learn more about scheduling the PFNCA Mobile Parkinsons Resource Unit at a community event, please send an email with the event name, dates, contact person to

Please write AMP Mobile in the subject line.

Thanks to Brooke Grove Retirement Village for their support of the Parkinsons Mobile Resource Unit.

Tips For Using The Phone

Communicating via phone is often a challenge for people with Parkinsons. In this video, you can find some practical advice on how to facilitate this task. Kimberly Stein-Biwer, speech therapist and member of the ParkinsonNet Luxembourg, shows exercises and offers suggestions together with one of her patients. By simulating a phone call, they point out together what are the important aspects of using the phone for people with Parkinsons.

Many patients dont use their phone as often as before because their voice is too low, or their speech is incomprehensible. Sometimes they also cannot find the words they want to say or speak too quickly”, Kimberly explains, describing common problems that people with Parkinsons disease encounter. Together with the patient, we define the goal of speech therapy and help them to put it into practice in everyday life situations.

Thanks to ParkinsonNet Luxembourg, we have a more global view of the patients. It allows us to identify the specific difficulties of each person. Together with the other therapists, we then try to coordinate the different therapies in order to best help the patient, Kimberly highlights. The exercises shown in the video are an example of the different strategies specifically developed for people with Parkinsons and implemeted by the therapists of ParkinsonNet Luxembourg.

Dataset And Feature Selection

Participant clustering was performed based on the features selected from the tapping task. Figure summarized the process performed in this study. The tapping activity requires a participant to lay the phone on a flat surface and use two fingers on the same hand to alternatively tap two stationary points on the screen for 20 seconds. For the MDS-UPDRS III, a participant needs to respond to the selected questions from Part I and Part II of the MDS-UPDRS which focusing largely on self-evaluation of the motor symptoms of PD 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, 2.12, 2.13. PDQ-8 data contains a self-completed Parkinsons Disease Questionnaire short form. Note that we had been informed by MDS that the MDS-UPDRS mPower Survey has been altered from the original scale and has not been clinimetrically tested for validity and reliability. We acknowledge that the MDS-UPDRS mPower Survey is not a true and actual representation of the MDS-UPDRS and that use of the MDS-UPDRS mPower Survey data in research is not endorsed by MDS.

Figure 1

The following features are extracted from all three of these values:

• Basic statistics

• Skewness \).

• Coefficient of variation ).

Finally, the following features with no direct relations to the aforementioned values are included:

• Total number of taps .

• Pairwise Pearson correlation between x– and y-coordinates of taps .

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Best Mouse For Parkinsons Patients

Around 50% of the people that are suffering from Parkinsons disease also suffer from significant challenges while performing their daily routine activities. Additionally, due to extensive hand tremors because of the disease, the patients have a hard time while using the mouse.

Because they dont know if there are any possible solutions, the majority have them have no experience whatsoever in using the possible alternatives to the conventional mouse.

Although some of the users have previous experience while using a touchpad, the majority of them dont even know if there are any possible options out there. Here are some of the best mice for Parkinsons patients.

Find Out More About Our Apps And Devices Library

All queries received regarding support for devices/apps/living aids should be sent via one of the following routes:

• Developers of devices, apps and living aids who want support on concept, design and development, testing and validation, product review and dissemination of information, or companies who want their product to be reviewed for our ‘safe to suggest’ list or ‘Excellence Network Resources’ list should contact Parkinson’s UK via our dedicated inbox . This inbox is managed by our digital strategist.
• For any device, app or living aid which is on the pathway to registration as a medical device it is likely that the request for support will be allocated to the Parkinson’s UK Research Support team. More information can be found in the Research Support Policy.
• Queries regarding sale of a consumer ready product in our online shop, or demonstration of a product at a Parkinson’s UK local group, should be directed to our product manager.

Each request for support is reviewed by the Parkinson’s UK devices, apps and living aids team. For requests regarding Parkinson’s UK support for use of a marketed product we may recommend referral to our external quality assessment partner. This is to ensure it meets our required standards before offering in-house support for evaluation by people living with Parkinson’s.

A single point of contact within the charity will be provided to the developer or company marketing a product so that there is continuity in communication.

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Mercury 10 Tablet Magnifier With Ocr Speech Touch Screen Video Magnifier

The Mercury 10 Tablet Magnifier with OCR Speech Touch Screen Video Magnifier uses the state of the art technology to make it easier for the patients to perform their mobile-related tasks easily.

It encompasses a magnification system that is similar to that of an android tablet. The sole purpose of designing this tab is to provide comfort and ease of access to patients with Parkinsons.

Mercury 10 Tablet Magnifier with OCR Speech Touch Screen Video Magnifier can enlarge the image of printed material and can speak it out loud too.

Tips For Living Alone With Pd

Living alone with Parkinsons involves adapting to your circumstances. Here are a few tips for making everyday tasks easier to manage:

• Tailor your living space to your needs. One benefit of living alone is the ability to organize your own space. Place essential items where you can easily see and access them, so you can find what you need when you need it.
• Keep a pair of pliers handy. This multi-purpose tool can help assist you with opening jars or bags.
• Adjust your phone settings. There are various options that can simplify using a smartphone. Consider turning on these features to better control your phone and stay connected:
• Touch Accommodations: This feature changes how the screen on your device responds to taps, swipes and other gestures.
• Voice Commands: Voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant reduce the need to use your hands for phone access. These tools can be used to launch applications, make phone calls and dictate text messages.

Create a scheduling strategy. Schedule commitments around the times of day when you typically feel your best. Identify how many tasks you can usually accomplish on a good day or a bad day to avoid overscheduling. Set timers for your medications so you remember to take them on schedule.

Reach out to your network of support. Ask for help with challenging tasks. Even if you are able to take care of yourself, shifting some responsibility can help you save energy for things you enjoy, like hobbies or social interaction.

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Computers And Mobile Phones

Some people with Parkinsons find that they have difficulties with communication, including their speech and writing. But lots of gadgets are available that can make this easier.

Being able to use a computer and the internet can open up lots of opportunities for you.

You can:

• handle day-to-day correspondence through email, video calling or using speech-to-text software, which can be useful if you have problems writing by hand
• keep in touch with your friends and family, and share experiences with other people affected by Parkinsons through online communities and social media
• search for information about Parkinsons and other subjects of interest
• manage your online banking and shopping, which can save time and may be helpful if you have limited mobility or live in a remote area
• enjoy leisure time such as artistic or other hobby interests by finding like-minded people and resources online

For many people, having a mobile phone offers peace of mind as they know that they can contact someone straight away in an emergency.

Smartphones come with apps, which are pieces of software that can be used to perform specific tasks, such as writing a note or playing a game. Smartphones have many different apps that you may find useful, including:

Voice activation most smartphones either have built-in features to enable voice control, or you can install an app to do the same job. You can use voice activation to help you:

Video calling lets you see and hear each other during a call.

Tips For Living Alone With Parkinsons

Discussions about Parkinsons disease often mention a spouse or care partner who helps care for their loved one. However, it is also important to acknowledge that many people with Parkinsons live alone. Read on to learn about the benefits and challenges of living alone with PD, and where you can find support.

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Why Do We Need Hands Free Phones For Disabled People

For persons with disabilities, the mobile revolution has been a turning point. With their smartphone, they are able to take part in society as anybody else. However, the same mobile technology has also brought new challenges for them.

What is the use of a smartphone if you cannot read messages because you are blind or you cannot type on the screen because you have tetraplegia? That is the reason why mobile accessibility is so important. Think of it as the mobile version of a ramp to enter a building or the closed captions of a TV programme.

Although there is still a lot of work to be done, bigger and smaller organisations all over the world are creating tools and apps that make smartphones accessible for all.

In this article, we focus on solutions for hands-free access to phones that are available for disabled persons that cannot use the touchscreen of their device with their hands: persons with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, ALS, Parkinson and other neuromuscular disorders. For them, the ability to access to their phones hands-free is of vital importance.

Although accessibility aids are initially thought for persons with disabilities, they can be useful for everyone. Imagine a person carrying shopping bags, driving a car or holding a baby. Here is our overview of the hands free phones or alternative solutions for disabled people that are available today:

Staying Connected While Living Alone

Living alone does not mean you are alone there are plenty of people who can help support you. Your network of support may include:

• Family
• Support group
• Faith community

Pets can also provide support. Pets can also be registered as an emotional support animal, which can help ease anxiety and provide therapeutic support in public places.

There are many ways to stay connected to your existing support network or to make new connections. Try these options from home:

Tip: On days when you are struggling emotionally, try to talk to one person or accomplish one task. Making a connection or participating in an activity can help boost your motivation and decrease feelings of loneliness.

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Raz Memory Cell Phone A True Dementia Phone

The RAZ Memory Cell Phone is the only cell phone specifically designed for individuals with dementia or Alzheimers. The phones basic approach is straightforward: make it as simple as possible for the user, while providing the caregiver the ability to control the more complicated features of the phone remotely through an online portal. The phone only supports calling.

Best Tablets For Parkinsons Patients

As technology is changing from day to day, so are mobile phone applications in the everyday life of Parkinsons disease. Though the disease still has no cure but is still manageable from spreading badly.

In the past, people didnt know how much use of computers and tablets can help patients recover from the disease. Still, as the technology is advancing towards a brighter future, more and more patients are adapting to the upcoming changes, so many of them want to purchase tablets that can help them overcome the disease.

Though there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to finding the best tablets for Parkinsons disease. Here are some of the best options for you to chose from

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Using Mobile Phones For Activity Recognition In Parkinsons Patients

• 1Sensory Motor Performance Program, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
• 2Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA

Mobile phones with built-in accelerometers promise a convenient, objective way to quantify everyday movements and classify those movements into activities. Using accelerometer data we estimate the following activities of 18 healthy subjects and eight patients with Parkinsons disease: walking, standing, sitting, holding, or not wearing the phone. We use standard machine learning classifiers to automatically select, weigh, and combine a large set of standard features for time series analysis. Using cross validation across all samples we are able to correctly identify 96.1% of the activities of healthy subjects and 92.2% of the activities of Parkinsons patients. However, when applying the classification parameters derived from the set of healthy subjects to Parkinsons patients, the percent correct lowers to 60.3%, due to different characteristics of movement. For a fairer comparison across populations we also applied subject-wise cross validation, identifying healthy subject activities with 86.0% accuracy and 75.1% accuracy for patients. We discuss the key differences between these populations, and why algorithms designed for and trained with healthy subject data are not reliable for activity recognition in populations with motor disabilities.

The Challenges Of Parkinson’s & How Kiziks Help

Sometimes Parkinsons disease can complicate the basic daily activities a person living with Parkinsons once did easily, like bathing, dressing, eating, sleeping and even walking. Tremors, rigidity, and unbalance that often come with Parkinson’s can feel like a setback to a “normal” life. The truth is that the management of these symptoms is no simple task, that’s why we want to help remove one of the challenges they present.

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Online Portal Managed By Caregiver

Normally a phones features are managed in device settings or in individual applications. In the case of the RAZ Memory Cell Phone, to maximize simplicity, the phone is managed through an easy-to-use online portal that can be accessed by the caregiver from anywhere in the world.

The portal allows the caregiver to add and edit contacts, including pictures. The caregiver can also use the portal to limit all incoming calls to those from contacts, preventing unwanted predatory calls from people who may take advantage of individuals with memory loss. The portal can further be used to make all calls go automatically to the speaker. Watch a video of the online portal.

The caregiver can also access the signal strength and remaining battery power of the phone. This way, if the caregiver cannot reach the user, she can go into the portal and see if it is because the phone is out of power or there is poor signal strength.

The purpose of the portal is to provide the caregiver with the ability fully to manage the RAZ Memory Cell Phone. The person with memory loss receives a phone that works with maximum simplicity. The user does not have access to settings control is in the hands of the caregiver.

Hands Free Phones For Disabled People

Image: Different solutions for disabled people to access a phone hands-free

2019 Jun 12

Mobile technology has changed our life in the last 10 years. Two thirds of the world population own a mobile phone and according to GSMA, there are now almost 9 billion mobile connections worldwide.

Tablets and smartphones have become a key element in our daily life. They have changed the way in which we communicate with friends and family and the way in which we perceive the world: messaging apps, social networks, online TV or GPS navigation are just a few examples of services that we cannot live without. Being connected anywhere anytime is part of our culture.

But the question remains: is this technology accessible to everyone?

The statistics about disability are also breathtaking. It is estimated that 15% of the world population has at least one type of disability: sensory, physical or cognitive. The numbers are much higher if we consider elderly people and persons with chronic diseases.

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Assistive Technology And Device Tips

As you explore assistive technology, keep these tips in mind:

• Many assistive devices are commercially available through major retailers and online.
• Talk to your care team before using or purchasing medical-related equipment.
• A written prescription may be needed for items such as a lift chair, walker, or wheelchair to be covered by your insurance provider. Your care team can help you navigate insurance reimbursement when applicable.

For more detailed information, utilize this online list of assistive and adaptive daily living aids developed by Chicagos Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, an innovative, research-driven rehabilitation institution affiliated with Northwestern University, a Parkinsons Foundation Center of Excellence.

Keyboard Control For Traditional Computers

As we are aware that Parkinsons patients suffer from hand tremors which makes it impossible for them to use computers. They cannot type on traditional keyboards because it is difficult for them to focus on pressing the keypad. Additionally, the mouse control isnt easier for them too.

All of this results in extra keystrokes and makes it absolutely impossible for the patient to operate the computer.

If the patient is using windows, here are a few tips that will help them and make it easier for them to operate the computer. The bounce key function is found in the windows that help in controlling the number of keystrokes when the keys are pressed.

Here are the steps that you need to follow if your patient wants to use the computer with the ease of access

Step 1: Press the window key and U.

Step 2: Upon pressing the keys, you will reach the ease of access center.

Step 3: Select the option make the keyboard easier to use.

Step 4: Chose turn filter keys on, and choose the options that might help your patient while using the computer.

Step 5: Additionally, you can also turn the voice feature on to operate and type.

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