Assessments
A Collaborative EffortRedefining Independence With Technology
Today, there are thousands of products, devices and apps available to support independent living. Selecting the right combination makes for a successful solution for each individual. The process begins with a comprehensive assessment of needs.
The Living Without Limits approach to every assessment is collaborative. Our assessments always begin with the aspirations and hopes of the individuals facing barriers to independence. We work with the individual to learn what they hope to achieve. After all, these are the people who will be using the assistive technology or living with the services. Experience has shown us that even the very best solutions will be abandoned if they do not address and advance the personal aspirations and hopes of the individual and family.
Next in the collaboration, we draw in networks of support, including family members, other caregivers, and staff members from organizations that provide direct services. Service organizations may include those providing day services, group or assistive living, or other supports. Additional health professionals and physical, occupational, and other specialty therapists may also participation.
A comprehensive Assessment of needs is then developed, tailored specifically for the person in need of assistance.
An Integrated Approach
Each personalized assessment explores multiple dimensions of independence including:
Daily Living:
We evaluate the need for supports for self-feeding, dressing, grooming, bathing, medication compliance and other activities of daily living. Assistive technologies like memory prompt apps, visual schedules, and auditory reminders are often helpful for keeping people on track.
Recreation:
Living independently includes being able to spend time having fun and relaxing. Whether that means going out into the community to see a movie or to meet friends, or logging onto an online app to play a game with others, our Assessment and recommendations speak to a wide range of activities for a richer, fuller life.
Hearing, Speech, Vision:
An evolving collection of technologies are enhancing our ability to connect and stay connected with others. Enhancing the social connection for those aging in place or living with disabilities brings meaning to everyone’s life.
Mobility:
Navigating in the home or traveling to work, school, or shopping in the community, our integrated assessment will identify the right blend of solutions for each individual. This may mean everyday essentials like ramps and motorized mobility to things including food delivery or request-a-ride apps.
Safety & Security:
Respecting privacy and alone-time when wanted, Smart Home monitoring solutions provide safety and security. Our range of options combine privacy for the individual receiving care with caregiver respite and peace of mind.
Meeting Unique Needs
The Living Without Limits team uses personalized assessments to choose the perfect combination of smart home technologies, natural family supports, paid staff, home health care services, and neighborhood back-up to meet individual situations.
Living in the Community
Independence at Home
Staying in the Home
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Maggie’s Story
Maggie, in her 30s with both intellectual disabilities and behavioral challenges, lived in a group home with 24-hour one-to-one staff care. Maggie had a limited ability to express her feelings, but it was clear that she was not happy. Frequently, Maggie behaved in ways that made it clear that she, like most of us, she simply did not want to live with a group of people not of her own choosing.
After an Assistive Technology Assessment, Maggie now successfully lives in her own apartment. Beginning with 24-hour onsite care, Maggie receives only 36 hours of support services per week, a significant reduction in care. Remote support provides her caregivers with the information they need for Maggie’s safety and security 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Maggie is so much happier, she gets to sleep in when she chooses, and her behavioral challenges have all but disappeared.
This did not happen overnight. It took Maggie about 12 months to learn how to be more independent. It took time for her to unlearn dependence. Maggie has not experienced any behavioral challenges since she’s moved to her own apartment. Maggie is very happy in her new living situation, as she continues on her journey to an increasingly independent lifestyle.