[Assistive technology devices for the elderly at home].

Using assistive technology (AT) to help the elderly and disabled overcome disabilities and attain their rehabilitation, learning, working and living potentials represents the mainstream trend in well-developed countries. According to data from Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior, Taiwan's senior citizen population exceeds two million. Proper application of AT can help achieve in Taiwan the goal of aging in place. Assistive technology devices can be divided into five categories, including barrier free environment (home modification), daily living aids, mobility aids, seating and positioning devices, and sensory aids. As of 2005, there were 16 senior care centers in Taiwan funded and administered by the Department of Health, all of which maintain interdisciplinary teams--comprising specialists in rehabilitation medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, nursing, education, social work and engineering--that provide service directly to persons with special needs and cooperate with manufactures to develop new assistive devices. Services provided by these centers include evaluation, design, customization, adaptation, maintenance, repair, therapy, training and technical assistance related to AT devices. The government has a legal responsibility to provide senior citizens in need with appropriate AT services. Service users, their families and professionals may contact centers directly for consultation.