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Assistive Technology’s Growing Role as Part of a Life Care Planning Settlement 

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Doug Lear, an assistive technology specialist  at Northwest Ergonomics & Assistive Technology.

In my role as an assistive technology specialist, I have been called upon to implement assistive technology solutions as part of a life care plan for those who have experienced a catastrophic accident.

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An example of using assistive technology as part of a life care plan would include a person who has suffered a catastrophic injury resulting in lifelong disabilities, such as a motor vehicle accident resulting in a spinal cord or brain injury.  This individual may be awarded a settlement based on the extent of their injuries. Therefore, it is important to sort out the necessary costs for future treatment and home health care so that the injured person can get the full amount needed to manage their care for the duration of their life.

The injured person will often enlist the assistance of a life care planner to calculate and propose a total settlement amount needed to manage basic care. Obviously, this is an important juncture in the injured person’s life, and the process needs to be meticulous.

Assistive Technology Helps Those with Severe Injuries

While the circumstances that lead to calculating a life care plan are unfortunate, the good news is that assistive technology provides me with more tools than ever to help those with injuries and disabilities live life as independently as possible.

The types of  assistive technology that have been beneficial in my recent work contributing to life care planning settlements include:

  • Home modifications: SMART home systems allow people to turn on lights, operate appliances, and see who is at the door and let them in (including pets) without getting up.
  • Communication and computer access: Voice controlled computing using dictation software has allowed users with limited mobility to continue working, and Apple and Google’s dedication to accessibility has made smartphones usable by virtually anyone – even the speech-impaired.
  • Mobility and independence: Wheelchair lifts, ramps, robotic feeding devices, and automated bathroom fixtures have done wonders for those with spinal injuries, allowing them to live independently.

It became apparent as I went through this process that I did not initially realize some of the long-term “hidden costs” of assistive technology.

Important Costs to Consider When Calculating a Life Care Settlement

The life care settlement will be calculated based on what the person has lost as a result of the accident and factors in their age, life expectancy, etc.

When it comes to assistive technology hardware and software, there is a bit of a mystery about what is to come, and of course the cost associated with it. Here are some things we had to calculate:

  • Replacement costs for laptops or computers: Every 5 years most laptops or computers become obsolete, and monitors typically don’t last more than 7 years.
  • Costs for software licenses: Microsoft Office has an annual fee, and there is a new version of Dragon dictation software every 3 years or so. Also, don’t forget about antivirus software.
  • Costs for SMART camera replacements: Also, SMART light bulbs, sensors, etc.
  • Maintenance costs for engines and moving parts: The more powerful an engine (like a wheelchair lift), the higher the cost of maintenance will be in the long run.
  • Costs for trainings: As we know, assistive technology is only as useful as the training that is given, and when new versions of hardware and software come out, the VRC needs to be compensated for updating the user on new features, etc.

Since our clients depend on us for the best possible outcome for their long-term quality of life, and because some technology they may eventually need hasn’t been invented yet, it behooves us to consider the hidden costs of what we propose now and what may lie ahead. By taking these steps in the present we can help improve their quality of life in the future.

 

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Douglas Lear

 

Doug Lear is an assistive technology specialist  at Northwest Ergonomics & Assistive Technology and a vocational rehabilitation counselor at Strategic Consulting, Inc, in Washington State, United States. Doug enjoys helping people above all else.

 

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Last Updated on January 30, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD