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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this population:

Occupational therapists will consider what mental health diagnosis, deficit, etc. is impeding occupational performance. Assistive technology may promote emotional, cognitive, and social functioning to improve engagement in desired occupations.

High Tech:

White noise machine

Medication reminder machines and apps

Mood tracker apps

Virtual reality

Recovery Record (app)

Noise-canceling headphones

Low Tech:

Bulletin schedules/reminder boards

Earbuds

Service animals

Fidget spinner

Weighted blanket/vest

Stress ball

Resources:

White Noise Youtube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI_ddF4Zp7i6oZxB-OTaQpSO2hmhrcG_C

Different Mood Tracker Apps: https://techboomers.com/mood-tracker-apps

Benefits of virtual reality for clients with PTSD: https://onlinedegrees.bradley.edu/blog/how-virtual-reality-therapy-impacts-veterans-with-ptsd/

Recovery Record: App that aids in eating disorder recovery: https://www.recoveryrecord.com/

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this population:

Occupational therapists will consider the client's prognosis: Will the client improve, to what degree, and when? From here, they may suggest and distribute assistive technology to compensate for any disabilities to promote independence in the client's desired occupations.

High Tech:

Prosthetics

Intelligent Assistive Robotic Manipulator (iARM5)

Power wheelchair

Eye-gaze system

The Monique Mono Ski

Automatic page turner

Closed-captioning systems

Low Tech:

Braille

Universal cuff

Bendable utensils

Magnifiers

Built-up handle

Weighted utensils

Resources:

numotion: https://www.numotion.com/

Adaptive ski resources: https://www.thesnowpros.org/2019/10/10/audio-digital-print-get-adaptive-resources-in-the-format-that-suits-you/

Options for Adaptive Sports: https://www.adaptivesports.org/

Purchase adaptive utensils: https://www.webstaurantstore.com/62657/adaptive-utensils-and-accessories.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw2qKmBhCfARIsAFy8buLX6dZxN5PgkvOlqOX5DrOcRqvBtnhuHoQ-mF16bRY6j2Io0pBa69YaAjdLEALw_wcB

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this population:

Occupational therapists will consider the current health needs of the client (medications, diagnoses, appointments, etc.) and how to improve and promote wellness, such as self-care activities.

High Tech:

Smartwatch

Glucose Sensor App

Meditation App

Cell phone alarms & reminders for appointments, medications, etc.

Headspace (app)

Digital thermometer

Low Tech:

Daily planner

Exercise log

No rinse shampoo, conditioner, body wash

Toilet Tissue Aid

Pressure Relieving Devices

Resources:

Smartwatches detect disease and improve health: https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2022/09/smart-watches-hold-promise-to-detect-disease-and-improve-health

Hygiene Assistive Technology: https://www.especialneeds.com/shop/daily-living-aids/hygiene-tools-accessories.html?p=2

Headspace website: https://www.headspace.com/covid-19

Monitoring glucose app to promote disease management: https://www.nutrisense.io/blog/cgm-vs-bgm-which-monitor-is-best?g_acctid=195-120-5766&g_adgroupid=152267114369&g_adid=665440632449&g_adtype=search&g_campaign=ggl_search_us_generic+product+-+bgm+%28non-cgm%29_purchase&g_campaignid=20188639081&g_keyword=wearable%20blood%20glucose%20monitor&g_keywordid=kwd-307635832201&g_network=g&nb_adtype=&nb_ap=&nb_fii=&nb_kwd=wearable%20blood%20glucose%20monitor&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_mi=&nb_mt=b&nb_pc=&nb_pi=&nb_placement=&nb_ppi=&nb_ti=kwd-307635832201&nbt=nb%3Aadwords%3Ag%3A20188639081%3A152267114369%3A665440632449&utm_adgroup=blood_glucose_monitor_wearable&utm_adpos=&utm_campaign=ggl_search_us_generic_product_-_bgm_(non-cgm)_purchase&utm_keyword=wearable%20blood%20glucose%20monitor&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&gclid=CjwKCAjw_aemBhBLEiwAT98FMtYaX16eYDsaesF4wwk0a14WbMG8GDR1FfDb41xXzFg-srP3KPCLWxoCLHsQAvD_BwE

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Maintaining optimum blood glucose levels is key to keeping your body healthy. Glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day for everyone, but it's not just your diet that affects your glucose level.

Exercise, hormones, sleep patterns, meal timings, medication, and stress all have an impact as well. However, keeping blood glucose levels within the optimum range is not always that simple and it can be challenging for many people.

In Western lifestyle, glucose intolerance is becoming more prevalent every year. If your blood glucose levels are higher than average, but not high enough to be classified as diabetic, this may be diagnosed as glucose intolerance (also known as prediabetes).

In fact, 88 million American adults have prediabetes, but 84 percent of them do not know they have it. A simple solution to help you better understand your blood glucose levels is to wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

A CGM can help you identify sudden drops or increases in glucose levels, and understand causes of the fluctuations. This article will discuss what a is a CGM device, how it differs from other blood glucose monitors, the practicalities of wearing a CGM sensor and why a CGM is beneficial to your overall metabolic health.

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What is the Difference Between Blood Sugar Levels and Glucose Levels?

Firstly, it's important to clear up that blood sugar levels and blood glucose levels are the same. Blood sugar (also known as blood glucose) is a type of sugar found in your blood. The two terms are often used interchangeably, so you may see information referring to either blood sugar levels or blood glucose levels.

If you don't have any symptoms or have never used a glucose monitoring device before, it's likely that you may not even know if your glucose levels are consistently high. There's a chance that you may have unawareness of your glucose intolerance, which can lead to serious health issues if left unchecked.

What is a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System?

A continuous glucose monitoring system measures and continuously stores glucose data. The CGM itself is a small device that you wear on the back of your arm for seven to 14 days. It tracks your glucose levels in real-time. You're able to actively see what is causing your glucose levels to dip and spike, helping to prevent severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

What is the Difference Between a CGM vs BGM?

A CGM measures the glucose level in your interstitial fluid, or glucose level in the fluid between the cells. A BGM, or blood glucose meter, works differently, as it involves collecting a blood sample to measure the glucose level in your blood.

A CGM records continuous measurements, since it is inserted directly into your arm and worn for up to two weeks at a time. In comparison, blood glucose monitoring is only capable of recording a snapshot in time, so ongoing trends in glucose fluctuations throughout the day are not able to be seen.

Since these two devices measure glucose levels in two different areas of your body, the results will not match up precisely if taken simultaneously.

‍ CGM glucose monitoring systems work through a tiny sensor inserted under your skin. The device comes with a spring-loaded applicator that applies the sensor quickly to the back of your arm. The CGM reads your glucose measurements and automatically sends the data to your phone or tracking app.

A BGM monitor, on the other hand, requires you prick your finger using a fingerstick and apply a drop of blood to a test strip in the BGM. The BGM then measures your blood glucose level showing a reading on the screen of a measuring device.

Benefits of a CGM vs BGM

There are many benefits to using a CGM, including:

Being able to make informed decisions about how to balance your food, physical activity, and stress levels based on real-time glucose level responses.

Experiencing fewer emergencies related to low glucose, since a CGM can predict low blood glucose approximately 20-30 minutes before it happens.

Less invasive as there is no need for constant finger pricking, which is required when using a BGM.

You can download real-time data onto your phone to actively track your glucose trends.

What is the Difference Between a CGM and FGM?

A flash glucose monitor (FGM) is a technologically advanced version of a CGM system that does not require calibration. Scientists state that factory calibration is possible due to the highly developed technology. CGMs usually require calibrating, sometimes twice a day.

Calibration requires the use of a BGM, so you need to have both devices. However, this is not necessary with a FGM. An example of a FGM is the Freestyle Libre system. Rather than continuously sending data automatically, it provides a reading when the user scans the sensor with their enabled smartphone.

Although referred to as a CGM, the cutting edge technology of the Freestyle Libre FGM avoids the need for a BGM and continual calibration of glucose levels.

How Long Can You Wear a CGM?

The CGM sensor captures glucose levels continuously for 14 days. It is for one-time use only. Discard the sensor at the end of the 14 day period.

Is the CGM Waterproof?

The CGM is not entirely waterproof, but it is water-resistant. This means that the sensor will remain on your body and not be affected in the shower or during a gym workout. You can even wear it in a sauna.

However, swimming and keeping the sensor underwater for more than 30 minutes is not recommended and may cause it to malfunction. It is advised that the sensor does not go below three feet of water, and it has not been tested in seawater. To ensure the sensor stays in place, it is advisable to wear a bandage over the top.

Who Needs Continuous Glucose Monitoring?

Mistakenly, many people think that continuous glucose monitoring is just for people with diabetes. This is far from the truth. Going beyond diabetes treatment, continuous glucose monitoring is beneficial for anyone wanting to:

Optimize their health

Develop a personalized nutrition plan

Understand the effect of lifestyle factors on blood glucose

Take control of their blood glucose levels

Focus on preventative health

Improve glycemic control and reduce their risk due to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes

Take control of their diabetes management

Have a discreet diabetes care system

Optimize performance and see the results of specific diets (e.g., athletes, ketogenic)

Why Choose a CGM system?

When looking at the differences between a BGM vs. CGM, the CGM system is an efficient and effective form of blood glucose monitoring in the home environment. It puts you in control of your own body. It has shown to reduce the risks of severe hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and glycemic variability.

Whereas traditional BGMs require a finger prick, this is not necessary with the Freestyle Libre CGM system, making measuring blood glucose values discreet and comfortable, and reducing the risk of infection.

By having access to real-time glucose level readings, you can discover how your body responds to diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and medication. This allows you to build a personalized nutrition plan and lifestyle routine to optimize your health.

Engage with Your Blood Glucose Levels with Nutrisense

Your blood sugar levels can significantly impact how your body feels and functions. That's why stable blood glucose levels can be an important factor in supporting overall wellbeing.

With Nutrisense, you'll be able to track your blood glucose levels over time using a CGM, so you can make lifestyle choices that support healthy living.

When you join the Nutrisense CGM program, our team of credentialed dietitians and nutritionists are available for additional support and guidance to help you reach your goals.

Ready to take the first step? Start with our quiz to see how Nutrisense can support your health.

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CGM vs BGM: Which Monitor is Best? - Nutrisense Journal

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Discover the key differences between a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and a blood glucose monitor (BGM) to find out which one is right for you.

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this population:

Occupational therapists can refer and implement assistive technology in various workplaces in order to prevent injuries/diseases that can occur in the workplace. They can also suggest assistive technology to individuals with disabilities and/or deficits that will allow them to return to work safely.

High Tech:

Headphones

Closed-captioning

Screen magnifier

Microphone headsets

Text-to-Speech Software

Low Tech:

Monitor stand

Anti-glare screen/glasses

Angle board

Document holder

Backrest

Lumbar roll

Anti-vibration gloves

Resources:

NIH: https://ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/HealthAndWellness/Ergonomics/Pages/ergonomics_home.aspx

AOTA Fact Sheet: https://www.aota.org/-/media/Corporate/Files/Practice/Manage/Home-Office-Ergonomics-Tips.pdf

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this population:

Advocate for the public at large by promoting and implementing universal design (Advocacy). Consider tools that assist in conducting research efficiently (Research).

High Tech:

Double monitor (Research)

Automatic Grammar Check Software (Research)

Speech-to-Text (Research)

Qualtrics (app) (Research)

Adaptive public playground/playground equipment (Advocacy)

Automatic Doors/Handicap Door Access Switch (Advocacy)

Pool lift chair (Advocacy)

PVC Beach Wheelchair (Advocacy)

Low Tech:

Highlighter (Research)

Enlarged text on paper (Research)

Ramp entrance (Advocacy)

Curb Extensions (Advocacy)

Grab bars in public bathrooms (Advocacy)

Resources:

Examples of universal design to advocate for: https://www.rickhansen.com/news-stories/blog/universal-design-101

Tools to help the research process: https://www.enago.com/academy/must-have-online-tools-for-researchers/

Qualtrics: Website that allows researchers to upload surveys for their intended population to fill out online: https://www.qualtrics.com/lp/experience-management/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=NA-Brand-Qualtrics&utm_content=Qualtrics&utm_term=qualtrics&utm_keyword=e&matchtype=e&device=c&creative=649445351658&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoK2mBhDzARIsADGbjeo_7aQ882sRSbv3l8mNeEtmAhEbpu4WrlEfS05-MP-GN7Dn8m9MmeEaAuraEALw_wcB

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this population:

Occupational therapists will consider common occupations for children when suggesting assistive technology, including play, education, activities of daily living, social participation, and sleep.

High Tech:

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device

Mobility Devices: power wheelchairs, mobile standers, AFO braces, etc.

Text-to-Speech Software

Noise-canceling headphones

Braillewriters

Hearing Aids/Cochlear Implant

Timers

Low Tech:

Pencil grip

Fidget spinner

Behavior charts

Sequencing Charts & First/Then Charts

Scoop plate

Adaptive writing tools (weighted pen, vibrating pen, etc.)

Resources:

Printable Graphics for Behavior & Sequencing Charts: https://www.pinterest.com/salome_mindoras/sequencing-pictures/

Adaptive Handwriting Tools: https://www.especialneeds.com/shop/daily-living-aids/handwriting.html

Mobile stander: https://www.rifton.com/resources/videos/2018/mobile-stander-demo

First/Then Card Example: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/199143614766172793/

Different Braillewriter options: https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/tools-writing-braille/

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Definition of OTs role when considering AT for this population:

Occupational therapists will consider the current needs of the client when referring assistive technology for productive aging. This includes considering maintaining independence, increasing safety within their natural environment, simplifying tasks, etc. to improve ADLs and IADLs.

High Tech:

Hearing aids

Medical alert system

Stairlift

Magnifier with light

Video Doorbell Systems

Power Lift Recliner Chair

Fall Detection Devices

Low Tech:

Sock aid

Grab bars

Shower chair

Mobility devices: walker, cane, manual wheelchair, transport chair

Raised toilet seat

Bedrail

Pillbox

Reachers

Resources:

Benefits of Ring Cameras for Older Populations: https://www.theseniorlist.com/home-security/ring/#:~:text=The%20video%20option%20also%20adds,answer%20it%20or%20ignore%20it.

Successful Aging: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/home-family-urban/assistive-devices-and-technologies/

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How Home Stairlift keeps elderly family members' safe in their own home

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Headspace is an app that is helpful in falling asleep, meditating, concentrating on physical activity, relieving stress, and more.

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Opening a kitchen cabinet with the iARM robotic arm

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Anti-Vibe Work Gloves - Youngstown XT Performance

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Sit Back, Recline and Enjoy -  Power Lift Chair Recliners

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Home Office Assistive Technology Example

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Home Office Assistive Technology Example

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How to Advocate for Universal Design Video

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How to Advocate for Universal Design Video

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Jennefer Rousseau: Advocating for Universal Design

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Jennefer Rousseau is an instructor in the Centre for Excellence in Foundational Learning. Jennefer is an excellent example of when we dedicate ourselves to a field, we begin to see how we can evolve our disciplines. Whether it's improving technology, addressing gaps in theories, or better serving a community, finding methods and opportunities for advancement is critical for transformation.

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Automatic Medication Dispenser Video Example

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Automatic Medication Dispenser Video Example

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Personal Hygiene Aids | Daily Living Aids | eSpecial Needs

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Promote Cleanliness and Hygiene For Special Need Individuals of All Ages with Our Personal Hygiene Aids. Shop eSpecial Needs Online For Daily Living Aids!