UBC 'smart' wheelchair could increase mobility for disabled seniors

Description Click to Edit

A University of British Columbia researcher has developed a smart wheelchair aimed at helping seniors with cognitive disabilities live independently for a longer time and with a better quality of life.

Pooja Viswanathan, a PhD computer science student, said the wheelchair fills a gaping hole in the care of elderly people afflicted with Alzheimer's or dementia who aren't allowed on powered wheelchairs due to safety concerns, but who are seldom strong enough to manoeuvre a manual wheelchair.

A University of British Columbia researcher has developed a smart wheelchair aimed at helping seniors with cognitive disabilities live independently for a longer time and with a better quality of life.

Pooja Viswanathan, a PhD computer science student, said the wheelchair fills a gaping hole in the care of elderly people afflicted with Alzheimer's or dementia who aren't allowed on powered wheelchairs due to safety concerns, but who are seldom strong enough to manoeuvre a manual wheelchair.

Original URL Click to Edit

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=9760413b-46ec-4df2-9ec9-d69c08bb8bf3

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=9760413b-46ec-4df2-9ec9-d69c08bb8bf3