SOLUTIONS FOR Intellectual and Developmental Disability

Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) are disorders that are usually present at birth and that negatively affect the trajectory of the individual’s physical, intellectual, and/or emotional development. Many of these conditions affect multiple body parts or systems.[1]

Developmental disabilities may range from mild to severe. Some of the more common developmental disabilities include[2]:

Every person with a developmental disability is different. Some adults with such disabilities feel “disabled,” while others are determined to be as independent or successful as possible. The RxPense can assist patients to remain at home longer, or to better thrive in a community living setting.

What are some of the challenges people with IDD face daily?

People with IDD may have challenges with learning, communicating, decision-making or mobility. Studies have shown that adults with IDD are less likely to be physically active than adults without IDD. They may encounter barriers to being physically active, including mobility or health limitations, trouble accessing exercise equipment, and having to depend on support staff for help getting to an exercise facility[3].

In many cases, when physical disabilities or cognitive impairment becomes more than “mild”, or when medication regimens become complex, full time assistance with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), including the consumption of medications, becomes mandatory. Additional challenges with Activities of daily living (ADL)  include eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (walking) and continence.

How can RxPense help people with disabilities?

The RxPense® can be part of a coordinated solution supporting people living with IDD. For example, medications must be taken regularly and consistently to ensure maximum effective and benefit. Caregivers can not always be around to remind their loved one or patient to take their medication. The RxPense® can become the digital health aid to assist patients to maintain their medication adherence. When a dose is missed, caregivers are notified. Medications remain secure and locked, only dispensed to the patient according to a strict schedule. A complete history and audit trail is maintained in the cloud, accessible only to authorized persons.

Controlled Medication Release

The RxPense® secures medications and ensures only those authorized, are able to dispense. Only those authorized, may dispense on a schedule determined by the health care provider. For example, John may only take a medication once, every 4 hours. At all other times they remain locked and unavailable. Mary however, is able to take a medication every 2 hours. When Mary authenticates with the RxPense with her unique ID or voice, her image is captured and the medication is dispensed.

Communications

The RxPense® features a full set of modern communications technologies that enable both voice and “videoconference” communication directly from the device. These same technologies enable “virtual doctors’ visits”, patient interviews and direct observation of the patient. The ability to directly observe a patient, even at a distance, has immeasurable benefits for the physician and clinician, particularly for capturing and understanding facial expressions during an interview. For caregivers and clinicians, the RxPense facilitates communications.