Intelligent Wheelchairs: Collision Avoidance and Navigation Assistance for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment

As the proportion of older adults in the population continues to grow, there is a greater need for assistive technology that is accessible and adaptable to user needs. It is reported that, of the 1.5 million people residing in nursing homes, 60-80% have been diagnosed with dementia, primarily Alzheimer’s disease [1]. Currently, older adults with such cognitive impairments are not allowed to operate powered wheelchairs, since they lack the cognitive capacity to maneuver them safely. Prohibition of powered wheelchair use and the lack of strength required to use manual wheelchairs effectively greatly reduce the mobility of a large number of long-term care (LTC) residents, thus leading to social isolation and depression [2]. Loss of mobility also leads to increased dependence on caregivers to perform daily tasks.