Sometimes, we hear the term “assistive technology” in relation to older adults. But what exactly is that? How can assistive technology help my aging loved one or me, as the caregiver? Host Frances Hall, Executive Director of ACAPcommunity welcomes Samantha Westrich, a speech and language pathologist from the NC Dept. of Health and Human Services, who will help us understand how technology and assistive devices can help an older adult and the caregiver as well as what is available, how to determine what is needed, and how to access it.
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[00:00:02] What you want when you want it, where you want it. This is The MESH.
[00:00:32] This is a place where we talk about the joys and the challenges of caring for our aging parents
[00:00:39] and loved ones, as well as caring for ourselves. I am Francis Hall, founder and executive
[00:00:56] to bring out the work that we have done for the future.
[00:01:00] In this podcast, we are talking about assistive technology. What it is, how I can help an older adult
[00:01:06] as well as you the caregiver and what is currently available. I am delighted to be joined by Samantha Westridge,
[00:01:15] a speech to the community and the community, and I'm delighted to be able to help you
[00:01:22] to be able to help you. I am delighted to be joined by Samantha Westridge, a speech-language
[00:01:25] pathologist and communications consultant with the North Carolina Department of Health
[00:01:30] and Human Services. Samantha has experience working in education, private practice,
[00:01:36] and skilled nursing settings with individuals of all ages. She specializes in supporting
[00:01:48] individuals with augmentative and alternative communications. I'm sorry, that's a mouthful.
[00:01:56] Yeah, augmentative and alternative communications and assistive technology. Samantha is passionate about
[00:02:05] supporting individuals, their families and other professionals to learn more about how to
[00:02:11] promote autonomy in all areas of life through the use of alternative communications and
[00:02:17] assistive technologies. Samantha, hi, it is great to have you with us today. How are you?
[00:02:24] Hi, thank you so much for having me. I'm excited to be here and I am great. Good.
[00:02:30] And as I remembered, this has been several months in the making with, we've had several
[00:02:36] trials at getting you on the program. Yes, yeah. I think you guys reached out last year
[00:02:42] and then some scheduling stuff and had the pleasure at presenting at one of the
[00:02:47] ACAP meetings, one of the local chapters near me. We got connected originally.
[00:02:53] Right, right. Well, thank you for that. Thank you for being part of what we are doing.
[00:02:59] So let's start sort of at the beginning. What is assistive technology? Help us understand
[00:03:07] the basics of this. Yeah, so it's a rather broad term. It's really like an umbrella
[00:03:13] term but it refers to any device tool or system that helps any individual
[00:03:21] perform task that they might not otherwise be able to do and that can be secondary to
[00:03:26] age-related challenges or disability. But it really is just tools that provide
[00:03:33] opportunity to all individuals to continue to do the things that they enjoy
[00:03:37] in a safe environment that they want to be in. So it can I always say,
[00:03:42] AT can help someone from head to toe wherever they go.
[00:03:46] Head to toe wherever they go and it also, as I understand, can be very, very low
[00:03:55] tech like Walker or Kane all the way up to very, very high technology.
[00:04:02] Yes, so we'll talk about some of that in just a moment. Talk about some of the common
[00:04:10] challenges that older adults face when it comes to daily living activities and how
[00:04:16] assistive technology from head to toe wherever they go.
[00:04:21] Yeah, well, that can really help be helpful to them but also to the caregiver.
[00:04:27] Yeah, and you're absolutely correct. There is a range of assistive technology.
[00:04:33] And sometimes I think having that, you know, technology title makes it sound like
[00:04:38] it sees very complex computer-based devices, but that is not true at all.
[00:04:44] So there is a range. I can jump into that now where we can wait, but jump ahead.
[00:04:50] Okay, okay, so the range is really from like you just said Francis light tech
[00:04:57] all the way up to what we call high tech. So there's sort of these three categories
[00:05:03] but just because somebody uses light tech does not mean they're not going to also
[00:05:08] benefit from high tech and vice versa. So depending on the task, the environment,
[00:05:14] the preference, we kind of use a total person approach when thinking through
[00:05:21] assistive technology needs. And like you said, light tech simple, low costs, easy
[00:05:28] to use and maintain. Most likely doesn't require electricity or a power source,
[00:05:34] not a very sophisticated mechanism. So thinking about magnifying glasses, like you
[00:05:40] said, teens, walkers, grab bars, calendars, you know, with written things for memory
[00:05:48] support and just visual reminders. So I always think of like you could grab it right off
[00:05:53] the shelf or print it off the computer and know how to use it and use it effectively.
[00:05:59] And then we have sort of that middle mid tech slightly more complex than light tech.
[00:06:06] Most likely requires a power source but still relatively straightforward
[00:06:11] and how it operates. Something that you could plug in or charge up and after being
[00:06:16] shown once or twice how to use it integrated into your life pretty seamlessly.
[00:06:21] And these things are typically affordable. So looking at, you know,
[00:06:26] $200 or less and accessible things you can get off Amazon, you know,
[00:06:33] Walmart even. So things like adaptive keyboards, adaptive mice, pill dispensers,
[00:06:41] even hearing aids kind of falls in that mid tech range. Once you know how to use it,
[00:06:47] you're pretty good to go. Go back, go back assistive keyboard and assistive mouse.
[00:06:55] What is that? What's different about that versus just a regular keyboard or regular
[00:07:01] mouse? Yeah, that's a great question. So really it can kind of encompass anything
[00:07:08] that you want to do to access the computer. So let's say you've got some vision challenges.
[00:07:13] There are keyboards that have bigger keys. Maybe they have some high contrast.
[00:07:18] We can add little texture stickers just to help you kind of feel, you know,
[00:07:23] where things are. You can use onscreen keyboards.
[00:07:27] So if you prefer kind of using like a more touch screen approach.
[00:07:32] And then for mice, I always like mouse's mice. You can have aerodynamic features.
[00:07:40] So if you have carpal tunnel or, you know, just some different mobility needs,
[00:07:46] you can grip your mouse in a different way. So really any any way to adapt those things
[00:07:52] to make them more accessible to the person.
[00:07:57] Yeah, I'm sorry. And I think it'll rupture G. Oh yes, wood tick.
[00:08:01] So the last one is high tech. And I just think this is where most people's brains jump
[00:08:05] when they think of assistive technology. These things are more advanced.
[00:08:10] We probably encourage you to work with a professional before purchasing or trying to implement.
[00:08:16] And then that's not really one size fits all because there are families that have very techy people.
[00:08:22] Or have family members who are really in the know with technology,
[00:08:27] but it's always helpful to connect with a professional if you're thinking about purchasing something
[00:08:32] that might have a higher out of pocket cost.
[00:08:35] They're going to involve a little more complex technology.
[00:08:38] So you might need some training or assistance on how to kind of integrate this into your life.
[00:08:44] You have to update it, make sure if it's a software component or something like that.
[00:08:49] That you're just aware of the things you need to do to make sure that it's going to work for you at its best way.
[00:08:57] Typically more expensive. So that's another reason why we encourage you to try to connect with somebody who can let you try it
[00:09:04] maybe before you buy it or kind of have a trial, maybe through the vendor, the person selling it.
[00:09:11] And again, they can kind of assist you with the setup.
[00:09:14] The perk is that they're likely more customizable.
[00:09:19] So if you have very specific needs or very specific things that you want out of a device,
[00:09:24] you can usually get into those devices and make it fit exactly what you need.
[00:09:29] So some examples, smart home technology is a big one and all of the pieces that go into that.
[00:09:36] Kind of my niche area, which is communication devices. So if you, your parent has experienced a stroke or a traumatic brain injury of some sort, dementia,
[00:09:46] if there are having some communication difficulties, there are devices designed to support them with communicating.
[00:09:54] And so those, there's, you know, a language learning piece and also a setup piece with those, a little more complex to put into and to their life.
[00:10:04] But that pretty much is the range again, just because you use one doesn't mean you wouldn't benefit from another.
[00:10:12] Right. And and you were talking about, or I think I heard you say something about possibly go to the provider,
[00:10:23] whoever is selling the device, particularly the high tech that maybe they would let you try it.
[00:10:30] And possibly even for low tech even I'm thinking walk or wheelchair those kinds of things.
[00:10:38] But I correct in thinking that there are some organizations that can help provide either provide the device or help with the payment for it.
[00:10:52] Yes, absolutely. And I think that is something we'll touch on a little deeper, but yes, there are all sorts of programs ranging from state and federally funded programs to you know sometimes like voice out groups and things like that that can help you either set these things up or get access if funding is a barrier.
[00:11:14] And I work for the North Carolina Assistive Technology Program. So we are a state program and each program in the United States, I'm not sure about internationally, but I do think internationally based there's some things that are similar to what we do in the US.
[00:11:31] But we have low-neighbories and we do our best to stay really in the know, and we get grants and things like that to purchase equipment that we then can loan out.
[00:11:42] So connecting with a state program, a state assistive technology program even universities, they may have access to assistive technology that individuals can loan to try and really incorporate in their life before seeking you know a funding source.
[00:11:58] Or purchasing, really make sure it's worth the legwork to get that item and it works for them.
[00:12:09] A lending library, you know we think about books, we don't think about devices, but I have heard of that before.
[00:12:19] And I know my go-to always when somebody calls you know particularly out of state and says, I need X or I need him with X.
[00:12:30] My go-to is always go to your AAA go to your area agency and aging just because they have so many resources at their fingertips and then they can channel people to the most appropriate whether it's a governmental agency or whatever.
[00:12:48] But Samantha, the group that you work with helping human services I guess. Yes, kind of falls under that umbrella.
[00:12:56] That is I want to make sure people know that that is an every state that every community and every state is is covered.
[00:13:06] And so maybe at the end we can go into you know some avenues how do you know how to connect.
[00:13:14] Yes, that's always you know it's not just what it is out there but oh my heavens how do I find.
[00:13:24] The internet is a big place so it's easy to get you know lost in the internet to find a specific thing.
[00:13:30] So yes more than happy to share links or our website and there's also general websites if you're in a state outside North Carolina.
[00:13:39] Great we will do that.
[00:13:41] Okay so as you're talking I am remembering my mother in law who I dearly loved and she.
[00:13:51] She was at this point she was late 80s into her 90s before she passed and she used a blocker except that there were times that she would just say oh no I'm fine.
[00:14:05] I don't need my walker. You know and how frustrating that was for her son and for her daughters and that they knew mom was pretty frail and just refused at times to use the device that she really needed.
[00:14:23] So my question is this are there some strategies are there some things that caregivers can do families can do.
[00:14:31] To help their older adult loved ones actually use the technology. Yes that is one of the biggest things we want because we don't want that to you know somebody get a Christmas present and then it just sit in the box.
[00:14:49] You know that kind of thing so I think having those conversations early as early as possible.
[00:14:55] I know from my you telling that story reminds me so much of my grandmother because she is the same way and just kind of you know beats to her own drum loves her independence and that is just everything to her.
[00:15:11] And even my mom is you know in her 60s and it's just a conversation that we've started to have.
[00:15:17] And one thing that's been helpful is you know integrating some of the technology into my own life and her kind of seeing a great example of this is smart home because we all can kind of benefit from some of these things that the smart home technology does.
[00:15:34] But it's even more of a safety thing you know for an aging individual.
[00:15:40] So showing my mom like oh it's so convenient at night I set a routine on my smart home device so the lights come on whether I'm home or not and that way when I get home.
[00:15:52] And I can walk up and I'm not you know tripping over things looking on how to turn on the lamp.
[00:15:59] So things like that just trying to have those conversations early and not just kind of coming in hot and heavy with.
[00:16:07] Here's what you need to do I saw this let's put into place you need a smart device you need this you need that digestible bits is what I always say.
[00:16:15] And what is kind of a top priority and I think that's always safety.
[00:16:19] So making sure that you can maybe there are some things that you can just kind of put into place.
[00:16:26] You know you don't want to do things without their permission but just kind of show them like let's just try it.
[00:16:32] And just kind of nudge them into integrating these things into their life and maybe that's where light tech very simple.
[00:16:41] Solutions that they can understand and incorporate right there on this spot.
[00:16:46] You sort of use those to step into bigger categories that can do a little more if they need that.
[00:16:54] I love that you are already having these conversations with your mom.
[00:17:00] I love that anybody who knows me knows I am not a highly tech person or you know whatever that.
[00:17:12] I just get if I get past Google I'm I have this real challenges.
[00:17:20] I don't know a couple of years ago I guess I started to try to move into that into that smart deal.
[00:17:31] Okay just that's just not working for me yeah literally just in the last couple of days.
[00:17:39] I did not realize and maybe I should have but I didn't realize they're now our light bulbs that you simply take out the old light bulb and screw this one in.
[00:17:51] And from an app on your phone that you can turn it on and off.
[00:17:55] Yeah this is brilliant and I think part of it is just the advancement in technology that this is like every week there is something that is happening.
[00:18:06] But when you were talking about your mother and your grandmother what I'm thinking is that so many families are dealing with with a loved one who is at least showing signs of dementia.
[00:18:21] And of course I think of the sundowners and I know again from my mother-in-law that we were told that what needs to happen is to turn lights on.
[00:18:33] You know kind of before dusk you know going at the lights on so there there is a constantly light and the environment and to turn all lights on.
[00:18:45] Right she goes to bed then she turns them out and thinking this would be so perfect it doesn't even have to be a whole tack home.
[00:18:56] Right it can be just a few light bulbs that can be switched on and off.
[00:19:03] So yeah exactly it's becoming a lot easier to kind of integrate and especially for you know the younger generation because it's almost like sparked home or you know iPhones and things they were born with them in their hands.
[00:19:20] So being able to kind of help their parents integrate those things and they're just like you so very simple it's changing a light bulb it's plugging in a smart plug.
[00:19:30] And it's in cost effective so those items are available on Amazon best by Walmart for $20 or less sometimes.
[00:19:42] Yeah yeah I think the I bought two light bulbs because that's what I thought I needed for the overhead light fix right only three but.
[00:19:51] But I think they were like maybe 11 dollars each and I know that sounds a whole lot more money than our you know regular 9 cent.
[00:20:03] You know light bulb or whatever but the capability is really profound and again could be for either the older adult or if they are if they are willing to be that or or have that capability of being that taxatty or the caregiver.
[00:20:23] Yes yep family.
[00:20:26] And cost you mentioned cost yeah there are a lot of people for him.
[00:20:32] You know even an 11 dollar light bulb would be too much they will not be able to do that so it's a combination of looking at what is what is needed the low tech mid tech high tech.
[00:20:46] What is needed what are the resources for getting them what is the cost really putting all that together and maybe that's one of the particular ways.
[00:20:56] That families can help and all your dog is really to help bring all of that together yeah and help kind of prioritize and budget and really think through finding those those funding resources.
[00:21:10] And helping that individual connect with programs to get access to those things right right right.
[00:21:17] So are there some specific things that should be considered when talking about assistive technology and we haven't even talked at all about the communications the.
[00:21:30] Augmented to have alternative communications.
[00:21:33] Yes, maybe there are some things in there that we need to be talking about.
[00:21:37] Yeah so they're kind of a I wouldn't say they're a niche area but they're they're for definitely a person with a specific need and that is a communication need.
[00:21:48] But again it's kind of common.
[00:21:52] You know really with anybody but sometimes you see it in the aging population again if you they've had a stroke and they're experiencing what we call a phasia so that's when the language area of the brain has been.
[00:22:04] And damage and so now they're either having trouble understanding or you know getting their message out or a little bit of both dementia's another one ALS.
[00:22:16] So there are in traumatic brain injury so a slip and fall and you hit your head there's an even some memory things so these devices the we call a AC or communication devices.
[00:22:31] And they are a way for that person to communicate and there's a lot of different what we call the English systems on there so.
[00:22:40] You would work with a speech language pathologist who would help you determine your language, your specific language needs or your speech needs.
[00:22:49] And maybe it's something as simple as you know everything is okay you just really can't formulate those messages with the motor planning piece and all you need is to be able to type on your phone and use speech output to communicate.
[00:23:04] So there's a lot of different variations of that and again going all the way to light tech where it's just some pointing at pictures on a board.
[00:23:15] And that SLP or speech language pathologist will really help you determine exactly what the challenges are and what's needed and how you can kind of use those tools as communication tools to support.
[00:23:29] So that's a huge piece of being able to kind of make sure that you are understanding what that person wants and you need to be able to communicate and hopefully they can communicate effectively.
[00:23:42] So those devices really help with that.
[00:23:46] That that need and then I totally blanked on the other part of that question I'm sorry.
[00:23:54] Basically is are there some things that should be considered when considering when you're speaking.
[00:24:02] When thinking about assistive technology are there some other things that ought to be considered beyond what we've already talked about.
[00:24:11] So it's definitely a person centered assessment so if you are working with this assistive technology professional and they're doing a full assessment.
[00:24:21] We always start with person first so you know what are your strengths where are you having challenges you know what do you love to do that you want to make sure that you can do forever and ever because it brings you joy.
[00:24:35] And you know what are are their safety concerns so we really just look at the person so person first and then what are you already using are there things that you've tried before that didn't work well I didn't they work.
[00:24:48] And then moving to the tools so we really try to look at the whole person and again head to toe wherever they go so it's a rather long conversation and it's typically over time.
[00:25:02] So thinking about those digestible bits and maybe prioritizing some things because it can get if you have somebody who has a little bit more needs for whatever reason it can get a little overwhelming for everybody.
[00:25:15] So trying to kind of just to get step by step.
[00:25:19] So submit that if I am if I'm a family member particularly an adult child but not necessarily.
[00:25:30] I'm a family member and my my mother and my father my husband my wife my you know aunt uncle whoever is having some real.
[00:25:42] Some real issues.
[00:25:44] And and I'm sitting here thinking you know I think there are some things out there that could help but I don't know and I don't even know the questions asked I don't know where to go.
[00:25:56] So do people start with what is the starting point for all of this so some people start with their primary care provider.
[00:26:05] And sometimes that doctor physician is very aware of assisted technology they might be working with you know depending on their needs again like an occupational therapist or a physical therapist or even a speech therapist.
[00:26:20] And that's another professional that may be aware of some assistive technology programs or or needs just depending on the setting that they work in.
[00:26:31] And if they don't they aren't really connected in that way then there is that website that we were talking about earlier it's 83 Center but that's the website for the state assistive technology programs and it not only tells you.
[00:26:49] Where your state program is but also has resources.
[00:26:53] So if you kind of have an itch that there's there may be a need that's a good place to start.
[00:27:00] And then depending on how involved you are with like social media and things like that there are assistive technology pages and things that you can.
[00:27:10] Like on social media platforms you could just type in assistive technology and kind of see some of and then that specific need so assistive technology with aging.
[00:27:20] And there should be a slew of things that kind of come up to give you an idea of what's out there.
[00:27:28] But that 83 website is a good connecting with your state program.
[00:27:34] We're a state assistive technology program is a really great place to start because you can just jump on a phone call and start kind of discussing the specific needs.
[00:27:44] And that person can either loan devices out or again point you to resources so it's a great launching offpad for an assistive technology journey.
[00:27:55] And again that website is a T as assisted assistive technology.
[00:28:02] A T three the number three yes put it in your okay here it is yes A T three center dot net is their website.
[00:28:14] So all one word a as an apple T as in Tom the number three center dot net.
[00:28:23] Gotcha good to know yeah yeah and then if it's just on that same resource.
[00:28:30] Thinking about another great resource if smart home technology is something that you're interested in but you're there's just a lot out there.
[00:28:40] There's another website that I really like to share with caregivers or people who are just kind of new to that and it's smart home made simple dot org.
[00:28:52] And that one just kind of breaks down you can click you know what specific things you're looking for smart home technology to support you with.
[00:29:10] And it'll show you the different devices that are available so you can again start to kind of get a general idea of what's out there and what these things do.
[00:29:20] And then you can match up with what your needing or your parent or loved one is needing.
[00:29:26] Okay so again just make very sure those two websites yes A T three center dot net yes and smart home is a.
[00:29:42] Simple dot org yes.
[00:29:48] Yeah that's really good to have some some websites that people can go to and just kind of explore and look around.
[00:29:55] Yeah yeah, okay so this is a really good information it's very broad.
[00:30:03] You know I feel like we should come back and do one on speech and language and another hearing at another on vision and yeah you know all you know all kinds of.
[00:30:15] Yeah all the categories.
[00:30:18] Truly really so okay so.
[00:30:23] Given everything that you have already talked about is there are other advice that you would give to older adults who are interested in exploring.
[00:30:34] Assistive technology options and the proverbial where do families go where did they look for assistive technology and how can they know what would be the most helpful with their.
[00:30:48] Yeah so I think being able to have hands on experience with it.
[00:30:53] So trying again if there's something that you even going to like best buy you know they have a lot of that stuff set up.
[00:31:02] So you can talk to somebody that works there and just see how those things work.
[00:31:08] And then if you again want to kind of use it in your in your own life connecting with universities in your area.
[00:31:16] Especially when's at have like engineering programs things like that or some of the programs for therapies like occupational therapy speech therapy.
[00:31:26] And physical therapy they may have an assistive technology lab again where you can go in and I just think that hands on experience is invaluable.
[00:31:38] Or seeing if there is some sort of trial we work very closely with a lot of different vendors because we're always trying to learn about what's out there and most of them are happy to send you a demo devices, but they call them our demonstration device or meet with you to really show you how these things work.
[00:31:59] And if you can get hands on with those devices and I just can't before working at the assistive technology program I was a treating speech language pathologist and I just use the program so much and recommended families because they could come in and really get hands on with these devices and connect with people who are very folded into the assistive technology community.
[00:32:25] And you can really support them and once you're connected it's great because you can call or email at any time to ask questions or if you do end up purchasing something and all of a sudden you're having issues we're a great first step.
[00:32:40] If you're just not sure what to do.
[00:32:43] So yeah hands on experience and just taking it kind of again just thinking one step out of time.
[00:32:51] And you know as you're saying that the notion is hitting me that this this is a perfect illustration of.
[00:33:01] If it all possible get a lot of the curve yes in other words don't wait until your loved one needs the assistive technology the device the whatever don't wait until that point to begin learning what is out there and what might be needed or what.
[00:33:20] Kind of often or typically is needed and find the resources so I'm thinking you know I never thought of a university to go and go to one of their technology labs.
[00:33:37] How wonderful an opportunity that would be somebody even if loved ones parents are in their 50s or 60s to go learn now what is out there even though a lot is going to change in the past 10 20 years.
[00:33:56] Before before you're a lot for a main need at right but it may be we're do you.
[00:34:03] You know you've got a hip replacement or knee or knee replacement well probably they're going to need a walk or for one where do you go to get that right you know what's out there and you know just starting of the basics but sort of as your suggestion.
[00:34:20] Introduction into the world of technology one of those levels low medium or hot yeah and even some hospitals.
[00:34:29] I'm like medical facilities outpatient clinics so kind of thinking like medical world have access to assistive technology labs and things like that now they might not be able to allow you to take it home but you could at least go and see.
[00:34:45] What's there and just I think work to remove this stigma of you know technology is just too much I have no interest in that but really.
[00:34:55] Trying to go in with an open mind of talk to my mom about this to so many times I'm like just just trying to think you know from an open like a what if.
[00:35:03] And and just be open to it because you might actually if you can just switch the lens and what you see it.
[00:35:10] They are very very helpful for really everybody.
[00:35:14] So yeah put a great what a great statement though to just switch the lens through which we look at any kind of assistance or assist it assistance and I'm going to put a period after any kind of assistance.
[00:35:30] So often we value our our independence and I think it's marvelous yeah particularly when we can be as independent and as funky as possible for as many years as long as we get.
[00:35:45] Absolutely one year.
[00:35:47] Even with that independence and that spunkiness they may come a time that you need a little bit of help in order to remain independent and spunk.
[00:35:57] So yeah that was the time.
[00:36:00] Yeah it's starting to start learning what's out there.
[00:36:02] Yeah trying to be a few steps ahead and changes hard and so I understand you know anything that feels different and there's so much going into processing aging or a change in ability.
[00:36:15] Especially when that's unexpected so there's so much there that if you kind of at least have your feet in it it's it's one less thing to adjust to.
[00:36:25] So that's also just something because it you just never know you really don't and and so it's good to kind of at least know what's out there and what's available.
[00:36:35] Because it can be life changing for for some individuals.
[00:36:40] Right.
[00:36:41] Absolutely and and like I just said sometimes we have lots of time to prepare yes.
[00:36:47] Other times it is a heartbeat away literally things can change in a heartbeat.
[00:36:55] And so to know where the resources are is tremendously helpful.
[00:37:03] So yeah that's that's always my mantra.
[00:37:06] I get to get familiar with with all of the things with where resources are become familiar with that before you need it.
[00:37:18] Yeah absolutely.
[00:37:20] But the reality is we have a cap because I didn't know where the resources were and I needed to know.
[00:37:27] So yeah I'm big I know resources on.
[00:37:32] Yeah well what a wonderful thing you've created though.
[00:37:35] You know for thank you.
[00:37:37] You see that such a great resource really but but truly I created a cap for me.
[00:37:43] Yeah.
[00:37:44] Working just happened that oh lots of other people need a cap too.
[00:37:50] It's a win with.
[00:37:52] Yeah I love that.
[00:37:55] Thank you so much this has been great information great inside and I'm really serious.
[00:38:01] I think we need to bring you back to talk about speak speech and language.
[00:38:05] Yeah I would love to.
[00:38:07] Love to listen to assistive assistive technology that ranges from head to toe wherever you go.
[00:38:13] Yes.
[00:38:14] Thanks for coming with that.
[00:38:15] Yeah.
[00:38:17] To you our listeners.
[00:38:19] Thank you for being with us.
[00:38:21] Thank you.
[00:38:22] I hope that this will be helpful to you.
[00:38:25] To you and to your loved one and possibly you know some others that would benefit from this.
[00:38:32] So please do share it with with your family and your friends.
[00:38:37] We also certainly want to thank pace at home in Piccreen North Carolina.
[00:38:41] They are the sponsor for this podcast and all of our caregiver community podcasts.
[00:38:47] We are indeed grateful.
[00:38:49] This caregiver community podcast is part of the mesh network of online shows and podcasts.
[00:38:55] We record one new ACAP podcast each month and we address a very wide range of topics related to caregiving and advocating for older adults, particularly older adult loved ones.
[00:39:09] You will find your podcast on any platform where you listen to podcasts as well as our website www.acapcommunity.org.
[00:39:19] While you're on our site we do hope that you will learn more about ACAP, our local chapters, our pod, our other podcasts and our videos and videos from programs and other resources.
[00:39:35] If there are other topics that you would want us to consider having a podcast on, please do let us know.
[00:39:42] There is a way on the website that you can that you can send us a note.
[00:39:46] So please do.
[00:39:47] Samantha thank you again for being with us and thank you to your listening to you, our listeners.
[00:39:54] Stay well everyone.
[00:39:55] Bye for now.
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