Canterbury University. New-Zealand: A University of Canterbury student has come up with a novel
library-style scheme to help sustain quality of life for people who are
disabled, ill or need end-of-life care.
Courtney Green wants to make available equipment that can be borrowed
to improve people’s home care situation. Her goal is to establish a
library firstly for the Christchurch community by the middle of the
year. While some organisations do exist to provide equipment there is
still a gap she wants to bridge. She has presented her case to business
and industry at the University of Canterbury Innovators annual summer
scholarship event.
Statistics from a disability survey in New Zealand in 2013 showed
that 17 percent of New Zealanders are disabled and one-in-three people
will suffer a major illness in their lifetime. This disability and
illness may require the use of equipment to undertake daily tasks such
as going to the toilet or having a shower.
“Of the percentage of those who are disabled, roughly 14,600 people
required equipment ranging from wheelchairs, to more specialised
equipment such as raised shower chairs. However not all these people
have access to this equipment.
“This is a massive amount of people who have an unmet need for
equipment that would drastically improve their quality of life. The
problem was said to stem from three factors - accessibility, time and
cost.
“I have been exploring the possibility of an equipment library.
Similar to a book or toy library, the users could pay a very small fee
and have access to equipment to improve their quality of life. The
equipment could include donated or surplus equipment. The library could
be accessed from an online database which would be accessible for most
people.
“After surveying a broad group of people, including occupational
therapists, nurses and in-home carers, there was a collective focus on
the importance of improving quality of life. My research indicated that
Ipads or tablets may be a good place to start as they would really help
people who are bedbound.
“I have been approached by many people who have been affected by
sickness or disability in some way. These people all shared my thoughts
on the difficulties that can be faced when a family member or relative
falls ill. It is a reality that if the necessary equipment is not
available then the responsibility can fall on the family, causing a lot
of physical and mental stress during a difficult time.”
Green, from Ashburton studying toward Bachelor of Criminal Justice
and Bachelor of Laws degrees, is seeking sponsorship and her overall
focus is to provide a service which improves quality of life and
increases independence. This idea is still in the conceptual stage and
there is still a lot of research being done.