Transforming Care with Innovation: Assistive Devices to Empower Carers and Enhance the Quality of Life for People with Disabilities

Abstract

This academic article examines the significance of both physical and mental care for people with disabilities and their caregivers, emphasizing the role of innovative assistive devices in supporting disabled individuals—particularly those with mobility impairments and bedridden conditions. Such individuals often face health problems such as pressure ulcers and other physical complications. The integration of assistive technologies aims to promote comfort, ease the physical burden of care, and reduce the risk of accidents. In addressing psychological well-being, the study applies Buddhist principles related to care for the sick, caregivers, and daily conduct to cultivate mental resilience and mindfulness in coping with physical suffering.
The findings reveal that the integration of Buddhist teachings—namely 1) the characteristics of patients who are easy or difficult to nurse, 2) the qualities of suitable and unsuitable caregivers, and 3) Buddhist principles concerning enlightenment, natural law, and life goals—combined with assistive innovations, effectively supports holistic and sustainable care for people with disabilities. This integrative approach, termed Empowering Care for Sustainable Well-being of People with Disabilities, comprises three key components: 1) People with disabilities – improving their quality of life both physically and mentally; 2) Caregivers – enhancing their physical and mental capacity to provide effective care; and 3) Empowering care processes – promoting sustainable development in technology, economy, society, and morality.