R.A.L.P.H. Home Assistant Featured In Post-Polio Health Newsletter

Post-Polio Health, a newsletter for polio survivors, their families and health care professionals has featured R.A.L.P.H. the home assistant, a "digital caregiver", in their current issue.

(PRWEB) December 24, 2004 -- Post-Polio Health International's latest newsletter, Post-Polio Health, features "Ralph" a digital companion and his first user, Don Holbert. The article describes how automation and other technologies help one polio survivor to live at home.

"Ralph" stands for Real Assisted Living for Physically Handicapped. The system uses voice recognition and speech synthesis technologies combined with artificial intelligence to create a home assistant and companion for the physically handicapped and/or elderly.

With "Ralph", people can live independently in their own homes because the technology reminds them to take medication, turns on and off lights, open/close drapes and blinds, voice controls TV and stereos, and Talks to occupants periodically to make certain they are alright. If the person becomes incapacitated or does not respond coherently, Ralph will detect their lack of motion or incoherent response and call for help.

As more of the population grows older and requires some type of assistance, Ralph in many cases can keep them from having to move to an assisted care facility. The system costs less than typically charged for two-four months in such a facility. Besides provide monitoring and safety for the home occupants, it provides peace of mind to their relatives and care providers.

Ralph utilizes wireless technologies wherever possible, meaning it is extremely simple to install and can be easily moved to another location. Installation can be accomplished by the typical do-it-yourself person in less than a day. The system has been in continuous use since June 2001.

Ralph shows how modern technologies can be used to assist those that are not "tech savy", no computer experience is necessary to use ralph, you just tell it what you want it to do. Ralph can even set the time on the VCR!( besides record your favorite show so you can watch it when you like instead of staring at those blinking numbers).

For more information on Post-Polio health contact Joan Headley, Executive Director, Post-Polio Health International (314)-534-0475 or visit their website at www.post-polio.org

For more information on Ralph contact Greg Corpier at Corpier Consulting Services (866)-315-6967 email greg@ralphmyfriend.com or visit www.ralphmyfriend.com

Don Holbert, the man the original system was designed for, can be reached at (816)-841-1417.

###