News Summary

Northwood, a leading not-for-profit continuing care provider in Atlantic Canada, is enhancing independence for individuals with disabilities through the use of robotic feeders. In collaboration with academia and the commercial sector, Northwood has launched SMARTech, a multidisciplinary program aimed at integrating technology into long-term care solutions. The robotic feeders, introduced in February 2023, allow users to independently control their eating experience, significantly improving their quality of life. These devices are part of a broader effort to explore assistive technology solutions in continuing care, supported by funding from Age-Well, the Nova Scotia Innovation Fund, and Northwood itself. While the cost of these devices remains high, there are hopes that increased usage and advancements in AI will eventually lead to more affordable options.