It's no secret that baby boomers are approaching retirement age and will soon be thinking about long-term care. But with the rising cost of institutionalized care, where will the legions of aging boomers go? There's a trend on the horizon of older adults who are embracing assistive technology. Plain and simple, that means remaining at home could become a viable option for more people than ever before.

An assistive device can be as simple as a wheelchair or as advanced as a sensor-based tele-care system. The rise of research and development in independence-promoting devices has vastly improved the offerings, which are far more varied and accessible than many people realize. At the forefront of the movement are a handful of organizations presenting myriad solutions.

1. The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA)
ATA is a three-part network, delineated into assistive technology resource centers, technology developers, and vendors who sell assistive devices. ATA has 40 technology resource centers in the United States; each one is dedicated to making assistive technology more accessible. In these centers, consumers can try adaptive devices and test the latest technology, making it easier to decide which devices will best meet their needs. Local ATA offices can be located by calling (707) 778-3011.

2. The Rehabilitative & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)
According to the organization's Web site, RESNA supports the research, development, education and distribution of technology to help people with disabilities "achieve their goals." The organization has a presence in all 50 states. RESNA maintains a comprehensive directory of assistive technology service providers and offers educational courses for people interested in a career in the industry. More information is available by phone at (703) 524-6686.

3. ABLEDATA
Sustained by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, ABLEDATA maintains a database of over 19,000 products sold by some 2,000 companies. ABLEDATA's online consumer forum allows people to share their experiences in the assistive technology marketplace. The company's toll-free number is (800) 227-0216.

4. Tech-Able
Tech-Able runs assistive technology demonstrations, holds training classes, and operates a referral system and a library. The library loans assistive devices, including aids for activities of daily living. Tech-Able provides screenings, assessments and recommendations for people with disabilities. The organization also sells affordable refurbished computers—which come with a basic computer training course—to make technology more accessible for disabled, elderly and low-income individuals. Consumers can call (770) 922-6768 for details.

5. Assistive Tech
Assistive Tech maintains a vendor database to help consumers find assistive devices within their budgets. Through the company's user-friendly Web site, consumers can search by activity they need help with—for example, getting into the bathtub—to find the type of device that would best meet their needs. (Some of the products might seem pricey, but not when compared with the costs of assisted living facility.) Assistive Tech also publishes reference guides and reports on specific areas of assistive technology. (404) 894-4960.

For baby boomers who are part of the Sandwich Generation, taking care of their aging parents and children at the same time, self-reliance is a necessity. For most people, the choice between aging in place at home and moving into a retirement home is an easy one. Although technology may not be able to replace human contact, it can certainly help fill the gaps. After all, home is where the heart is.