FAQs

If I start with the least expensive system, can I add features later?

Absolutely. The system is designed to be fully expandable. You can start small and add sensors/features as needed.
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My brother lives with my dad. Can GrandCare contact him within the same home?

Yes. The GrandCare System does not use the home phone line, so it can place calls to your dad's home line. GrandCare can call, email or text any designated Caregiver with a potential alert.
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Does my dad need an Internet connection?

Yes. He will need a full time Internet connection. (Basic DSL or cable will work just fine).
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Does my mom need a phone line to use GrandCare?

No. The GrandCare System only requires a dedicated Internet Connection and an outlet.
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My dad already has a computer. Can I just add GrandCare to that?

No. GrandCare doesn't run on a standard Windows or Mac computer. The GrandCare System is a hardware/software combination that is sold in full.
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I am not very computer savvy. Will I be able to effectively monitor my dad using the GrandCare System?

Yes. GrandCare was designed with you in mind! The user interface is easy to navigate and your local GrandCare Installer can show you everything you need to know from sending your Dad pictures and emails, to customizing when and how you'd like to receive alerts.
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Does GrandCare respond to my mom's alerts?

No. GrandCare simply offers an efficient and comprehensive caregiving tool that allows you and any other Caregivers you designate to receive and respond to potential alerts. GrandCare Systems does not have a call center to monitor alerts. Some professional Caregivers may offer this service as an add-on, check with your local GrandCare Dealer for more information.
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What if I don't answer GrandCare's Alert Call?

When GrandCare Systems makes a call, the receiver has to push "1" to confirm the phone call. This feature can distinguish between an answering machine and a live person. If a call list has been set up, GrandCare can be set up to try the next number (s) on the call list until a response is received. Each number on the call list will be tried two times before going to the next person on the call list.
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Both my parents are living at home and I think the GrandCare System could help. Can it be used for more than one person?

Yes. GrandCare is customizable and can be catered to any living situation. Motion detectors can't distinguish between different people, but can tell you basic things (door opened during the night, excessive motion in bathroom, pills not accessed, etc). Wellness devices such as the blood pressure monitor or weight scale will allow your parents to share one device and still collect their separate wellness information. Your local GrandCare Dealer can help to assess your parent's living situation and customize the sensor placement.
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What is a Call List?

It is a list of Caregivers who have agreed to receive a phone call upon a designated alert. The Primary Caregiver sets up this Call List and selects it as the alert action for any rule.
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Who gets contacted if there is an alert?

The primary Caregiver can determine who receives the alert phone call, text, or email with each alert. This can be changed by the Caregiver online at any time. For example, you might receive a text if your mom doesn't access her meds, while a neighbor might receive a call if the front door opens during the night.
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Is my dad's information being stored on your central server?

No. All of his personal sensor activity and messages are stored locally on the GrandCare System in his home.
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My mom is at home now, but I'm afraid she may have to move soon. Would she be able to take her system with her?

Yes. GrandCare will work anywhere as long there is an Internet Connection and power outlet. The sensors are wireless and can easily be transported (you can contact your local GrandCare representative if you need help re-installing the system). You can still monitor her care, while she can enjoy the incoming messages and pictures from friends and family.
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What happens if my mom's house loses power?

The GrandCare System will send an alert to the primary Caregiver that her system stopped reporting in.
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Can my dad's doctor see his blood pressure graphs?

Sure. The GrandCare System can send information to any designated "Caregiver", which can include a health professional. It can also be helpful to bring along printed wellness graphs to your dad's medical appointments.
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Will I need to download any software to access GrandCare online?

No. GrandCare can be accessed with an authorized user name and password from any computer that has an Internet connection.
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Is there any wiring involved in a GrandCare installation?

No. All of the GrandCare Sensors are wireless, battery-powered and easy for your dealer to install. No wiring or drilling is necessary.
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My mother doesn't want to use a computer. Will she still be able to use GrandCare?

Yes. GrandCare requires zero computer experience and doesn't require her to learn anything new. GrandCare is installed, you will have "peace of mind" that all is well, and she can simply sit back and enjoy the incoming pictures, messages and emails on her GrandCare screen. It's easy and fun!
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My grandfather already has a computer. Would he still be able to benefit from GrandCare?

Sure. GrandCare has so many features that can be customized for anybody! All GrandCare Systems offer remote monitoring capabilities, so your family can decide which activity and tele-wellness sensors are appropriate for your grandfather's house. GrandCare can also be set up to display calendar events, reminders, trivia, pictures, emails on the GrandCare monitor. With the interactive version, he can watch streaming videos, listen to music, participate in 2-way video conferencing, read and reply to his emails, visit websites and more, all from the intuitive and easy-to-use GrandCare Interactive TouchScreen.
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Last year, my mom didn't turn on her air conditioning the entire summer. I worried it was too hot in her home. Are there ways I can monitor this?

Yes. GrandCare does have temperature sensors that can be placed around her home to detect changes in temperature. This could alert you if her home temperature goes outside a comfortable range. It could also tell you if there was a rise in temperature near her stove.
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Does my mother have to be living at home to use GrandCare?

No. GrandCare can work almost anywhere as long as your mother has an Internet connection. She can be at home or in a facility.
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When my dad gets GrandCare, will he still need his Emergency Pendant?

The Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) is very complementary to a GrandCare System. These pendants were designed purely for "Crisis Management" and perform a single function based on your dad pushing a button. GrandCare should NOT be classified as an emergency response system, but rather should be used to monitor and assess your dad's overall wellness, detect changes in his activity levels and encourage family communication and interaction.
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Sounds perfect! Is this available to buy now?

Yes. GrandCare has been on the market since 2006 and is considered a pioneer in the aging/technology industry. Contact your local GrandCare Dealer or Click Here to Buy Today.
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Does GrandCare manufacture its own sensors?

No. GrandCare integrates existing, off-the-shelf, industry-standard sensors. GrandCare uses a combination of Bluetooth, ZWave and Wireless X10 technologies.
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Are there leasing options for the GrandCare System?

Yes. You may choose to purchase the system outright OR leasing options are available. Ask your GrandCare Installer for more details.
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Is there any kind of reimbursement available for this type of technology?

This tends to vary state to state. Some long term care insurance companies are reimbursing for technology that can help a Loved One stay at home versus moving into a facility. Many organizations are lobbying Congress now to get federal and statewide reimbursements to cover enabling technologies. Check with your local state officials and insurance company.
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Are there cameras?

There are built-in web cameras in some of the interactive models. These are primarily used for 2-way video chat. The system does not have any surveillance camera features.
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My neighbor has agreed to receive alert phone calls, but I don't want him to have online access to the system. Is this possible?

Yes. The Primary Caregiver should set him up as a Caregiver (in the care menu), but not as an online user.
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Can I choose how I want to be alerted by GrandCare Systems?

Yes. You can choose to be alerted by phone, email or text message.
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My mom has a cat. Can she still use the GrandCare System?

Yes. GrandCare is customizable and can be catered to any living situation. Your local GrandCare Dealer will assess the home and determine where the sensors should be placed to give you the most accurate and helpful information.
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Where can I see a live demonstration of the GrandCare System?

Everywhere! There are several live demonstration houses with the GrandCare System throughout the country. The Discovery Channel also did a great piece featuring the GrandCare System, viewable here: Local GrandCare Dealers also have demonstration GrandCare units available for show.
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This all sounds great, but it sounds expensive. Will I be able to afford this?

Yes. The GrandCare System is fully customizable with several models to choose from and optional add-on features. You can build your GrandCare System exactly how you'd like, no need to purchase sensors and add-ons you don't need. A GrandCare System can cost considerably less than 30 days in many assisted living facilities. Check with your local GrandCare Dealer about available leasing options.
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My sister and I hired a caregiving service to help mom a few days a week. Should we still get a GrandCare System?

Yes. We like to say "share the care." The GrandCare System is designed for an entire caregiving network to be involved in a Loved One's care. Your mom may enjoy the in-coming communications on the GrandCare System, while you and your sister remain "in the loop" on your mother's care. The information recorded by GrandCare will help you to assess if additional care is needed. There is also a Caregiver Notes forum accessible on the online dashboard for your family and the professional Caregivers to communicate and exchange updates on your mom.
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Can multiple users access my mom's GrandCare System online?

Yes, anyone you designate can log into your mom's Online Dashboard with an authorized user name and password.
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What if I only want certain family members to see my mother's health information?

No problem! There are various levels of user access. You could grant limited access for a grandchild or friend to add pictures or emails, but not allow them to see sensor graphs or rules. Full access would only be given to the Primary Caregivers.
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