Today’s Conversation – Assistive Technologies with Patrece Banks

Hi all,
Here is a posting of today’s conversation: http://rec1.dimdim.com/view/dimdim/75654676-1602-102d-9515-003048642bd7

 

Aside from some minor un-muting technical issues on the conference call, this was a fantastic call.  Patrece is a wealth of information and listening to her speak is highly recommended.

 

Thanks to all 28 callers who joined us today!

 

Laura Mitchell

GrandCare Systems

www.grandcare.com

Recap of Connected Health Symposium by Donna Cusano

http://www.telecareaware.com/index.php/connected-health-symposium-thu22-2009.html
Thurs 22 October: Afternoon and Final

The final full breakout I attended was also with Laurie Orlov (aka Agent 99) here very firmly in her space – Get (Your House) Smart: Aging in Place, at Home, Aided by Technology. Joined by Charles Hillman of GrandCare Systems, Joe Coughlin, PhD of MIT AgeLab, Tom Ryden of North End Technologies and moderated by Marc Holland of System Research Services, this panel had much to say in their 50 minutes and could have easily filled an additional engaging 15.

This area is where much real-world tech is happening, but adoption has a long way to go.

The ‘smart house’ for Dr. Coughlin is the nexus of innovation, hardware, software and health information. It is not about devices but lifestyle and services, not about making up for health ‘loss’ but ‘gain’. The current business model is now oriented to what Medicare will reimburse (not much) and nothing is right in terms of the technology. Right now it is all about a home for those who are obviously old and frail – the paradox is that if you design a home for them, no one will buy it, including the old and frail.

Mr. Hillman approached the smart house as (Gregory) House – we’ve become masters of acute care, but not very good at assisting independent living and aging ‘responsibly’. Systems should be designed holistically and include 1) physiologic sensing (vital signs), 2) activity monitoring, 3) social connectedness and 4) home controls that light rooms at night, turn on outside lights, etc. The service he developed, GrandCare, has incorporated all four.

The smart home in Ms. Orlov’s view uses technology to more tightly connect the senior to others and to be safe, through communications and engagement, home safety and security, health and wellness and continuous learning and participation in social networks. Older people ARE interested in technology – broadband is being adopted by them in increasing numbers. But it has to be acceptable to the senior and can’t be imposed by family.

Mr. Ryden added robotics to the smart home, especially the development of small robots that can aid in everyday activities (versus the Japanese model of robopets for socialization).

Mr. Hillman pointed out that ADL (activities of daily living) monitoring is growing; currently it is largely a private pay service as LTC insurance and Medicare do not pay for it at present. LTC insurance should be paying for monitoring and other smart home assistive services, as they do for home care.

Homes, especially in this tired market, need something extra to sell and older homes need to upgrade; as Mr. Ryden put it, the ideal for technology would be ‘available at Best Buy’ and reimbursable. But the potential disrupters – home builders and remodelers–seem to avoid the older market except for ‘senior communities.’ Ms. Orlov described attempting to work with builders in her state, Florida, to create a ‘smart home’ demo incorporating universal design and technology in one of those plentiful unsold homes, and amazingly has not succeeded as of yet. (Keep trying, Laurie!)

NORCs – naturally occurring retirement communities – often need upgrading. And alternatives such as ‘intentional communities’ must be explored for the rising single population, especially those in the suburbs and exurbs. If they would realize it, the real disrupters and the new model may be via home builders, retailers and (Dr. Coughlin) utility companies. (In the US utilities are increasing selling ‘value added’ in products and services.)

Current technology is NOT fun, interactive or particularly desired to consumers. If it were, it could be a lot more appealing and useful. So where are the game designers? In fact, as Ms. Orlov pointed out, the terminology – aging – is terrifying; large companies are avoiding it in their messaging and we don’t have good terminology to replace it. Her final note: ‘patients’ are really people, and we should be referring to them that way.

A tip of the hat to Laurie Orlov’s Aging In Place Technology blog and her POV on the Symposium

Tomorrow Patrece Banks speaks on Assistive Technology: Knowledge Gaps – Risk Management Issues & the Medical Device Link

10-29-09 2pm EDT/1pm CDT/12n MDT/11am PDT

AGING & TECHNOLOGY WEB MEETING (open to all)

Topic: Assistive Technology: Knowledge Gaps – Risk Management Issues & the Medical Device Link by Patrece Banks

Meet us here: www.dimdim.com
Click Join Meeting
Meeting Room:grandcare
(Optional Dial-in)

AGENDA:
1. Announcements

2. Highlighted Caller – each week we will highlight one caller to give a brief introduction

3. Topic: Assistive Technology: Knowledge Gaps – Risk Management Issues & the Medical Device Link

Patrece Banks has spent the last 5 years researching falls, mobility issues relating to medical devices and assistive technology devices. Mobility is key to independence and devices play a major role yet little is understood when it comes to intended use, safety, risk management and paying for it. The correlation between assistive technology and medical devices is not understood although medical devices are coming to the forefront in areas of safety, efficacy and intended use.

In 2008 Patrece Banks was recognized as one of the most innovative product designers for Outta Bed®. She is the Aging-In-Place Columnist for Baby Boomer Knowledge Center and a participant in the FDA Hospital Bed Safety Workgroup. Patrece is a consultant, innovator, speaker and writer focusing on Seniors/Boomers, risk management, and Aging-In-Place issues.

4. Next week: Susan Ayers Walker from Smart Silvers speaks. Susan writes for consumers about technology and aging — her work can be seen on AARP.ORG, Silvers Sunmmit , Caring.com and various other sources

This weekly Industry meeting was designed to increase exposure within this 20 billion dollar aging and technology industry. This webinar is free & open to all. About your host: GrandCare Systems is a complete communication, cognition and wellness technology allowing individuals to remain independent, safe & healthy at home. For more information visit: www.grandcare.com. GrandCare is now accepting dealers. To find out more about our dealer program, contact gcsales@homecontrols.com

Hope to catch you on the call tomorrow!

Laura Mitchell
GrandCare Systems
www.grandcare.com
dealers@grandcare.com

Upcoming Aging/Tech Webinar Topics – Mark your Calendar!!

NEW!!!!!! Starting April 1st, 2011 – we will be meeting only twice a month for these webinars.  We will meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month!!!

Where: http://grandcaresystems.webex.com Note: If this is your first time using Webex, please note you may have to install an updated version of Java and an Active X PlugIn. We advise logging into the webinar early your first time to ensure ample time to configure your audio and get a feel for the new service. Thank you!  If you are not already on our mailing list – sign up here

When: the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 2pm Eastern Time / 1pm Central / 12n Mountain / 11a Pacific

There is a dial-in number for those who cannot join the webinar (emailed to the participants before the webinar). To sign up for our Aging/Tech Webinar Mailings, email us (info @ grandcare.com)

All are welcome to join us! Calls created & hosted by GrandCare Systems (since 2008).  Sponsored by various industry participants

These calls are possible because of our industry sponsors! Sponsor a webinar for only $50 and get your info and logo sent out to over 1500 mailing participants and receive 3-5 minutes on the webinar to promote your product/services. To sponsor: sign up here

Scheduled Topics (to get on the schedule, contact info(at)grandcare.com)

4-21-11 TOPIC: Cindy Keith, Certified Dementia Practitioner from www.mindinmemorycare.com and author of “Love, Laughter, & Mayhem –

Caregiver Survival Manual For Living With a Person With Dementia” speaks.

5-5-11 Pricing Your Technology Solution: The MILLION Dollar Question. Panelists, Laurie Orlov, Charlie Hillman discuss what you should and shouldn’t do when pricing your technology to customers.

5-19-11 Beating Gravity: Avoiding Falls with Elders: Dr. Rein Tideiksaar speaks.

6-2-11 TOPIC OPEN

6-16-11 TOPIC OPEN

7-7-11 John Boden from Elder Issues speaks

7-21-11 TOPIC OPEN

ABOUT YOUR HOST:   Laura Mitchell, VP of Marketing for GrandCare Systems, started these calls in April of 2008 to educate dealers, network with other vendors,  promote awareness & share good information.  GrandCare is a communication, cognition, socialization and remote wellness/Activity of Daily Living monitoring system that helps individuals remain  independent, healthy, happy, mentally sharp & connected to family- no matter where they choose to live.  Age Responsibly with GrandCare Systems. www.grandcare.com  To become a GrandCare Dealer, contact us dealers(at)grandcare.com

Previous Topics

2011

1-6-11 TOPIC: LIVE FROM

1-13-11 TOPIC: Arthur R. Kupperman from My Senior Portal speaks

1-20-11 TOPIC: Jane Regan speaks on Aging Gracefully: Designing Baths with style and safety for your future.

1-27-11 TOPIC: Stacey Pierce from The Oaks speaks

2-3-11 TOPIC: Lori Bitter from Continuum Crew speaks Targeting the NEW Mature Customer

2-10-11 TOPIC: Jerry Biese from Genworth Life Insurance Company speaks

2-17-11 TOPIC: Industry Roundtable (first time on WebEx)

2-24-11 TOPIC: From a Pharmacist’s Perspective: Understanding and Improving Medication Adherence. Julie Fulmer-Mason from MedFolio speaks, sponsored by MedFolio

3-3-11 TOPIC: Living in Assisted Living at 42. Steve Gurney from Guide to Retirement Living Sourcebook speaks. This webinar is sponsored by Guide to Retirement Living Sourcebook

3-10-11 TOPIC: Richard Anthony from GRAND Media speaks

3-17-11 TOPIC: LIVE FROM EHX!

3-24-11 TOPIC: Mark Shea from North Cascade Right at Home speaks, “Home Care in the 21st Century”, sponsored by Home Controls

3-31-11 TOPIC: Cathy Majkowski from Home Instead Senior Care speaks, sponsored by Presto

4-7-11 TOPIC: 10 Ways to Break Into the Home Health Industry & Dealer-to-Dealer Panel  – – Laura Mitchell, Peter Radsliff, Bob Levy & Tom Morgan speak, sponsored by CEDIA

2010

1-7-10 LIVE FROM CES

1-14-10 Jack York CEO of It’s Never too Late, Speaks on Social Connectivity & Brain Stimulation

1-21-10 Julie Sipchen of the National Alzheimer’s Association speaks on the educational component on dementia as well as talk about the new Comfort Zone program.

1-28-10 Mike Dempsey of Independence Labs speaks on Fall Detection (Fall Sensors)

2-4-10 Terry Campbell, Atty at Law speaks on ElderCare and the natural synergy between Elder Law & Tech Providers 2-11-10 Terry Lynch author of “But I don’t Want ElderCare” speaks.. So You Don’t Want “Eldercare”? − Beware These Aging Myths!

2-18-10 Dan Dunlop CEO of Jennings speaks on Social Marketing & Media in the HealthCare Industry

2-25-10 Carolyn Sithong, an Occupational Therapist from Home for Life Design, will share an OT’s view on Aging-in-Place (AIP)

3-4-10 Patricia Grace, founder of Aging with Grace speaks

3-11-10 CloseBy Network speaks on monitoring technologies

3-18-10 SENIOR CYBORG: The Rise of the Machines. Charlie Hillman from GrandCare Systems speaks

3-25-10 LIVE FROM the Electronic House Expo (Orlando) Home Health technology pavilion

4-1-10 Neil Grabowski, CEO of Celery speaks on the value of customer service

4-8-10 Martin Diano, founder of Boomer Authority speaks on social media

4-15-10 Peter Radsliff (Presto) and Laura Mitchell (GrandCare Systems) present on HOW to dive into this 20 billion dollar aging & technology industry.  (A reprise from EHX 2010)

4-22-10 AgeTek Alliance Informational Member Session! Find out what this new alliance is all about and how YOU can join the vision!

4-29-10 Monica Anderson (formerly of Dakim), speaks on the importance of mental fitness

5-6-10 Patrece Banks, Invisible Caregiver, speaks on the medical device/assistive tech device issue

5-13-10 John Boden, ElderIssues, speaks on the Last Inch of Caregiver Data Transmission

5-20-10 Michele Ahlman, President of ClearSounds Communications, Inc. speaks on hearing/vision loss detection and methods for communication

5-27-10 Steve Abate, VRI, speaks on Telehealth and home safety for seniors.

6-3-10 Sponsored by PRESTO!  TOPIC:  The importance of social media and marketing to the Boomer Woman (Stephen Reily, VibrantNation.com, speaks)

6-10-10 Sponsored by Home Controls TOPIC: Roundtable discussion on the varied approach and process  of selling  to the aging population

6-17-10 Sponsored by FineThanx

co-sponsored by Celery & Clearsounds Communications

TOPIC: Dale Carter, Transition Aging Parents, speaks on “Elder Abuse” – Why you NEED to hear this

6-24-10 Sponsored by FineThanx

co-sponsored by Halo Monitoring and The Aging & Technology Alliance (AgeTek)

TOPIC: Maria Tadd, author of “Happiness Is Growing Old at Home”, speaks on various high-tech devices that will help seniors at home as well as in facilities

7-1-10 Sponsored by Home Controls

co-sponsored by Harper Technology Group & The Aging and Technology Alliance (AgeTek)

TOPIC: Debra Young, EmpowerAbility, CAPS and LIVEABLE DESIGN

7-8-10 Sponsored by Celery

co-sponsored by AARP Orlando@50+, Home Controls.

TOPIC: Lori Bitter, Continuum Care Crew,  Learn the misconception about how mature couples make their purchase decisions and why it is all about functionality, not features, that lead to adoption and a consumer devoted to your product.

7-15-10 Sponsored by Home Controls

co-sponsored by Celery & ClearSounds

TOPIC: Tessa Ten Tuscher, CEO of Living Well at Home speaks on The Assisted Living at Home Model of Care

7-22-10 Sponsored by Presto!

co-sponsored by ClearSounds & AgeTek

TOPIC: Shana Duthie, CEO of Nurture Connect, speaks on customer sales & service. You only have one chance to make a first impression

7-29-10 TOPIC:Rita Kobb, MN, APRN-BC,  VHA Telehealth Services speaks on care coordination and home telehealth in VHA Sponsored by Dr. Gene Loeb Aronin, co-sponsored by ClearSounds

8-5-10 TOPIC:Aging & Technology RoundTable: A Brainstorming Session, Sponsored by Worthington, co-sponsored by Presto!and GrandCare Systems

8-12-10 TOPIC: Mark Stowers, Comfort Keepers, discusses the circle of life & why home-based care providers and technology have synergy Sponsored by Ho’okele, co-sponsored by GrandCare Systems

8-19-10 TOPIC: Laurie Orlov, Aging in Place Technology Watch speaks on Caregiving Technology — What’s New? Sponsored by Added Care Services co-sponsored by Celery & Home Controls.

8-26-10 TOPIC: Social Media 2.0 – Peter from Presto explains, Sponsored by Presto! co-sponsored by Home Controls

9-2-10 TOPIC: Technology & Aging: The Value Proposition Ken Kerr speaks Sponsored by Home Controls

9-9-10 TOPIC:Building a New Aging Continuum – Art Carr speaks, Sponsored by Dakim

9-16-10 TOPIC: State-Level Aging Services Technology Provider And Policy Initiatives, Scott Peifer (CAST) Speaks Sponsored by Worthington Distribution

9-23-10 Sponsored by Home Controls TOPIC: LIVE FROM CEDIA!!

9-30-10 Sponsored by Presto! TOPIC: Aging in Place, Louis Tenenbaum speaks

10-7-10 TOPIC: Holistic Approach to Aging in Place, Charlie Hillman from GrandCare speaks

10-14-10 TOPIC: Videocalling for Seniors by Serge Kogan, g2gConnect

10-21-10 TOPIC: Dr. Barbara Harper from Harper Technology Group speaks on “GrandCare Systems and a Framework for Generational Understanding”

10-28-10 TOPIC: Liddy Manson from BeClose Speaks -Solving the Conundrum of Aging in Place Safely              11-11-10 TOPIC: Mary Furlong speaks on New revenue streams for your aging in place business Sponsored by Dr Marion E-Learning for Caregivers

12-2-10 TOPIC: Susan Ayers Walker discusses the Silver Tsunami & how your company can benefit

11-25-10 NO CALL! Happy Thanksgiving!!

11-18-10 TOPIC: Julie Jacobson, Editor of CE PRO speaks

12-9-10 TOPIC: Laurie Orlov speaks on 10 tips for launching a new product or service. http://www.ageinplacetech.com/blog/ten-tips-launching-new-product-or-service

12-16-10 TOPIC: Shana Duthie from Nuture Connect shares: Direct Sales – Why it works.

2009

10-29-09 Patrece Banks of Invisible Caregiver speaks on Assistive Technology, the knowledge gaps, risk management issues & medical devices

11-5-09 Susan Ayers Walker of Smart Silvers Alliance: The Silver Summit and trends in the aging market

11-12-09 Serge Kogan speaks“Who sells what to whom in the remote patient-monitoring market”

11-19-09 Peter Radsliff, founder of Presto

12-3-09 Barbara Friesner, AgeWise Living

12-10-09 Roundtable Sales Discussion

12-17-09 Carol Marak: Strategic Online Marketing

This Thursday’s call Topic – Marketing to Seniors & Caregivers using the Internet

ALL ARE WELCOME!!!

This Thursday’s Aging & Tech Web Meeting

Topic: Using the Internet as a marketing tool to boomers and their aging parents by Carol Marak (Carebuzz)

When: Thursday 10-22-09 2p Eastern/1pm Central/12n Mountain/11a Pacific

Where: Meeting Site: www.dimdim.com room: grandcare  (Optional Dial-in Number Listed on Webinar)

1. Introduction & Announcements
– Electronic House Expo: Home Health Technology Pavilion.  Dealer and Technology vendor opportunities.
– Upcoming Authorized GrandCare Dealer Webinar.

2.Carol Marak, founder of CareBuzz, offers her perspective: reaching adult children, the caregivers and decision makers, of aging parents through the Internet.  CareBuzz delivers relevant content on healthy aging news and trends via blogs that connect family & friends of seniors to local resources. http://carebuzz.com/

3. Next week’s topic: Patrece Banks (Assistive Technology): Knowledge gaps, Risk Management Issues & The Medical Device Link.

4. Wrap-Up

This call is brought to you by in-home technology, GrandCare Systems: www.grandcare.com. These calls were designed to bring about a group of visionary individuals to learn from each other, network and grow! These calls are open to anyone and everyone at no charge. If you are interested in speaking, or have a topic suggestion, please reply to: info@grandcare.com

_________________
Laura H. Mitchell (your host)
GrandCare Systems
www.grandcare.com

Emotional Networking – Telecare Aware

An Article from Telecare Aware – Donna Cusano

Now ’emotional networking’

“Another debut at Health 2.0, currently in ‘stealth mode’ (their terminology), is Emota.net.  Their device, a touch screen monitor, is designed to keep seniors in touch with families with a picture-frame like monitor touch screen and messaging.  The interface with caregivers and families is through an iPhone app, web widget or (for professionals) dashboard.  Their claim is that ’emotional networking’ is a new concept, but it is already part of at least one remote monitoring service, GrandCare.  Promised is integration with telecare remote monitoring, telehealth applications and PHRs…” – Donna Cusano – Telecare Aware

Hey Donna, Thanks for writing! As individuals age, we tend to mostly focus on the immediate physical needs. ADLs, Chronic Disease Mgmt, etc.Emota is so right to also focus on the emotional well-being of the seniors.

Socialization, Brain Fitness, Connectedness is so important to overall wellness – Happiness!

Why shouldn’t seniors be able to benefit from the current technology that is out there and available? Grandchildren can now communicate with Grandma the same way they do with their other contacts – virtually. The best part of these new technologies – Grandma doesn’t have to know ANYTHING about technology to benefit from it!

Thanks for posting!

Laura Mitchell
GrandCare Systems
www.grandcare.com

This Thursday’s Aging & Tech Web Meeting: Canopy Mktg by Donna Cusano, Telecare Aware

This Thursday’s Aging & Tech Web Meeting
Topic: Canopy Marketing–Getting Down to the Roots (Marketing technology directly to your community)

Thursday 10-15-09 2p Eastern/1pm Central/12n Mountain/11a Pacific

Meeting Site: www.dimdim.com room: grandcare

1. Introduction & Announcements

2. Call Topic: Canopy Marketing–Getting Down to the Roots
– How every marketing plan has several different layers in the “canopy” with different functions
– How utilizing multiple channels pays off in customers
Our market, where a technology like GrandCare is positioned, and its inherent contradiction
– What you can do that doesn’t take a fortune in marketing spend
– Open forum

3. Next week’s Topic: Carol Marak, CareBuzz offers her perspective: reaching adult children, the caregivers and decision makers, of aging parents through the Internet

4. Wrap-Up

This call is brought to you by in-home technology, GrandCare Systems: www.grandcare.com. These calls were designed to bring about a group of visionary individuals to learn from each other, network and grow! These calls are open to anyone and everyone at no charge. If you are interested in speaking, or have a topic suggestion, please reply to: info@grandcare.com

TODAY 2pm Eastern Time – Educational Web Meeting – Marketing Tips & Tricks (on the cheap)

Everyone is welcome to join in – open to anyone!!! 🙂

10-08-09 Topic, 2pm EDT: From Dimes to Dollars: Marketing & Sales tools

go to http://www.facebook.com/l/8043a;www.dimdim.com meeting room: grandcare

1. Call Introduction & Announcements
2. TOPIC: Marketing on the Cheap
Laura Mitchell from GrandCare Systems presents a low cost way to get your brand and technology OUT THERE without spending the big bucks.

Laura Mitchell, Business Relationship Specialist, has been with GrandCare Systems since January 2005. Her responsibilities include sales, marketing, PR and business relationships (including dealers). Mitchell created & hosts these weekly aging & technology conference calls.
Laura graduated from University of
Wisconsin-Madison and lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two small children.

3. Question/Answer Session

This call is brought to you by smart in-home wellness technology, GrandCare Systems:
http://www.facebook.com/l/8043a;www.grandcare.com The intent of this conference call is to gather a group of visionary individuals, increase awareness of this industry, learn, grow and to network. These calls are open to anyone and everyone FOR FREE!

Laura Mitchell
GrandCare Systems

GC Website: http://www.facebook.com/l/8043a;www.grandcare.com
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Boomer Authority: GrandCare
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Promo Videos
http://www.facebook.com/l/8043a;www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw8Nql-FHrw