GrandCare Systems – NEW VIDEO shows how to STAY independent, connected & at home!

Welcome to the latest in-home remote monitoring and social technology, GrandCare Systems. GrandCare borrows aspects from traditional security system sensors, standard health devices, digital photo frame technology and social networking tools to provide the ultirmate in-home experience for a senior desiring to stay home! Caregivers can have “peace of mind” knowing they will receive automated phone, email or text message alerts if anything is wrong (eg: the front door opens during the night, a loved one got out of bed, but didn’t return, meds were not accessed, a caregiver did not arrive, etc)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h3qL5t-sec


GrandCare System makes LIVING independently feasible and FUN for aging loved ones

Occupational Therapists, CAPS & LIVEABLE DESIGN, Thurs 2p EDT Aging/Tech Topic

Greetings Aging & Technology Enthusiast!
Please join us Thursday July 1, 2 EDT (11am PDT) for our weekly aging & technology forum!
Topic:“The role of Occupational Therapy with Aging in Place and Environmental Modifications”, Debra Young from Empowerability LLC speaks.

This Thursday’s topic has been sponsored by Home Controls: Home Controls, Inc. provides distribution and dealer support for home automation and independent living technology products and systems.
Announcements have been sponsored by Harper Technology Group with a Question/Answer Session sponsored by The Aging & Technology Alliance (AgeTek.org)

Thursday July 1, 2010
TIME: 2pm EDT (11am PDT)
URL: http://my.dimdim.com/grandcare

Home Controls Launches New Division to Meet Demand for Affordable and Easy-to-use Aging in Place Solutions


Home Controls Launches New Division to Meet Demand for Affordable and Easy-to-use Aging in Place Solutions
Home Controls, Inc., an award-winning company that has offered innovative products and services for the home automation industry since 1989, today announced that it has launched Caregiver Systems (www.caregiversystems.com), a new division committed to providing high quality, fully automated communication and wellness reporting solutions for seniors and those living with disabilities. Caregiver Systems was founded to provide a unique and innovative system that allows seniors to “age in place” while providing peace of mind for their families. Caregiver Systems by Home Controls combines knowledge and expertise in home automation solutions with an affordable, fully installed, interactive and easy-to-use system that provides 24/7 wellness reporting, activities of daily living and communications.

According to a June 2009 report from the AARP Policy Institute, the population 65 or older is projected to grow by 89 percent between 2007 and 2030, more than four times faster than the population overall. This aging population will skyrocket by another 118 percent between the years 2030 and 2050 as Baby Boomers reach 85. There are approximately 44.4 million caregivers in the U.S., who are struggling to care for their aging loved ones because of the astronomical costs of assisted living and full-time nursing care.

“With the huge growth of the senior population, we saw a definite need and market opportunity for an easy-to-use, automated solution that allows people to stay in their own homes with increased peace of mind. Most people don’t realize that affordable home technology that works hand-in-hand with human interaction to delay or avoid the need for assisted living is available,” said Home Controls President Ken Kerr. “We believe our new division offers one of the most innovative and comprehensive solutions available, combining wellness reporting, communication and cognitive tools into a single system. Care facilities also benefit by reducing administrative work and increasing value to residents and their families.”

Leveraging its 20-year history in home automation and the unique technology developed by GrandCare Systems (www.grandcare.com), Caregiver Systems by Home Controls is able to offer its customers the most advanced, feature-packed aging in place technology available today. It combines aspects of home automation, online communications, wellness reporting, activities of daily living alerts and cognitive tools into one easy-to-use, affordable package that pays for itself in the first 30 to 90 days of use. Caregiver Systems’ partners provide installation services and a thorough, personalized orientation on how to use the simple touch screen system.

Caregiver Systems – Complete, Simple, Effective

Caregiver Systems does not require separate systems for seniors and caregivers. The system consists of one touch screen monitor and wireless “wellness sensors” placed throughout the senior’s home. The wellness sensors monitor and collect data on important health indicators, including blood pressure, glucose levels, weight, activity and motion, sending wellness reports directly to a secure Web page accessed by the caregiver or family member.

Caregiver Systems is also a complete communication system. Relatives, friends and caregivers simply go online to send messages, reminders and pictures right to the touch screen. The senior needs no computer experience to receive full benefit from Caregiver Systems.

The Caregiver Systems solution includes:

– A central unit consisting of a sturdy touch screen monitor that connects to any full-time Internet connection

– “Wellness sensors” which are discreetly placed around the residence to report activity and wellness to the system

– One touch access to cognitive games, family pictures, appointment reminders and messages

– Complete system installation and family orientation

– Full monthly support of non-emergency functions, health and activity monitoring/reporting

– Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) for 24/7 EMT monitoring and response (optional)

“The beauty of Caregiver Systems is its simplicity. It provides all of the features you’d expect for a top of the line aging in place solution, yet it’s affordable; paying for itself in about three months,” said Cheryl Kerr, division manager of Caregiver Systems. “We deliberately made the price competitive in order to reach millions of seniors and disabled individuals that want to stay independent in their own homes, and to also help millions of caregivers who are making the ultimate sacrifice for their loved ones.”

Caregiver Systems is available for installation, anywhere in the U.S., now. To receive more information on the affordable aging in place alternative from Caregiver Systems, please call 1-858-693-5545 or go to: www.caregiversystems.com.

About Caregiver Systems

Caregiver Systems, a division of Home Controls Inc., offers an affordable, fully installed, easy-to-use wireless communication, activity and wellness reporting system that enables seniors to age in place with increased safety, security and dignity while providing caregivers and family members with peace of mind. Care facilities also benefit by using this solution to enhance their services, improve communication and increase patient interaction.

For more information on how you or your loved one can age in place safely and securely please call 1-858-693-5545 or go to www.caregiversystems.com.

Author Information

Lori Scribner
Caregiver Systems by Home Controls

Home Automation Remodeling Basics For Consumers


Home Automation Remodeling Basics For Consumers by Art Dunn

If you are considering remodeling your home, you should consider installing a home automation system. Home automation installations create less dust, noise, or inconvenience than most other upgrades to your home. It also offers benefits that help defray the cost of the improvement by reducing consumption of resources by your home. Below I discuss the basics of automation and working with a consultant to design your system.

The home without an automation system will meet your needs, but only if you are attentive to them yourself. The alarm system you forget to arm before leaving will not be armed when you return home. The thermostat will continue to keep your home comfortable, even if nobody is home to enjoy it. The lights your teenagers have only learned to turn on will remain on unless you turn them off yourself. This can be costly if a burglar or utility bill arrives.

For your home to serve you, it must be capable of controlling its various systems automatically, based on various conditions and events. Your home should behave differently when you are away for work than it should when you are away for a vacation. Your home should tell you when there are problems that require your attention, or notify you of events that concern you, such as the door to your private office opening. It should help you avoid wasting resources, and should offer you comfort when you are home.

Not all automation systems are the same, because they do not all use multiple types of automation. There are several types of automation: scheduled, event based, or conditional. Some systems operate by a rigid schedule only; an irrigation controller is an example of this- on and off based only on the time of day. Some systems are event based; an automatic garage door opener is an example. The event is you pushing the button or using the remote, causing it to open or close automatically. A thermostat is an example of conditional automation. While the temperature changes, multiple conditions exist before the thermostat turns anything on. If the temperature is higher than the thermostat is set for, and the heat/off/cool switch is in the cool position, then it will turn the air conditioner on. If only one of these two conditions exist, the air conditioner would remain off.

Automation systems can use schedules, conditions, or events as inputs. Essentially, an automation system is a computer, and its programs are simple if-then statements. If button one is pushed, then turn on light three. These programs can have conditional statements to modify the simple if-then statement. If button one and button two are pushed, then turn on light three. Some automation systems can integrate multiple independent systems. When integrated, the security system can control the thermostat and the lights, and vice versa; the automation system acts as a bridge between the various systems.

This may seem (and can be) tedious, but what it means is that your home can now react to you and a changing environment. It also means that the reaction of the home is adjustable by simply changing the program statements in the automation system. This means that your home will not only serve you, but it will serve you differently as your needs change. If are injured or ill, or as you age, your home’s software can be changed to accommodate your different needs. Perhaps a new position at work requires travel; your home can simulate occupancy, reduce energy consumption, and prepare the home for your return.

The primary step would be to work with a consultant to design your system. You need someone who is familiar with the various systems, technologies, and solutions. You should have a realistic budget in mind, and you should be comfortable sharing this budget with your consultant before up front. Your consultant should begin by asking you questions, learning about you, your habits, what your daily routine is, and how you use your home. You might wonder what this has to do with making your lights work, but your system should be custom designed for you. If your consultant does not ask you these questions, what kind of design will you get if all your consultant asks is your billing address? You should avoid the temptation to look through the parts list and start eliminating parts based on their price. If the design exceeds your budget, a good consultant will work with you to trim costs by removing features, not equipment based on price tags. Your consultant should also be able to advise you might items you might want to add later, when your budget permits.

When your system is installed, you probably will not have a complete understanding of how your system will work. The initial programming will reflect your anticipated activities based on your consultant’s questions about your normal activities. You should make notes of quirks or changes you would like to make; your installer should follow up with you after you have had about a month to explore your system. Software changes usually do not require a site visit, and your contract should cover software adjustments for several months after the installation.

To maintain the value you just added to your home, maintain contact with your installation company. Prospective buyers of your home might view an automation system as a drawback if they think they will not be able to alter the system to meet their needs. If your installer offers a service contract, seriously consider accepting it. Your system will have batteries to replace, software to adjust, and upgrades that will become available. Wait until your system is correctly adjusted before offering any referrals to your visitors; this will provide added incentive for your installer to ensure your satisfaction!

About my qualifications: In the late 1980’s, I enlisted in the navy and trained in avionics. My specialty was electronics counter-measures, working on the EA-6B Prowler with VAQ129S. After the navy, I worked as a cable television installer, a burglar alarm installer and service technician, a journeyman and later supervisor in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. I eventually became a contractor myself. I currently hold several licenses with the state of California- Alarm Company Operator, Alarm Company Qualified Manager, B.S.I.S. Firearm License, and I am the qualifier for the C10 License held by NANLOW-DUNN Incorporated. NANLOW-DUNN is a dealer for Home Automation Incorporated, GrandCare Systems, and is a Connect Home Dealer. I have experience in all phases of construction in the electrical, burglar alarm, fire alarm, energy management, and automation fields. I have experience in those fields in commercial, retail, and custom residential projects. I have the ability and licensing to design, install, repair, and troubleshoot the various systems integrated by automation systems. please visit http://www.yourhomeservesyou.com for more information, including how to contact me.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Art_Dunn

This Thursday Aging/Technology Topic, Maria Tadd speaks on Fall Prevention!

Please join us this Thursday at 2pm EDT (1p CDT/12n MDT/ 11am PDT) for our weekly aging & technology networking forum!
Topic:
Fall Prevention and Detection. Environmental issues, medical issues, medications that can contribute to falls, the importance of vitamin D, exercises proven to clinically to improve balance and muscle strength and reduce the incidence of falls as well as the importance of 21st century technologies.

This call has been sponsored by FineThanx and the Aging & Technology Alliance.

Speaker Maria Tadd is a freelance medical writer and eldercare author.

Thursday June 24, 2010
TIME: 2pm EDT (11am PDT)
URL: http://my.dimdim.com/grandcare
Optional Dial in listed on webinar

Give Your father a gift of “staying home”

This father’s day why not give the gift that your father/grandfather really wants!!! To stay independent and HOME!

Since 2006, GrandCare Technology has been keeping seniors independent, happy& socially connected.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw8Nql-FHrw&feature=related

JOIN US in 1 hr- 2pm EDT – aging/tech to

JOIN US in 1 hr- 2pm EDT – aging/tech topic: Elder Abuse – why we HAVE to know about this sad reality in our industry. http://wp.me/pyOLA-6h

This Thursday 6-17-10 Elder Abuse – why you NEED to know about this

Greetings Aging & Technology Enthusiast!
Please join us TODAY at 2pm EDT (11am PDT) for our weekly aging & technology forum! Today’s Call has been brought to you by FineThanx: FineThanx is a convenient automated service that places a once or twice daily call to a special someone living independently. (www.finethanx.com) Today’s Announcements have been sponsored by ClearSounds Communications with a Question/Answer Session sponsored by Presto Services.

Why we can’t just sit back and not KNOW about this….

“Elder Abuse, How Can I Help?”

Dale Carter, founder and owner of Transition Aging Parents, will describe why each of us needs to be informed about Elder Abuse. It can happen to any older individual in any socio-economic class and includes more than just physical and financial abuse. Learn about the warning signs and what to do if you suspect someone is being abused

Dale Carter is an eldercare advocate, author and speaker. Her site, Transition Aging Parents, serves as an information clearinghouse in which she brings relevant news to adult children of aging parents with the voice of a loving, caring daughter. Her E-course, “5 Essential Strategies to Help Your Aging Parent Face Change”, guides adult children to more effective communication with their aging parents and families. Dale’s BlogTalkRadio show features authors and experts who share their expertise and passion in helping the elderly and their caregivers. And, her book, “Transitioning Your Aging Parent: A 5 Step Guide Through Crisis & Change, with its new ADAPT framework, has just been published..

http://www.transitionagingparents.com/

Also here are the 2 links from the presentation that Dale would like to share as well.
National Center on Elder Abuse http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/
Elder Justice Now Coalition’s video/survivor stories http://elderjusticenow.org/videos/

WHEN: Thursday June 17, 2010
TIME: 2pm EDT (11am PDT)
URL: http://my.dimdim.com/grandcare

Aging & Technology Topic: Elder Abuse – why we HAVE to know this 6-17-10 2pm EDT

Greetings Aging & Technology Enthusiast!
Please join us tomorrow (Thursday 6-17-10) at 2pm EDT (11am PDT) for our weekly aging & technology forum! Today’s Call has been brought to you by FineThanx: FineThanx is an automated wellness calling service providing twice-daily check-ins for people who live alone, and notifications to a Care Circle of family friends and professionals. Today’s Announcements has been sponsored by ClearSounds Communications with a Question/Answer Session sponsored by Celery.

TOPIC: “Elder Abuse, How Can I Help?”. We are all in the business of being around the aging population. Why we HAVE to be aware of this sad reality.
Dale Carter, founder and owner of Transition Aging Parents, will describe why each of us needs to be informed about Elder Abuse. It can happen to any older individual in any socio-economic class and includes more than just physical and financial abuse. Learn about the warning signs and what to do if you suspect someone is being abused.

Thursday June 17, 2010
TIME: 2pm EDT (11am PDT)
URL: http://my.dimdim.com/grandcare

how in-home caregiver agencies can increase profits

FROM: http://yourhomeservesyou.com/blog/2010/06/11/how-in-home-caregiver-agencies-can-increase-profits/

“Posted by Administrator • 0 comments • Friday, Jun 11, 2010
As a home care agency, you’re probably acutely aware of the increasing needs of our aging population. As demand for your services increases, qualified caregivers will become more difficult to find. Other agencies may offer better compensation, or they will work privately. You need some way to distinguish yourself from other agencies, to offer more value to your clients, and to increase the efficiency of your caregiver employees. Partnering with a GrandCare and home automation companies could provide you all of these things.
There are good reasons you haven’t partnered with any kind of technology companies. You want your customers to spend their money with you, not with somebody else. This would be true if there were only a finite number of customers to be had. In fact, the number of potential customers continues to grow as the population ages. Technology solutions allow you to:
Offer your clients more than your competition.
Care for more clients with the same payroll expenses.
Realize increased profits by offering services that relate directly to the technology.
Reduce liability risks by using technology as an unbiased witness to the quality of your care.
Increase customer retention by allowing your clients to remain in their homes longer than they otherwise could.
Hire and retain better caregivers by offering training, certification and easier record keeping.
Increase the satisfaction of your customers by keeping them connected to family, friends, caregivers, healthcare professionals and the world.
Offer technology that reduces vulnerability to telephone scammers who contact your clients.

use technology to work with healthcare professionals to care for your clients

GrandCare offers the user a simple touch screen interface
Home automation companies can adapt the home to meet the unique and changing needs of your clients in ways that can preserve their independence in a similar fashion to universal design. Automation can cause the lights in the house to flash on and off to notify someone hard of hearing that the doorbell is ringing. Automation can close garage doors if they are forgotten, and won’t forget to turn on security lights in the evening. Automation systems can detect flooding and shut off water if a tub overflows. Automation systems can allow family members or caregivers to verify all the doors and windows are closed from anywhere in the world with an internet or telephone connection.

Tele-wellness systems, such as GrandCare Systems can record wellness readings and verify activity without privacy robbing cameras. One caregiver can rotate from client to client without neglecting others, because programming created for each client’s unique needs will text message, email and call to alert the caregiver to unusual conditions. These could range from wellness measurements outside of normal to not getting out of bed at the usual time. Wellness measurements, caregiver notes, arrival and departure time as recorded by door entries or “clocking in” via the GrandCare System can document caregiver activity as well as client activity such as taking medicine. Calendars for the clients are available to family and caregivers for easy coordination of transportation to doctors or visits with friends. Caregivers can leave notes on the system for other caregivers that are not visible to the client.
Both GrandCare and automation systems can help defend your caregivers against accusations of theft. If valuables are stored in jewelry boxes, dresser drawers or closets, the time and date of them being opened can be recorded for comparison against caregiver activities. If something goes missing from a jewelry box but it wasn’t ever opened when your caregiver is in the home, it could prove innocence without question.
Your benefits and savings depend upon how you and your technology partners learn to benefit each other. They’re used to finding solutions to unique situations and to adapting to their client’s needs.
If you would like to learn more about increasing your profits, contact artdunn@yourhomeservesyou.com. Even if you’re not in the northern California area, there are networks of dealers across the country you would be able to consult with locally.
As always, I’ve promised my blog readers that I’ll completely disclose if I’m writing about a product or service that I or my employer offer. My employer is a GrandCare dealer as well as a dealer for Home Automation Incorporated, an automation system.”

Thanks Your Home Serves You!!!