GrandCare featured in Star Tribune article on aging and technology

We wanted to share the recent article by the Minneapolis Star Tribune on how enabling technologies are helping individuals to live independently, safely and happily at home.

GrandCare could not agree more with Andy Carle’s point of view on the acceptance of technology. When technology makes the quality of life better, it is accepted. When it makes life confusing and difficult, it is not. These seniors that we are discussing are the same folks that went from walking to flying and first put a man on the moon. They are not tech-phobic. We simply need to make the interface and user experience pain free and helpful.  At GrandCare, that has been a vision since day one. How can we bridge the generations and connect grandchildren and great grandchildren with their senior family members?  How can we find a middle ground when both generations prefer different methods of communication?

Note: As a clarification in the Star Tribune article, the GrandCare System is not an emergency response system.  Instead, GrandCare relies on a series of activity and telehealth devices to provide an overview of information on a loved one. The caregivers can set parameters to receive specified alert (unusual activity, doesn’t get out of bed, didn’t access medications, etc.). Designated caregivers can also log in to GrandCare’s web portal to add reminders, medication schedules and even video chat directly to the loved one through a simple and intuitive touchscreen appliance in the loved one’s home. Thanks again for shedding light on this emerging and innovative industry.

The new retirement: Technology

  • Article by: PAUL DUNCAN , Star Tribune
  • Updated: August 7, 2013 – 9:48 AM

It’s such a cliché: grandpa fiddling with the buttons on the cellphone he barely knows how to use, grandma struggling to remember how to switch the computer on. But is it true that older people don’t like technology and don’t use it?

The reality, says expert Andrew Carle, is completely different from the perception. Carle, director of the Program in Senior Housing Administration at George Mason University and a consultant on aging issues, coined the term “Nana Technology” for innovations that not only help our aging population, but actually can save their lives.

Carle was in Minnesota in June to give a talk to Aging Services of Minnesota in Brooklyn Center on “Nana Technology: Is There A Robot In Your Future?” This is a summary of his presentation:  

Why technology is important

In two words: Global aging, says Carle. The first of 78 million baby boomers turned 65 on January 1, 2011, and the population aged 85 and older is expected to more than triple from 5.7 million in 2010 to 19 million in 2050. And it’s not an American phenomenon; on the list of countries with the highest percentage of people over 60, the U.S. comes 43rd. The outcome, says Carle, is that global aging will affect us long before global warming. “Individuals who in 1968 thought they would change the world,” Carle says, “by 2028 actually will.” So how will we take care of all these seniors? The answer is: Technology…

Carle highlights these useful and potentially life-saving technologies for seniors…

 

Sandys Screen

GrandCare Systems (grandcare.com): An integrated system that uses sensors around the home to monitor health and wellness, and establishes a baseline of normal activities. Reports emergencies, and allows communication with the senior via an open TV channel or available touch screen unit

 

…

To read the full article: http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/goodlife/218580541.html

Entry One GrandCare Stroke Informational Series powered by RTH Foundation

Welcome to GrandCare’s Stroke Awareness Series featuring information provided by the RTH Stroke Foundation: rthfoundation.org

We will continue our stroke awareness series by showcasing facts, prevention methods and ways that GrandCare digital health technology can mitigate risks associated with stroke

Sandys Screen

Monitor & Control your Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Diabetes & Lifestyle

Use GrandCare technology to automatically track and record your blood pressure, weight, pulse ox and/or gluocse readings AND provide it remotely to a dedicated family member, caregiving or healthcare provider.  

med-set-431

According to the RTH Foundation, taking these simple precautions can help mitigate the risk of potential stroke.  RTH also recommends a healthy diet, regular exercise and adhering to medications described by your doctor.  GrandCare can provide informational tools, provide a socialization resource for family members to check in, and a remote, online medication scheduling and reminder platform.  GrandCare also provides the opportunity for a family member to video chat into the GrandCare System and observe if a loved one may need added support or assistance.

 

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krJZ_ZisnRo#t=131]

What Can You Do About Stroke?  

By RTH Stroke Foundation

“Today stroke is the Number 4 cause of death, and the leading cause of adult disability in the U.S. Each year in this country people suffer 795,000 strokes, 610,000 of which are first strokes. Stroke can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, sex or age.

Strokes, sometimes called “brain attacks,” occur because of a sudden failure of the brain to receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs to thrive. This can happen for either of two reasons: a vessel leading the brain is blocked or a vessel in the brain ruptures.

Here’s the really good news. Experts say that fully 80% of all strokes are preventable.   Eighty per cent! Think about that. If you buy a lottery ticket, your odds of winning the big one are as tiny as 1 in 127 million against you.  But if you control your risk factors, the odds of avoiding a stroke are 8 to 10 in your favor.  So why would you not do that?

Here are some risk factors you can control:

Blood Pressure. If your blood pressure is regularly about 120/80, it’s in great shape.  If it’s regularly above 140/90, you’ve got a problem and should see your doctor to find out what to do about it. Diet, exercise and medication can help,

High Cholesterol.  Every body needs cholesterol, but too much cholesterol in the bloodstream can clog arteries and lead to a stroke or heart attack.  In addition to having an overall cholesterol reading of less that 200, you should have an HDL (good cholesterol) reading above 40, and an LDL (bad cholesterol) reading of less than 100. The best defense is a diet high in grains, fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fat.  In addition, your doctor can prescribe medications that can help lower your cholesterol.

Diabetes. If you’re a Type 2  diabetic keeping your blood glucose level in the low 100’s is essential.  Weight loss alone can accomplish this in many people.  Doctors can also prescribe medication.

Controllable lifestyle factors. Maintain an anti-stroke lifestyle: a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, no smoking, little or no alcohol and using any medication your doctor prescribes.

While there are some risk factors you can’t control — age, gender, race, prior heart attack, and family history of stroke — there is much you can do to switch the odds in your favor.

Diagnosing Stroke on the Spot

Two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, increasing the risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death. If you can recognize the symptoms of stroke and act immediately, you may help to limit the disabilities the person will incur and you may even save that person’s life.

If you are in the presence of someone who is exhibiting symptoms of stroke, use the FAST method to do a layperson’s diagnosis.

Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

Arm. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, such as, “Most grass is green.” Does the speech sound slurred or strange?

Time. If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1 — immediately.

If you want more information about stroke prevention, diagnosis, treatment or support groups, contact the RTH Stroke Foundation in Laguna Hills.   Phone: (888) 794-9466. www.rthfoundation.org  Their sole purpose is to wipe out stroke.  Their seminars, support groups, and screenings are all free.”

The above blog was borrowed with permission from the RTH Stroke Foundation: http://rthfoundation.org/

GrandCare: My In-Home 2nd Brain

The “GrandCare” System Acting as my
“In-Home 2nd Brain” (so to speak…)

med-set-431The GrandCare System continues to be a solid and substantial in-home 2nd brain for me as I continue to work with the folks at the company. I forgot to take my meds the other evening, but was reminded to do so by the system with a text to my phone, etc. Reminders and events, etc are sent to me throughout each day – it is spectacular. More in the coming days and weeks as I (or others in my family or caregivers input more information into my system). Take care!

By Alexander Sandy Halperin, DDS
De-Stigmatizing Alzheimer’s
SandyHalperin@Gmail.com

Sandy Halperin: becoming a butterfly with GrandCare

Sandy Halperin an Alumni Adviser for the Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Group is a true leader in the “War on Alzheimer’s”, as both an advocate and patient. He speaks openly about his daily life, working diligently to shed light on what is like to live with  early-stage Alzheimer’s and to share his concerns on the cultural stigma and/or embarrassment that effects those with cognitive impairments, their friends and their families. His goals are to raise public awareness on Alzheimer’s, aid in raising funding for research and support programs as well as to provide input to external groups on how to provide the best services for people living with early-stage Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments.

Sandys ScreenSandy is currently working with GrandCare Systems on the development of a new memory care package, for their existing home health technology system. GrandCare features an all-in-one touchscreen system, called the HomeBase. The system is placed in the homes of an individuals who need assistance in remaining independent, by providing cognitive assistance, monitoring basic activities, recording wellness data, and serving as a communication platform. Friends, family members and professional caregivers can access the system remotely via any Internet-connected device to add communications, view activity information and set up alerts to notify them if anything seems amiss.

With Sandy’s help the new “Memory Boost”‘ package will provide GrandCare clients with a SUPER memory personal assistant to self enable longer lasting independence and memory assistance.

My “In-Home 2nd Brain” (so to speak…)

Sandy Halperin

Sandy Halperin

The “GrandCare” system and technology was installed in my home a few days ago to dramatically help me with my memory due to my having early-stage Alzheimer’s and it’s associated short and long term memory difficulties.

Already, for me, it has begun to act like my “In-Home 2nd Brain” as mentioned. I will keep you up-to-date in the days and months ahead as I utilize and integrate the system and it’s huge number of benefits/functions into my daily routines.

I mention this as I am being verbal about my having cognitive problems, without stigma — and I am using any and all aids that I can for me to continue to lead as proactive and active life as I can. This is all as I continue to live in the gift of the present with my family and friends…

As I have said before quoting from a Proverb: “Just when the caterpillar thought that his life was over, he became a butterfly”. So metaphorically, as I live this chapter of my life as a butterfly, I believe that the GrandCare System will help me to live it to the fullest.”

GrandCare launches video competition for Grandparents Day Sept 8th!

Charlie and Gaytha Hillman with their seven grandchildren

Charlie and Gaytha Hillman with their seven grandchildren

Attention all you creative kids & teens!

National Grandparents Day is September 8th, 2013.

In celebration of this fantastic holiday, we’re doing something special.  We are hosting a competition for kids around the world to make the best video commercial promoting grandparents!  It can be creative, it can be musical, it can be theatrical, it can be fun!   Get your friends, family and grandparents involved!

Get your creativity on and submit your 30-second-or-shorter video to YouTube for your chance to win!!  The winners with the most views on September 8th, 2013 will receive technology and cash prizes.   Submit once, submit often!!!

All videos must be uploaded to YouTube.  Your video title must begin with the words “GrandCare Systems loves Grandparents contest.”   GrandCare will share your video through our various social media networks. Contestants will want to share their video with all their friends and family, too, because On September 8th, the video with the most views wins.

The first place winner will receive a cool technology prize (tba), will be featured on the GrandCare blog & social media networks, will have their video featured on the GrandCare homepage & will receive additional kudos & general awesomeness!

There will also be prizes for our Second & Third runner-ups (cash, gift cards & technology).

CONTEST Instructions & Rules:

– All videos must begin with the applicant sharing his/her first name and location and stating this is the GrandCare loves Grandparents contest

– Video must be submitted before Sept 8th, 2013 to youtube

– Videos must be submitted with the title “GrandCare loves Grandparents contest”

– Videos with the most views on Sept 8th, 2013 win

–  Videos must at some point include “hey, GrandCare, grandparents are awesome!” This can be spoken, sung or written at any point during the video

– There is no limit to how many videos you may submit

– Videos must be less than one minute in length

– Videos May not contain copyrighted material (songs or media)

 

If you are interested in partnering with GrandCare on this Grandparent promotional effort, please contact us: media@grandcare.com