US hearing witnesses at table

Why are we waiting for the fall? GrandCare CEO testifies for US Senate Hearing

GrandCare CEO Laura Mitchell testified before the US Senate Special Committee on Aging May 20, 2026 as an expert witness on aging and technology. Mitchell argued that healthcare should move from reacting after a fall to preventing falls before they happen. Her central quote: “Why are we still waiting for the fall? Why should technology activate only after something goes wrong?”

Technology for Senior Safety & Remote Disability Support – GrandCare CEO Laura Mitchell

Key points about Laura Mitchell and her testimony:

  • Mitchell positioned technology as a proactive and preventative tool rather than just emergency response or crisis management monitoring. 
  • Mitchell highlighted broadband and internet access as one of the biggest barriers to scaling remote supports and fall-prevention technology, especially in rural communities:
     “You need Internet for it to function.”
  • GrandCare Systems advocated for broader Medicare reimbursement for remote monitoring and assistive technologies. Mitchell noted Medicaid currently reimburses these technologies more readily than Medicare, calling the disparity problematic.
  • Her testimony aligned with bipartisan concern over the massive financial and human cost of falls among older adults:
    • More than 14 million older Americans fall each year
    • Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death for adults over 65
    • Nonfatal fall-related medical costs reached roughly $80 billion in 2020
  • Senator Rick Scott was receptive to innovation-based reimbursement models and even offered to help GrandCare and the other witnesses to facilitate a CMS pilot proposal related to fall prevention technology.

Witnesses also included Christine Didion, MSW, Director of Programs, Area Agency on Aging Pasco-Pinellas; and Martha Petteys, Director of Grant Management and Health Strategies, Alliance of New York State YMCAs; and Senator Angus King. Senate committee members included Chairman Rick Scott (R-Florida), Ranking Member, Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), Senator Andy Kim, Senator Jim Justice.

Watch the full hearing: U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging website.

Since 2005, GrandCare’s touchscreen and sensor-based technology has supported older adults and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the country to live more independently, while helping providers address workforce shortages and extend remote supports more efficiently. Clients can support themselves with prompts, medication reminders, tasks and one touch video chat. GrandCare alerts remote staff or family if something requires attention such as no motion, missed medications or if vitals are out of range.

Read more GrandCare in the News about the US Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing from May 20, 2026.

CCLN 2026 GrandCare booth recap

GrandCare Showcases Remote Supports Technology in California at CCLN Annual Leadership Conference

A Recap of the 2026 California Community Living Network (CCLN) Annual Leadership Conference

The 2026 CCLN Annual Leadership Conference, themed “This is not a drill: React-Respond-Recover (repeat),” brought together leaders and innovators in the community living sector. As an exhibitor at the event, GrandCare participated in various networking events, including our “Mix n Mingle” meet-up. We appreciate everyone who stopped by and chatted with us.

Key highlights from the conference included discussions on:

  • Remote support models that promote independence
  • State reimbursements in California
  • Implementation of remote supports and assistive technology

Announcing Our GrandCare Winner

Congratulations to our winner, Sara McKinney of Arc-Taft. They will be receiving a 90 day trial of GrandCare.

GrandCare’s Remote Monitoring and Remote Supports Technology

For over two decades, GrandCare has led the way in remote monitoring and connected care for individuals with disabilities and older adults. At GrandCare, we work with our partners to leverage sensor and touchscreen-based assistive technology solutions to promote client independence and support hybrid traditional and internal remote support models.

GrandCare provides a holistic, emotional and skill-building solution that takes remote supports one step further. While GrandCare touchscreens integrate with sensors such motion sensors, cameras, and health devices, we venture deeper to cater to the individual directly and promote on-going learning and true person-centered care.

GrandCare Systems’ Reimbursement Success in California

GrandCare Systems’ remote support and technology platform is now eligible for reimbursement within the state of California through the Alta California Regional Center. This crucial access to funding is provided under service code 051.

This designation allows individuals and families to leverage GrandCare’s comprehensive suite of connected technology solutions, which are designed to enhance independence, promote safety, and improve the overall quality of life for users in their homes.

GrandCare On the Move

Want to know where we’ll be next? Check out our events calendar.

Senate Special Committee on Aging

GrandCare CEO Laura Mitchell Invited as Expert Witness Before U.S. Senate Aging Committee

GrandCare’s CEO, Laura Mitchell, will be testifying before the US Senate Special Committee on Aging May 20, 2026, as an expert witness on aging and technology. She will be promoting the use of proactive, predictive and preventative technology to help older adults remain safer, more connected, and more independent at home.

This hearing will examine the public health and financial crisis posed by falls among older Americans, evaluate the role of emerging technology in prevention and early intervention, review evidence-based programs and clinical best practices, and build the legislative record in support of models like CMMI’s LEAD program. The Committee will explore how Congress, federal agencies, and the private sector can work together to reduce fall rates, cut unnecessary Medicare spending, and help seniors live safely and independently at home.

Focus:

  • The role of technology making a difference for the aging community and caregivers within safety and early interventions.
  • How proactive in-home technologies can identify changes in behavior or activity patterns that may indicate increased fall risk.
  • How technology allows caregivers to monitor safety without disrupting daily independence at home.
  • Key obstacles around access to, and funding for, the technology being used.

Laura Mitchell, a co-founder and current CEO of GrandCare Systems, will emphasize the power of data-driven information and encourage earlier intervention utilizing reminders, accessible housing and sensor-based technology to support an individual before a crisis occurs and ensure greater fall and risk prevention.

“Falls are just a symptom, a result of greater underlying issues,” said GrandCare CEO, Laura Mitchell. “So why wait for the fall? There are available and affordable assistive technologies that can help us identify factors and red flag symptoms to protect and empower our aging population.”

Since 2005, GrandCare’s touchscreen and sensor-based technology has supported older adults and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the country to live more independently, while helping providers address workforce shortages and extend remote supports more efficiently. Clients can support themselves with prompts, medication reminders, tasks and one touch video chat. GrandCare alerts remote staff or family if something requires attention such as no motion, missed medications or if vitals are out of range.

Watch here: https://www.aging.senate.gov/hearings/preventing-falls-preserving-independence-technology-community-programs-and-innovation-in-senior-safety

Preventing Falls, Preserving Independence: Technology, Community Programs, and Innovation in Senior Safety

May 20, 2026
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Hart Senate Office Building
Room 216

Remote Supports in Action: How RMS Enhances Independent Living

Remote supports technologies often prioritize safety and security, such as using sensors to detect overnight motion and alert a Remote Support Professional (RSP). While this function is essential, limiting remote supports to security alone overlooks their full potential to enhance independence, connection, and overall quality of life for people with disabilities.

It is clearly essential in moments of distress. But what if all they need is to tell someone about their fantastic day? What if someone wants to learn how to make spaghetti? What if someone just wants to check in and say hello? What if they just want to watch some funny dog videos?

While there are many remote support technologies available, RMS has embraced a platform that enhances people’s lives on every level. This helps people live on their own terms through the use of modern technology to empower independent living and to provide remote support to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Tools like GrandCare provide a less intrusive form of assistance which is available 24/7 while maintaining safety and independence.

Watch the video now:

Interested in how remote supports technology can enhance independence and daily life? Learn how GrandCare helps providers deliver flexible, person-centered remote supports.