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.



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