How will Medicaid cuts affect disability services?

Medicaid provides crucial healthcare and disability services to millions across the country, but this funding is in jeopardy after congress passed large medicaid cuts under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Funding cuts, stricter eligibility rules, and reduced home and community based services are forcing families to seek affordable alternatives. These changes disproportionately impact seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income households, making it even harder to access essential care without facing financial strain. Today we’ll explore how Medicaid cuts are affecting support systems and how cost-effective solutions, like GrandCare, can help bridge the gap.

Medicaid provides coverage to over 85 million Americans, including 10 million people with disabilities, who rely on it for home and community-based services (HCBS). According to the Berkeley School of Public Health, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will cut medicaid spending by over 15% across the country (Dow, 2025). These cuts will come in forms of stricter eligibility requirements, higher out-of-pocket costs, and longer wait times for waiver programs While the true effects of these cuts are still uncertain, many who rely on medicaid for disability services have ample cause for concern.

“Medicaid is more than low-income health insurance. It is frequently the only option for Utahns who need intensive mental health care or long-term services and supports not usually available in the private market.” (Disability Law Center, 2025)

Currently, adults with I/DD are lacking a large amount of independence in their living situations and daily lives. 72% of these adults are living at home with a caregiver (Braddock, 2013) This sinks time and money into hands-on caregivers when many adults could be using GrandCare touchscreen and remote supports technology to be self-supporting in their own homes with more independence and less oversight. These costly services could become increasingly unaffordable as the weight of the medicaid cuts are starting to be felt. An in house aide costs around $7,000 monthly on average, while an assisted living facility costs over $5,000 monthly (UltimateCare, 2025).

How Can GrandCare Bridge the Gap?

Technology is reshaping how we approach care by creating new opportunities for efficiency and independence. GrandCare Systems, the leader in the smart home industry, is making strides by automating daily support, producing innovative systems that reduce in-home staff, increasing independence for adults with I/DD, all while still maintaining quality care.

Firstly, GrandCare has been shown to greatly reduce the required support staff needed to provide adequate care. By being able to automate many of the menial tasks such as taking medications and todo lists, staffing costs can be greatly reduced. A study by Xavier University found that smart home technology, like GrandCare, cut caregiver related expenses by nearly half (Denault, 2021). By automating reminders, monitoring daily activities, and alerting caregivers only when necessary, the system reduces unnecessary in-person check-ins which lowers labor costs. This efficiency allows healthcare providers to give high-quality care with a limited budget. With fewer caregiver hours required, families and healthcare systems alike can allocate resources more effectively, making GrandCare a smart investment for sustainable, long-term care solutions.

Additionally, Grandcare can help reduce unnecessary healthcare spending by improving medication adherence. Medication adherence is defined as the extent to which a person’s behavior such as taking medications, following diets, or changing their lifestyle aligns with their doctor’s recommendations. A lack of medication adherence is a major source of waste in the healthcare industry. Studies show that over 25% of hospitalizations stem from patients not taking medications as prescribed, costing the healthcare system between $100 and $300 billion annually (Kim, 2018). By implementing solutions like the GrandCare System, which reminds users to take their medications and alerts caregivers if doses are missed, we can significantly reduce avoidable hospital visits and the costs associated with it. This proactive approach not only enhances patient outcomes but also helps preserve limited funding by cutting wasteful and unnecessary spending. Investing in GrandCare ensures that limited resources are used efficiently, benefiting both patients and the healthcare system as a whole.

Medication reminder

For adults with I/DD, many struggle with very limited independence. Many adults with I/DD have the potential to live life more independently, they just need the right tools to succeed. Research confirms that the only skills required for independence are mastering safety awareness, self-care, and medication management (Dimitriadou, 2018). With GrandCare’s innovative support system, individuals with I/DD gain the tools to take control of their daily lives. The system provides reminders for medications, prompts for personal care tasks, and instant safety notifications, all while keeping caregivers connected only when needed. This balance of independence and support empowers users to build confidence, reduce reliance on others, and experience more independence. It allows for an increased sense of autonomy while still giving caregivers and family peace of mind.

One striking example of this involves an Ohio man who, in spite of being fairly independent, required an awake support staff in his home every night. This was because he has a sleep-related eating disorder which meant that he would sometimes get up in the middle of the night, sleepwalk into his kitchen and once there eat everything he could get his hands on. It was such a concern for his wellbeing that he required a staff member to be present for the entire overnight shift. The staff person’s only intervention was to approach the man and suggest that he go back to bed.

But now that he has GrandCare technology there is a motion sensor in his kitchen that alerts remote support staff if it sees activity there in the overnight hours. That remote support person can video call directly into the man’s kitchen and suggest that he should probably go back to bed. GrandCare views this as “just in time” support as opposed to “just in case” support. The man now has the dignity and privacy of being alone in his home every night while still getting exactly the right support at exactly the right time. Instead of eight hours of in-person support, he now has sixty seconds of remote support, which is all he really needs.

Another example concerns a man with I/DD who required two hours of in-person support every day to help him navigate his morning routine. But now that he has GrandCare he uses technology to remind himself to do all the tasks that add up to a successful morning. He no longer has in-person support for this.

Conclusion

While upcoming Medicaid cuts and funding uncertainties create concerns for care providers, agencies have an opportunity to take proactive steps today that safeguard both their clients’ wellbeing as well as their organization’s future. By implementing

GrandCare assessments and customizations

GrandCare’s remote support solutions now, providers can future proof their services against budget constraints while delivering better and more independent care.

This innovative approach offers a dual advantage: significant cost savings for organizations through reduced staffing needs, while simultaneously promoting greater independence for clients. The path forward is clear, agencies that adopt these technologies today will be better positioned to:

  • Maintain quality care despite funding cuts
  • Reduce operational costs through automation
  • Empower clients with tools for greater self-sufficiency
  • Future-proof their organization against ongoing uncertainties

Now is the time to act. By investing in remote support solutions, agencies can turn the challenge of Medicaid cuts into an opportunity to deliver more sustainable, empowering care. The result? Happier, more independent clients and more financially stable organizations; regardless of what happens with Medicaid funding. The future of care isn’t about doing less, it’s about working smarter. GrandCare can provide the tools to make that future possible.

Assistive Technology, Remote Supports & GrandCare Goodness at CT Tech Tools for Life 2025

GrandCare is headed to Connecticut for this year’s Tech Tools for Life conference. The conference includes informative panels, breakout sessions, demos, networking, and an exhibit hall.

During Breakout Session 3E, join GrandCare’s Laura Mitchell and ShiftAbility’s Brian Hart for an educational session on setting up technology for self support and remote support.

Tech-infused Smart Living: Setting up Assistive Technology and Remote Supports. Speakers: Laura Mitchell, CEO GrandCare Systems, Brian Hart, CEO ShiftAbility.Providers are facing staffing shortages and high turnover while the number of people requiring support is increasing. The Pew Research center reports up to 1 in 4 Adults face some type of disability in America today. The answer isn’t to recruit harder, it’s to work smarter. And when you’re armed with high-tech, high-touch products, you can! In this session we’ll explore the spectrum of technology options from medication management to fall detection to smart touchscreens and smart stoves. We’ll talk about Smart Tech-enabled Living, a new model of value-based care that is saving organizations real dollars, improving independence and reducing onsite caregiving hours without sacrificing safety. What should you expect? How do you pay for it and when do you start seeing the return on investment?

Tech-infused Smart Living: Setting up Assistive Technology and Remote Supports
Monday, June 9
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Paragon Room (Home 2)

GrandCare will be participating in Tech Tools for Life’s expo. See us at our booth for fun giveaways, and to get your hands on GrandCare technology. GrandCare is a stationary touchscreen appliance that can be placed on a flat surface or mounted on a wall. The system can help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve new levels of independence by dramatically–and safely–reducing in-person support hours. It includes ADL reminders, on-demand videos, activity alerts, HIPAA-compliant video calls, games, community calendars and so much more.

Tech Tools for Life Exhibit Hall Schedule
Monday, June 9 | 11:30-12:00 & 2:00-2:30
Tuesday, June 10 | 11:30-12:00 & 2:00-2:30

Follow the conference on social media: #CTTechTools25.

Can’t attend but want to learn more about remote supports? Schedule a free consultation with GrandCare. We’d love to show you our platform and answer your questions.

GrandCare Systems Partners with Trillium Health Resources to Power New Trillium Ultimate Living Assistant (TULA) Program

GrandCare Systems is excited to announce our partnership with Trillium Health Resources, a North Carolina Tailored Plan and Managed Care Organization.

Trillium Ultimate Living Assistant (TULA) is a statewide award-winning technology program offering personalized enabling devices and remote monitoring and supports to increase independence in community-based settings. The TULA program helps individuals living with disabilities to become more independent through using technology.

“This is a tremendous step forward for individuals living with disabilities as Trillium champions the use of remote supports technology for MCOs,” said GrandCare CEO, Laura Mitchell. “Working together with Trillium helps us reach our mission of improving independence and quality of life to create the least restrictive environment possible.”

GrandCare’s interactive touchscreen and integrated suite of activity and health monitoring sensors will support more proactive, cost-effective, and coordinated care for Trillium members living with serious behavioral health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injury, while enhancing independence and well-being. Trillium is proactively using GrandCare’s assistive technology for their direct care population as well as supported providers.

Several GrandCare touchscreens loading for TULAReferred Trillium members receive personalized touchscreens and a personalized plan of care that supports them to obtain their maximum potential. These screens can be deployed throughout their homes with room-appropriate reminders, one-touch secured video chat, and other prompts to encourage self-directed care and an increased level of independence. Complex tasks such as chores, food preparation, and grooming are broken into step-by-step prompts with accompanying videos.

GrandCare’s wireless activity sensors can alert designated caregivers if something seems amiss such as lack of motion in the kitchen at mealtime, the member did not access medications, or if the front door opened during the night. GrandCare also offers a wide range of Bluetooth-enabled digital health devices to track and trend blood pressure, weight scale, pulse oximeter, and thermometer. Caregivers can be notified if readings are not taken or if readings are out of scope.

Megan Nelligan, Director of TULA at Trillium, shared, “Innovation in care is necessary, and we’re excited to introduce innovative technologies and remote support solutions through TULA to Trillium members across 46 counties in North Carolina. Using GrandCare technologies, TULA provides a person-centered approach to whole-person care, empowering individuals to achieve their goals, manage chronic health conditions, and live life on their own terms.”

GrandCare’s partnership with Trillium is expected to positively impact client independence, satisfaction, and health outcomes.

Read the full press release.

We Make a Great Pair: GrandCare Joins 2025 CCLN Annual Leadership Conference

The CCLN Leadership Conference 2025, “Staying Strong Together – Advocacy, Hope & Resilience” takes place April 16-18 at The Dana on Mission Bay.

CCLN 2025 GrandCare booth 8Stop by our booth for a fun wine tasting and candy pairing! Plus, we’ll be giving away a beach bag bundle full of goodies.

We have some exciting news! GrandCare is nearing the end of the process of being vendorized with Alta Regional Center – this means we will be reimbursed in many counties in the state of California! Stay tuned for more info.

CCLN Exhibit Hall Schedule

Thursday, April 17, 8:00-4:15
Friday, April 18, 8:00-3:30

While you’re at our booth, we invite you to explore our remote support system. GrandCare is a stationary touchscreen appliance that can be placed on a flat surface or mounted on a wall. A person may receive some or all of their support remotely through the GrandCare platform.

Top GrandCare Features

  • Delivers reminders for ADLs, medications and calendar appointments
  • Provides multi-step video instruction for complex tasks
  • Displays photos, videos, and games
  • HIPAA-compliant video calls
  • Connects with motion and door sensors
  • Connects with wireless telehealth devices
  • Remote and onsite caregiving tools
  • Motion detection notifications and compliance alerts for caregivers
  • Reporting

One of the best features? Every GrandCare touchscreen is completely customizable to the user’s needs and interests!

Watch our Day in the Life video to see how GrandCare is integrated into someone’s life, providing support AND independence.

Can’t attend but want to learn more about remote supports? Schedule a free consultation with GrandCare. We’d love to show you our platform and answer your questions.

GrandCare Hosts Beach Retreat at ANCOR Connect ‘25

ANCOR Connect ’25 will take place Monday, April 7 through Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Sheraton San Diego Resort. This year, we invite you to visit GrandCare’s Beach Retreat Suite in Tidepool room #4 for tropical music, treats, giveaways, beach games, and California sunny relaxation. We’ll be showcasing our touchscreen-based remote supports solution that can help your clients be more independent while reducing onsite staff.

The interactive touchscreen helps individuals become more self-supporting with reminders, one touch video chat, and task prompts. A variety of activity and health monitoring sensors can alert your staff if additional support is needed and even help reduce onsite staff, especially overnight.

ANCOR 2025 Exhibit Hall Schedule
Monday, April 7 | 10:15am–3:00pm
Tuesday, April 8 | 7:30am–4:00pm

Follow #ANCORConnect25 on social media.

Can’t attend but want to learn more about remote supports? Schedule a free consultation with GrandCare. We’d love to show you our platform and answer your questions.

GrandCare Slated to Present at NASP Annual Conference with ShiftAbility and Showcase GrandCare in Action

A 2025 NASP Conference Breakout Session

Attending NASP? So are we! Hosted by the Nebraska Association of Service Providers, the NASP Conference will be March 24–25, 2025, at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska.

We invite you to visit our director of sales and accounts, Katya Kowal at our booth to see GrandCare live in action, plus register for a special give away. Plan to attend our breakout session: “Technology and Remote Supports: The How, the Why, the ROI” March 25 at 2:30pm CT in Ballroom B presented by our CEO, Laura Mitchell and Brian Hart, CEO of ShiftAbility.

Technology and Remote Supports: The How, the Why, the ROI with GrandCare and ShiftAbility

Although it is often associated with the military, the term “force multiplier” simply means something that allows a small group of people to do something that would ordinarily take a larger number of people to do. Smart home and touchscreen-based technologies can be YOUR force multiplier, allowing your organization to support more people without hiring more staff. AND your clients will enjoy a more self-directed, independent lifestyle.

This session will discuss:

  • Who is a good candidate for remote supports
  • Choosing which technologies
  • Which supports can be provided in an automated way
  • Which supports can be provided remotely
  • Staff & family buy-in
  • How to get started
  • Who pays (NE waiver changes)

GrandCare Systems is a touchscreen and sensor-based technology platform designed to improve independence and enable remote supports for individuals living with disabilities and older adults.

ShiftAbility is a Cincinnati based agency focused on assisting I/DD agencies in transforming from typical caregiving models to technology-first models of service.

To learn more, visit the Nebraska Association of Service Providers Conference website.

Can’t attend but want to learn more about remote supports? Schedule a free consultation with GrandCare. We’d love to show you our platform and answer your questions.

Profitability in the Connected Home: A CONNECTIONS Summit Panel at CES 2025

GrandCare CEO, Laura Mitchell, will speak on Parks Associates’ CONNECTIONS Summit panel: “Profitability in the Connected Home” at CES 2025. This session addresses the business models and revenue streams driving profitability in the connected home market.

CONN Summit Speaker- Laura Mitchell

Profitability in the Connected Home

In the session, Laura Mitchell, Elizabeth Parks of Parks Associates, Jacob Alamat of Silicon Labs, Travis Hockersmith of VIZIO, Melissa Andresko of Lutron Electronics, and Agnes Lorenz of Zooz will discuss consumer trends, subscription services, and monetization strategies.

Profitability in the Connected Home
Date: Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM PT
Location: Venetian Hotel, Level 4, Lando 4304

About CONNECTIONS Summit 2025

The 19th annual CONNECTIONS Summit at CES will be held at the Venetian Hotel, on Level 4, Lando 4304, in Las Vegas on January 7.

CONNECTIONS Summit is an annual event hosted by international research firm Parks Associates at CES in Las Vegas focusing on new trends, emerging technology and standards, new business models, and partnerships impacting the connected home.

Attending CES 2025 and want to attend this session? Click here.

Need to register for CES 2025? Register here.

Follow #CONNSummit25 and #CES25 on social media for the latest about this event!

WCBDD Virtual Technology Showcase December 10th

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) in Ohio hosts an annual technology showcase in December. It will feature a range of remote support providers, assistive technology vendors, and device companies. GrandCare is delighted to be presenting again this year at this educational event.

The event takes place via Zoom from 8:30am–3:00pm ET on December 10, 2024. Scott Feldstein, director of US sales at GrandCare, will be introducing the GrandCare platform on Tuesday, Dec 10 at 10:45am ET / 7:45am PT.

What is GrandCare?

GrandCare is a remote monitoring and remote support platform that helps people with disabilities live more independently. It can automate ADL and med reminders, provide video instruction, connect to remote support teams via secure video calls, and be customized to suit the needs and interests of the person using it. GrandCare is also a fully featured telehealth platform that helps people with biometric readings including blood pressure, glucose, temperature, weight and oxygenation. All of these features, and others, can allow people to replace many of their in-person support hours with remote support services. And even those who still require 24/7 support can benefit from increased independence.

How to Attend the Virtual Technology Showcase

You can join the virtual presentation via Zoom. To RSVP, visit: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcld-Csrj0iEtFh41GgXT1Dy-IOgRxz5qSt#/registration

 

WCBDD virtual technology showcase 2024

Proven ROI – Lower Staffing Costs for Disability Service Providers

If your organization is like most other disability support agencies, staffing is a problem. For some, being fully staffed again seems out of reach. But what if you could support more people with only the staff you already have? What if you could do it while promoting the independence of the people you serve? GrandCare technology makes both of these things possible.

GrandCare is a remote monitoring and remote support platform that helps people with disabilities live more independently. It is a touchscreen-based platform with automated medication and ADL prompts, video instruction, and one-touch video calls to your remote support team. GrandCare also uses motion and door sensors to alert remote support that someone might need assistance. It is a fully-featured telehealth platform so people can better manage their chronic health conditions. And GrandCare also has engaging games and entertainment that is customizable to suit everyone’s taste and interests.

Who can benefit from GrandCare Systems?

Almost everyone can use GrandCare for increased independence and improved quality of life. The touchscreen offers self-supporting prompts, entertainment, and communication. Some individuals may transition to remote supports using GrandCare activity and health sensors. Your staff will benefit at point-of-care and while remotely supporting clients.

Benefits for GrandCare users

Remote Supports: People who can have some or all support shifted to remote support services.

  • Daily task/schedule reminders
  • Instructional “how-to” videos
  • One touch call to staff
  • Video calls with family/friends
  • Online access without the risk
  • Games, music and more

Lifestyle Enhancement: People with hands-on care who can use touchscreens for improved quality of life and connection.

  • Daily task/schedule reminders
  • Video calls with family/friends
  • Games & favorite pictures
  • Online access without the risk
  • Games, music + more

Support Your Staff: Onsite and remote support staff will be more efficient while reducing caregiver burnout.

  • Seamless transition between onsite & remote care
  • Remote check-ins with secure video chat
  • Ensure all services are rendered
  • Manage alerts

How do I use the technology?

GrandCare helps individuals to support themselves while enabling providers to offer remote supports and video chat check-ins.

One Ohio-based GrandCare customer went from a 6:1 staff to individual ratio to 21:1 using GrandCare technology and remote supports (see Xavier University study.)

In the below scenario, it takes 8.3 caregivers to provide traditional in-person care to 50 people. Shifting to a remote supports model only requires 2.4 caregivers to serve these same 50 people which saves 4,248 support hours and $84,960 per month*. PLUS, you have freed up 5.9 caregivers to take on new referrals and help those who require in-person support.

Traditional v.s. remote supports model

Traditional Support Model

  • 50 people served
  • 8.3 staff x 24 hours x 30 days
  • 5,976 in-person support hours per month

Remote Supports Model

  • 50 people served
  • 2.4 staff x 24 hrs 30 days
  • 1,728 remote support hours per month
  • COST SAVINGS: $84,960 per month (These results are based on the above cited Xavier Study results. Your results may differ.)

support models

Many of your clients may need occasional help in the overnight hours, but maybe not every single night and it certainly isn’t necessarily all night. Having a staff member on site for an eight hour shift every single night is a very costly and inefficient way to solve for this kind of need. With GrandCare, you can mitigate costs, leverage your team, and better serve your clients.

What to know more about how we can help your organization? Contact us to set up a free consultation.

 

*Disclaimer: This information is for demonstration purposes and may not reflect the actual experience of each unique organization.

Technology First Session at the 39th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference

With staffing shortages plaguing the nation, I/DD and mental health agencies are eager to transform their services into a technology-first model. So, what now? How do you get started? Which technology should you use? How do you staff and integrate it into your existing service model? How long will it take to start saving money?

Laura Mitchell, CEO at GrandCare, and Brian Hart of ShiftAbility will walk attendees through the process during this year’s Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. Learn how agencies have used technology tools and staffing strategies to run their remote support services while reducing costs and improving outcomes.

The Technology First Transformation – Are You Ready?
Thursday, March 21, 2024 – 3:20pm PST
Elite 1-3, Anaheim Marriott

GrandCare is a remote monitoring and remote support platform that helps people with disabilities live more independently. And it helps agencies support more people without more staff, thus helping alleviate staffing shortages. GrandCare is a touchscreen-based solution that has automated medication and ADL prompts, video instruction, and one-touch video calls to remote support. The GrandCare platform uses motion and door sensors to alert remote support that something is amiss. It is also a fully featured telehealth platform so people can better manage their chronic health conditions. And GrandCare also has engaging games and entertainment that is customizable to suit everyone’s taste and interests.

ShiftAbility is a transformation consulting group that assists agencies in making a shift to technology-first using GrandCare and the Smart Living Model.

GrandCare and ShiftAbility will also be exhibiting. You can find us at booth 415 in the Marquis Ballroom.

Exhibit Hall Hours

  • Tuesday, March 19 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm (Preview Night exclusive to registered conference attendees only)
  • Wednesday, March 20 from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
  • Thursday, March 21 from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
  • Friday, March 22 from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Anaheim Marriott
700 West Convention Way
Anaheim, California 92802
Reservations: 877-622-3056
Hotel: 714-750-8000

Follow #CSUNATC24 on social media for the latest.