Telehealth and Medicare: 4 Ways the COVID-19 Benefits Expansion Helps Seniors Stay Safe

As a response to COVID-19, Medicare has expanded its coverage of telehealth services, effective March 6, 2020, which will cover even more services in a wider variety of settings for an expanded population. It’s no secret that the COVID-19 epidemic is having a disproportionate impact on elderly people, an already vulnerable population, provoking major anxiety for these individuals’ loved ones and caregivers. Adding to this stress is the fact that seniors see the doctor much more frequently, risking exposure every time they make one of these essential trips. To help seniors stay safe during this crisis, Medicare has implemented four key changes.

1. Access Telehealth Anywhere

Previously, Medicare would only pay for telehealth services for those residing in rural areas. Patients seeking telehealth services were required to travel to a local medical facility to virtually visit with a health professional in a different location. Although this enables better access to specialty care, this would still require transportation and a physical visit which can both be problematic, specifically for the aging population.

Grandcare provides HIPAA-compliant telehealth

Those restrictions have now been waived for the duration of the public health emergency (likely until the introduction of a vaccine), allowing seniors to visit their doctors, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers from the safety and comfort of their own homes. Under the new policy, benefits are expanded to include beneficiaries in all areas of the country. Given trends in telehealth, there is reason to believe these expanded benefits will continue after the epidemic has subsided.

Telehealth

See how GrandCare’s secure, HIPAA compliant telehealth monitoring and virtual visit technology can help seniors take advantage of these new benefits!

2. No More Telehealth Co-Pays

Generally, the standard Medicare copayment and deductible would apply to telehealth visits. In this case, as an incentive for seniors to utilize these covered telemedicine services, common office visits, mental health counseling, and preventive health screenings are now available with no copay for those with Original Medicare. Therefore, telehealth and telemedicine technologies offer a safe and efficient opportunity for those on a fixed income to save money.

3. Expanded List of Telehealth Services

Before the pandemic, Medicare had covered 106 medical services via telehealth. Medicare has now added 85 additional services, including radiation treatment management, group psychotherapy, and speech/hearing therapy, to name a few. Have a look at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a full list of covered telehealth services.

4. No Need for Established Provider Relationship

Prior to COVID-19, patients were required to have a pre-existing relationship with a practitioner in order to be eligible for coverage under Medicare. Now, initial visits are covered as well. If a patient’s provider does not offer telemedicine services, this makes it easier to transition to a different provider who does.

Telehealth checklist

GrandCare provides a large touch-based platform that offers secure, encrypted, HIPAA compliant video chat along with telehealth and activity monitoring.

virtual visits and Telehealth

Solution to Distancing and Quarantine? How about Some Virtual Visits and Telehealth

The spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States makes this a difficult time for senior housing communities. The risk level may be unknown, but our focus is clear: keep our seniors safe, protected, and connected to loved ones.

Virtual visits can help alleviate loneliness and isolation in quarantined residents. Telemedicine and telehealth are obvious ways to reduce physical exposure while maintaining healthcare services. The more providers embrace technology in times like this, the safer everyone will be.

Time is of the essence, but it’s hard to fund and deploy telehealth and virtual visit technology for your residents quickly. That’s why we want to put GrandCare in your hands at cost so you can quickly and affordably implement these vital technologies.

Payment options are flexible.

Feel free to reach out to me directly for immediate support. Stay Safe.

Laura Mitchell
CEO, GrandCare Systems
262-338-6147
www.grandcare.com

GrandCare Offers Tech Tools for Aging Webinar Featuring Top Industry Experts Feb 21

Every day, 10,000 baby boomers become eligible for Medicare. This surge in the aging population comes with challenges. We simply don’t have the physical capability, nor can we afford to push the same traditional caregiving models. This is why professional caregivers and senior housing providers are turning to smart technologies to save on the costs of personal caregivers, enable independence, offset caregiver shortages and connect residents with family members.

Please join us for a free, educational webinar that challenges caregiving norms. It will cover the changing technology ecosystem, housing models, technology in long term care vs. private homes, and implementation best practices.

Speakers for webinar

 

Speakers include Laura Mitchell, CEO of GrandCare, Principal at Laura Mitchell Consulting; Laurie Orlov, Analyst & Founder, Age in Place Technology Watch; Dr. Bill Thomas, Founder ChangingAging.org, the Greenhouse Project, Eden Alternative and Minka; and Ryan Frederick, Founder & CEO, SmartLiving 360

What: Tools for Living: How Technology is Transforming the Experience of Independence Webinar
When: February 21, 2020 at 1:00pm ET
Where: Online
Cost: Free
To register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tools-for-living-connected-technology-enabling-independence-tickets-90860952555 

Turns out caregiving Technologies for Seniors have to actually work

Caregiving Technologies for Seniors

Over the last 50 years, senior living has been completely transformed by technology. In fact, care for elders wasn’t even included in Social Security benefits until 1965. This new coverage allowed seniors to leave “poorhouses” and move into new, albeit highly unregulated, privatized care facilities. In 1968, new regulations required skilled nursing facilities to provide 24 hour nursing services, meet building codes, and maintain specific care standards for all residents. Over the next 50 years, artificial hearts, the Internet, computers, and proactive and predictive advances in chronic disease management meant that people were living longer and healthier lives. This combination of conditions created the perfect environment for the connected health sector to rise.

Senior care providers across the country are demanding better and more cost-effective technologies to care for the elderly. There’s always a new sensor, wearable device, or notification system promising to make caregiving easier. Technology startups have recognized this market potential and are flooding the industry with new gadgets and apps every day. For those caregivers, children, and spouses actually looking after seniors, a rapidly changing landscape of new products makes it difficult to keep up.  Which ones really work?  Which ones are actually available and on the market today? Which ones are easy to use? This can result in feelings of “technology fatigue” and may actually contribute to lower quality care.

This is where GrandCare outshines the rest. GrandCare is the most comprehensive digital health and caregiver remote monitoring technology on the market. GrandCare has had a decade to build the most robust, user friendly platform designed by caregivers for caregivers.

Try it and you’ll see why everyone is joining the #grandcareworks revolution – because taking care of an aging loved one is hard, using faulty technology makes it harder. Don’t fall for false promises and new untested technologies.  Choose the known brand, GrandCare Systems because it actually works.

Ask about our direct to consumer, senior housing, in home care, hospital to home and end of life GrandCare programs! Contact us.
GrandCare's Laura Mitchell at CES 2020

Laura Mitchell to Speak on Smart Home Installation Trends at CES 2020

GrandCare’s CEO Laura Mitchell has been slated to speak at CES 2020 on the topic of smart home installation trends. Laura will be speaking alongside Manny Linhares, Director of Strategy at IoT, Legrand, with moderator Daniel Pidgeon, founder of Starpower, host Katye McGregor Bennett of Connecting Tech and Design, and Ricky Singh, Head of Products and Solutions at Curiosity IoT, Sprinton on Wednesday, January 8.

2020 Installation Trends for the Smart Home
Date: Wednesday, January 8, 11:30 – 12:30 PM
Room: Venetian, Level 4, Marcello 4406

Description: What are some of the trends installers will see in the smart home space for 2020? Innovations in eldercare, AV solutions, security and more are front and center for the year ahead. Explore the opportunities.

Attending CES 2020 and want to attend this session? Click here.
Need to register for CES 2020? Register here.

Charlie and Gaytha Hillman, founders of GrandCare, in the West Bend Chamber of Commerce Spotlight

GrandCare Founders in the Spotlight

GrandCare’s founders, Charlie and Gaytha Hillman, were recently on the radio. They were featured in the West Bend Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight, where they talked about the origins of GrandCare, and how it helps seniors remain living in their own homes as they age.

Founded in 2005, GrandCare is a multi-featured system that helps seniors stay socially connected with friends and family. But it also offers so much more to seniors and their caregivers and families. Charlie talked about the company’s early work with an advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association, who called GrandCare “my second brain,” it provides reminders for daily activities or appointments, as well as for taking medications and vital readings.

GrandCare also makes it easy for caregivers or loved ones to check in on seniors, even if they can’t be right there in person. GrandCare comes with built-in and customizable rule sets that can alert someone when readings, such as blood pressure or glucose, are out of range, or haven’t been taken when they should. The system can also connect with activity sensors that detect when something is amiss, e.g. not getting out of bed, or opening a door in the middle of the night. And it provides simple, one-touch video chat for communication with friends, family and healthcare providers.

Listen to the interview here. 

We’re Giving Thanks for You

It’s Thanksgiving, and we’re counting our blessings. What are we thankful for? We are most thankful for you.

We are thankful for caregivers, and we are thankful for everyone who helps and supports you, so you can do your important work. Why? Because we have family and friends who rely on you. We have parents, grandparents, and other loved ones who depend on you every day. And one day–just like everyone else–we will need you, too. We’re grateful that you’re here, that you’re doing what you do best, and that we know we can count on you to be there for us, now and in the future. 

Our job is to make life better for each and every one of you. This Thanksgiving we want to express our gratitude to you – caregivers, families, friends, customers, and partners across the globe. We are joined in a mission to keep people safe, happy, independent and connected. We couldn’t do it without you and for that, we are grateful! Please enjoy this special offer from GrandCare, with our deepest gratitude!

GrandCare - Special Thanksgiving Offer

Stay warm, healthy and happy this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

senior home monitoring

What to Look for in a Senior Home Monitoring System

Updated as of Jan 2022: Senior home monitoring has never been more critical than it is now, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only do you have all the regular concerns, but now you need a way to keep in touch even when you can’t visit for infection control reasons. Your monitoring system should emphasize video calls–easy ones that people over the age of 85 can use, even if they’ve never used a computer. No usernames, passwords, addresses to remember. Just touch and talk. Read on to find out more about what to look for in a senior home monitoring system.

Seniors who want to remain independent in their homes are finding that they can. With the advances in technology tools, seniors are discovering that remaining in their homes can be a safe, healthy and happy option. This is great news to the many seniors (more than 75% according to an AARP survey) who would prefer to stay home.

These days, as life expectancy increases, 80 is the new 60, and the age at which seniors identify as elderly continues to be pushed back. With the right technology, seniors can stay connected, healthy, and independent well into their later years.

But, not all senior home care technology is created equal, and not all systems offer the same functionality. If you’re shopping for technology devices for elderly home care, how do you make the best choice for your family? GrandCare has taken the guesswork out of it for you.

Here is our list of the 10 most important features to look for when buying a monitoring system for elderly in the home:

1. Social Connection

Seniors often suffer from loneliness, isolation and depression, but technology can be a great solution. Look for a system that allows communication between seniors and their families and friends. Some systems allow easy photo sharing, chatting and messaging, which can help Grandma stay in the loop, even from a distance.

2. Medication Reminders

It’s not unusual for the list of medications we need to increase as we age, and the schedule for taking them can get complicated. In fact, medication noncompliance is a leading driver to falls and hospitalizations. Timed reminders of what to take, and when, can be a big help. Family members, or even seniors themselves, enter the dosage information into caregiver management software, and reminders can appear on a screen, in a text message or email, or over the phone. More complete systems can even send follow-up reminders, or alerts to let you know if reminders haven’t been acknowledged.

3. Daily Check-in

One of the simplest ways to make sure that everything is okay is a daily check-in. It’s an easy way to let everyone know that Mom or Dad are up and moving in the morning, and doing fine. Some home care monitoring systems use a check-in button or motion sensors and even video check-ins. An alert notification can let people know if a check-in has been missed, and to follow up by phone or with a visit.

4. Help Buttons

The stereotype of the help button is something that can call emergency services and an ambulance will shortly arrive. The problem is that many seniors avoid using them for just that reason, even when they should. Buttons that can be used to notify family, friends, or neighbors are a simpler alternative that appeal to seniors and are more likely to be used as intended. Some systems work with a wearable pendant, or a push button device. Others provide an onscreen button. The best will offer a variety of these options.

5. Remote Activity Monitoring

Maybe you’re worried about whether your mom is getting into the kitchen to make herself meals regularly, or that she didn’t get out of bed. Maybe you’re worried that your dad is restless and up all night, or that he’s spending too much time in his favorite chair. Activity monitoring, using motion sensors, bed or chair pads, is an unobtrusive way to make sure that your loved one is safe and following their normal routines. When something has changed, an alert notification can let you know, so you can follow up if you need to.

6. Door Alarms

If you’re worried that a loved one might be confused and a wander risk, door controls can give you peace of mind. If an outer door opens in the middle of the night, the home monitoring system should be able to alert you, or a neighbor close by who can intervene quickly. You can also be reminded if doors are inadvertently left open.

7. Health Monitoring

If your loved one has health concerns, early intervention is key. A good home monitoring system can help them to self-track vitals, such as blood pressure, blood glucose, weight, temperature, etc. Unusual readings can trigger an alert, so you can get involved before it becomes a crisis. Reminders help seniors remember to take their readings on a timely basis. It’s helpful if the system collects and trends the data. This type of reporting can provide helpful information for care providers, who can see trends and changes in health.

8. To-Do Lists and Cognitive Assists

Calendars and to-do lists help seniors remember their appointments. Some monitoring systems for the elderly have a resident empowerment side which provides daily schedules, appointments and checklists of daily routines to help seniors who want to remain independent in the home. This feature gives a little extra reminding on routine tasks.

9. Video Calling

Video communication is a great way for seniors to stay in touch with family. It’s becoming an increasingly viable way to communicate with healthcare providers, especially if travel is difficult. It’s important that the video function is easy-to-use, especially for people who aren’t technical. Home monitoring systems with video must be closed and designed for safety, to prevent unwanted, predatory calls. Ask if your system is HIPAA-compliant, so that it can be used for telehealth and healthcare communications.

10. Designed for Seniors

The best systems have an interface that’s easy for seniors to use. Systems that are well-designed for older eyes use large fonts, with high-contrast displays, and easy-to-operate buttons, keyboard, and volume control. The caregiver management software should also be simple to use, and easy to set up, and must include alert capabilities. A caregiving app for cell phones has become a must-have for families and caregivers.

Senior home monitoring system

GrandCare Homecare Technology for Seniors

Founded in 2005, GrandCare is the most comprehensive and long-standing pioneer in the senior home care monitoring and technology industry. Our solutions help seniors who are seeking to remain independent, manage chronic conditions, and avoid potential hospital visits.

GrandCare’s touchscreen reminds the resident when it’s time to take meds, or when it’s time to take vital readings, along with to-do checklists, prompts and other cognitive assists. The one-touch HIPAA-compliant video chat and other socialization/communication/entertainment features help seniors stay connected with family.

Wireless activity tracking sensors and Bluetooth health monitoring devices report automatically to the system, where reports and graphs show data and trends. Designated providers/family can access the information and set up rules to be alerted if something seems amiss (e.g. excessive weight gain, med noncompliance, lack of motion, too much motion, etc.)

Senior home care technology

GrandCare’s one-touch video calling

If you’re shopping for a senior home monitoring solution, check out GrandCare. Our systems include all ten features above, in an easy-to-use, affordable home-based technology.

Want to find out more? Contact the leader in the field.

Contact GrandCare.

woman outdoors with flowers

5 Steps for a Safer Fall Season for Seniors

We love fall. The leaves turn to beautiful colors, the air is crisp and it’s the perfect excuse to eat homemade apple pie. We only wish it could stick around for just a little bit longer and not taunt us with the impending wet and cold weather. As the temperature cools, please make sure that your loved ones stay warm, safe and healthy. Here are five safety tips for the fall season:

  1. Check around the furnace before turning on the heat for the first time.
  2. If you walk outside, especially around dusk, dress in light-colored clothing to help drivers see you.
  3. Change batteries when you “fall back” for daylight savings time.
  4. Know your fire escape plan before the weather gets too cold.
  5. Use space heaters safely and set timers on them to ensure they are not left on.

Limited Time Fall Special

GrandCare is a technology designed to keep individuals safe, healthy, happy and connected at home. For less than $2 dollars per day, your family can have peace of mind that your loved one is safe at home. Participate in video chats, communications, reminders, scheduling, photo sharing and more. This fall, get your first month free. Just call us (262-338-6147) or email: sales@grandcare.com with code: GCFALL19

Mention this blog and get ONE MONTH FREE. Expires 11/30/19. Valid for new purchases only. Open to current & new customers. Volume Discounts Available. Call for Details.

best social media practices for long-term care providers

SCSA Calls on GrandCare CEO to Address Best Social Media Practices for Long-Term Care Providers

GrandCare’s CEO, Laura Mitchell, was recently a featured writer in a CSA Journal titled, “Got Social? Best Social Media Practices for Long-Term Care Providers.” In the article Laura explains how long-term care providers can benefit from social media and technology.

The CSA Journal is an award-winning publication that focuses on critical issues for aging adults. The academic journal is published by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA), an organization that educates and certifies professionals who work with seniors.

Having over a decade of experience in the aging, technology and digital health market, Laura is considered an expert in this field. Known for her expertise in the aging market and social media, Laura has been featured in Forbes magazine, was named Dealerscope Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40”, has been awarded the 2014 Connected World Women of M2M and was a 2011 recipient of the Mary Furlong Silicon Boomer Venture Summit Award for Innovation and Leadership.

Love it or hate it, social media is an important part of our everyday world. And it isn’t just for the kids, either. Social media use has been steadily increasing among seniors, reaching 37% of those aged 65+, and 64% for the 50-64 age group last year (Pew Research Center, 2018).

In the article, Laura explains why providers should be using social media and gives tips on how to do so effectively by being selective of which social media platforms to use and posting smart content.

Laura summed up the social media wilderness this way:

“Social media is an important tool for marketing your long-term care community. It offers a low-
cost way to reach and engage with clients and potential clients, to learn more about them and what they care about, and to help them learn more about the good things you do in your organization. One of the very things that scare some organizations away from social media, the concern that users will post negative reviews, or publicly complain about your company or its services, can instead provide a powerful avenue for demonstrating your high level of care for your clients and their experiences.”

The entire article can be found in Volume 3, Issue 75 of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors’ CSA Journal.