GrandCare Systems Announces Changes to Executive Management Team, expansion to a larger office

WEST BEND, WI

GrandCare Systems, a leader in professional caregiving technology, announced today changes to their executive management team, a staff expansion, and a move into a larger office space.

3c6c370Wisconsin-based GrandCare Systems is on a growth trajectory and is slated to move into the Kreilkamp Building (formerly the Ziegler Building) on 215 N. Main Street in historic downtown West Bend. GrandCare was awarded a grant from the city to help keep the growing technology leader in West Bend. This January the company of 9 years brought on a new Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Maynard, to ramp up and scale the software company. Maynard has a history of entrepreneurship and business growth. In 1997, he started a health care software firm that through acquisition became Connecture Inc. Maynard held the Connecture CEO title until 2012. Charlie Hillman, previous CEO and founder of GrandCare Systems, will continue to drive the vision as Chief Technology Officer.

 

jerry_furnessGrandCare welcomes a new Chief Operating Officer, Jerry Furness. Jerry previously served as Vice President responsible for Operations, Product Development, Emerging Markets, Strategic Solutions, Innovation and Corporate Development at a Milwaukee Health Care IT Firm, Connecture Inc. On the transition to high tech innovators, GrandCare Systems, Furness commented, “I wanted to work with a company that is innovative and growing. GrandCare Systems was attractive to me not only because of the mature technology, but also because of the social message GrandCare spreads”. Dan Maynard, CEO of GrandCare said, “We are rapidly building and we needed to add solid experience to this already outstanding leadership team. Jerry is someone I have worked with for over 15 years and he has continually proven his ability to successfully drive channel partnerships, operating efficiency and revenues”.

 

Laura Mitchell, VP Business Development, GrandCare SystemsOriginal founding member and previous VP of Business Development, Laura Mitchell, has been recently promoted to Chief Marketing Officer. Maynard commented about Mitchell’s promotion, “Laura’s strategic positioning and marketing skill is one of the main reasons that GrandCare has such a strong brand presence and is understandably recognized as a clear leader in the industry.” GrandCare is balancing several large international contracts including Saga, the largest UK in-home care provider. In early 2014, GrandCare entered Canada with in-home care organization Proof of Care, and is working together with a large homecare franchisor in Australia. Multiple new US-based professional care clients have differentiated and secured a healthy return on investment using GrandCare including Lifetime Care at Home in Connecticut, At Home Independent Living in New York and Daybreak Services in South Carolina.

 

gaytha_traynorAfter almost 10 years, co-founder and former Chief Operating Officer, Gaytha Traynor Hillman, has announced her retirement from the organization. “It truly has been a remarkable journey. Charlie and I have started several businesses together, but our social mission for GrandCare really came from our hearts. I feel confident that our new leadership team will significantly grow the organization”. Lastly, Maynard said, “We thank Gaytha for all she has done and accomplished for GrandCare.”

 

 

About GrandCare Systems

System Comp HR NEW

GrandCare Systems, founded in 2005, combines digital health assessment, biometric readings, activity of daily living sensing, medication management, smart home automation, video chat and virtual touch-based communications into the most comprehensive and fully-featured technology in the private home market. GrandCare is designed for individuals seeking a caregiving solution for an aging loved one or for professional in-home caregiving providers. For more information, visit: www.grandcare.com or call 262-338-6147

Toshiba and GrandCare form a strategic partnership

Toshiba and GrandCare Systems to Provide Comprehensive In-Home Care Technology

Caregiving Technology Solution Enables Individuals to Remain Safe, Healthy and Happy at Home

HIMSS Conference & Exhibition Booth #5889

February 24, 2014 — IRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE))–Toshiba’s Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced a strategic relationship with GrandCare Systems, a provider of digital health and activity monitoring technology enabling better health outcomes for our aging population. Through this strategic relationship, GrandCare’s telehealth and communication capabilities provide a path for seniors to connect with families, professional caregivers and healthcare providers while being monitored real time on health and activity throughout the residence. GrandCare will be delivering all of this on secure, high-performance Toshiba devices.

“New digital technologies are transforming caregiving, allowing individuals to be independent, but still giving families peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe,” Patrick Mani, vice president of sales, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. “Through our strategic relationship, GrandCare Systems will have the Toshiba tools to make this possible.”

“Our mission is to provide a cost-effective digital caregiving solution, enabling individuals to remain healthier and more independent, while empowering care providers with more meaningful, proactive and predictive data,” said Laura Mitchell, VP of Business Development, GrandCare Systems. “To achieve this, we’ve aligned with Toshiba to provide top-of-the-line, innovative tablet solutions to seniors, care professionals and medical providers, truly encouraging “point of care”, virtually anywhere.

GrandCare on the Toshiba Excite 7 tablet

GrandCare on the Toshiba Excite 7

The GrandCare System is connected to any dedicated Internet connection and communicates with wireless sensors throughout a residence. Designated caregivers log into the GrandCare website to send communications to loved ones, view activity graphs, access digital health and medication information, and customize automated rules and alerts. A caregiver may choose to receive a call, email, or text message if specified conditions occur, such as medications not being accessed, unusual motion throughout the home or other designated events. GrandCare’s simple touch platform also enables a resident to view news and weather reports, shared pictures and videos, receive incoming messages, video chat with family, listen to music and play fun games.

Toshiba and GrandCare Systems will showcase this collaborative solution on the Toshiba Excite 7 tablets and PX30 All-in-One desktops in Booth #5889 during the 2014 HIMSS Conference & Exhibition on February 23-27, 2014 in Orlando.

Connect with Toshiba on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/company/toshiba, on Twitter at twitter.com/ToshibaUSA and on YouTube at youtube.com/ToshibaUS.

More information on the Toshiba healthcare solutions available at www.toshiba.com/us/healthcare or 1.800.289.1400.

About GrandCare Systems

GrandCare Systems, on the market since 2006, combines digital health assessment, biometric readings, activity of daily living sensing, medication management, smart home automation, video chat and virtual touch-based communications into the most comprehensive and fully-featured technology in the private home market. For more information, visit: www.grandcare.com.

About Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (TAIS)

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., TAIS is comprised of three business units: Digital Products Division, Imaging Systems Division, and Telecommunication Systems Division. Together, these divisions provide digital products, services and solutions, including industry-leading portable computers; televisions, TV/DVD Combination products, Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD products, and portable devices; imaging products for the security, medical and manufacturing markets; storage products for computers; and IP business telephone systems with unified communications, collaboration and mobility applications. TAIS provides sales, marketing and services for its wide range of products in the United States and Latin America. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation. For more information on TAIS visit us.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba Corporation

Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 590 consolidated companies, with 206,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 5.8 trillion yen (US$61 billion). Visit Toshiba’s web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.

© 2014 Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. All product, service and company names are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. Information including without limitation product prices, specifications, availability, content of services, and contact information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

Contacts

for Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.
Kaylin Slakey, 415-844-6234
kslakey@accesspr.com

for GrandCare Systems
Laura Mitchell, 262-338-6147
info@grandcare.com

GRANDCARE SYSTEMS UNVEILS AT CES 2014 NEW ECOMMERCE WEB STORE

WEST BEND, Wisc. — January 6th, 2014 —

HomeBaseGrandCare Systems announced today at CES 2014 LVCC South Hall 2 Booth 25724 its new online web store at www.GrandCare.com, offering socialization, medication and telehealth packages. This debut launch of the GrandCare.com store showcases the company’s new direct-to-consumer model: a plug-and-play system that eliminates the need for professional installation.

“GrandCare is one of the earliest players in the aging and technology industry, which has given the company time to build out the most comprehensive and flexible platform on the market,” said GrandCare Chief Executive Officer, Dan Maynard.  “Seven years ago, the technology wasn’t there and we required professional installation through a network of dealers, but times have changed and now almost anyone can set up the GrandCare System, using our intuitive instructions and online help guides.”

The GrandCare HomeBase System is an easy-to-use and affordable consumer solution that offers a wide variety of sensor and feature choices in one comprehensive and expandable platform. It easily grows with changing needs.  Activity or digital health sensors can be added at any time.  The GrandCare HomeBase is the perfect solution for individuals that wish to remain independent, healthy and connected.

Family and friends keep in touch through photos, letters and one-button video chat.  Reminders and medication prompts can be enabled on the large and easy to read touchscreen.  GrandCare also enables family and professional caregivers through an online care portal. There they can set up alert parameters (e.g. being notified if someone fails to take blood pressure reading or doesn’t acknowledge medications were taken) as well as share care coordination notes.

The GrandCare HomeBase System can be utilized alone for socialization, reminders and prompts.  Digital Health Sensors and Medication Management features can easily be added right from the online store. More sophisticated packages including activity sensors and smart home devices can be purchased by contacting GrandCare directly.

About GrandCare Systems:
Since 2005, GrandCare Systems has provided the most comprehensive caregiving technology on the market, enabling individuals to remain safe, healthy and happy at home. GrandCare’s simple, touch platform enables a Resident to view pictures, receive incoming messages, watch videos, video chat with family, listen to music and play fun games. Using a series of wireless activity and telehealth devices, GrandCare can alert designated caregivers by phone, email or text if anything seems amiss (medications not accessed, glucose levels not taken, abnormal activity, etc.)

For more information: www.grandcare.com or call 262-338-6147.

GrandCare is exhibiting at CES 2014, LVCC South Hall 2 Booth 25724.

PR Contact:
Laura Mitchell
Media@grandcare.com
262-338-6147

GrandCare Systems Names Daniel Maynard as New Chief Executive Officer

WEST BEND, Wisc. – November 13th , 2013

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Digital health and remote monitoring pioneer GrandCare Systems, today announced the appointment of Daniel Maynard as GrandCare’s Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Maynard brings more than 25 years of industry experience to his new role having previously served as CEO and President of Connecture. Maynard replaces founder Charles Hillman, who has served as CEO since 2005. Hillman, an MIT educated engineer, will now serve as GrandCare’s Chief Technical Officer and as the company’s vision leader.

“We are delighted to add a person of Dan’s experience and expertise to the GrandCare team,” said Hillman. “Dan has a proven track record of driving and managing growth in the healthcare technology sector. I look forward to leading the product development team and providing a solution that is capable, reliable, scalable and affordable.”

“I had been searching for a proven, innovative technology solution with a large growth potential in the healthcare IT industry,” said Maynard. “GrandCare is already a well-respected and credible industry leader. I look forward to joining this great team and taking GrandCare to the next level.”

Daniel Maynard has held various executive roles in the health insurance technology industry, including sales, marketing, operations, software development, financial management and corporate development. Throughout his career, he has built and led several companies, including CCISoft, Riverwood Solutions and Connecture. In 1997, Mr. Maynard formed CCISoft, which he sold to Workscape in 1999. In 2001, he formed Riverwood Solutions and continued on as president and CEO throughout the 2004 merger with Connecture. He serves on the board at Hayes technology Group and remains a strategic advisor to Alithias and Connecture.

About GrandCare Systems:

Since 2005, GrandCare Systems has provided the most comprehensive caregiving technology on the market, enabling individuals to remain safe, healthy and happy at home. GrandCare’s simple, touch platform enables a Resident to view pictures, receive incoming messages, watch videos, video chat with family, listen to music and play fun games. Using a series of wireless activity and telehealth devices, GrandCare can alert designated caregivers by phone, email or text if anything seems amiss (medications not accessed, glucose levels not taken, abnormal activity, etc.).

For more information: www.grandcare.com or call 262-338-6147

PR Contact:
Laura Mitchell
media@grandcare.com
262-338-6147

GrandCare Systems to Offer GreatCall’s 5Star Urgent Response to its Clients

WEST BEND, WIS. AND SAN DIEGO (July 16, 2013) Care in WI

GrandCare Systems LLC and GreatCall, Inc., announced today that GrandCare will be adding 5Star Urgent Response®, the leading mobile personal emergency response solution (mPERS), to its comprehensive caregiving technology platform.

GrandCare’s simple, touch platform enables an at-home senior to view pictures, receive incoming messages, watch videos, video chat with family, listen to music and play fun games. Using a series of wireless activity and telehealth devices, GrandCare can alert designated caregivers by phone, email or text if anything unusual occurs. GrandCare’s technology is used today domestically and internationally by residents of senior living communities and assisted living facilities, seniors living independently, and by recipients of in-home senior care.

5Star extends the GrandCare platform by enabling seniors with immediate access to help in an urgent situation, while they are in their home or away.  Seniors carry or wear the compact 5Star device and press the button to connect to a 24/7 professional emergency response agent when they feel vulnerable or uncertain, or are experiencing a health or safety issue. The highly trained, NAED-certified 5Star agents have immediate access to the senior’s personal profile and location, evaluate the situation, determine the right course of action and coordinate the help needed, remaining on the line until the situation is resolved.  5Star also includes access to a URAC Accredited Health Call Center, registered nurses, and physicians when appropriate.

Designated caregivers can log into the GrandCare website to send communications to the loved one, view activity & digital health sensor information, and customize the automatic caregiver alerts. A caregiver may choose to receive a call, email or text message if specified conditions occur. With the addition of 5Star, caregivers can use an on-line locator service to find a loved one who is missing or hasn’t responded to a call, and can be designated as a contact in the case of an urgent incident.

“We have always known GreatCall as a capable and visionary leader in the mPERS industry,” said GrandCare Systems founder and CEO Charlie Hillman. “Adding their mPERS solution to our existing caregiving technology platform is a natural fit”.

“5Star Urgent Response offers a crucial safety net for senior care recipients and peace of mind for their caregivers.  GrandCare serves a market segment that is important to us, and we are pleased to add them as a distribution partner.”  said GreatCall CEO David Inns.

About GrandCare Systems LLC

GrandCare Systems, on the market since 2006, uses a series of wireless activity & telehealth sensors in a loved one’s home to alert family members if anything seems amiss. Family members can Skype and send pictures, messages, videos, etc., to their loved one using a simple touchscreen interface. GrandCare combines a digital health assessment, biometric readings, activity of daily living sensing, medication management, smart home automation, video chat, and virtual touch-based communications into the most comprehensive and fully-featured caregiving technology in the private home market.  GrandCare has received  world-wide attention from the BBC World News, Italian and French news networks, and U.S. media platforms such as:  The Today Show, the Discovery Channel, CNN, CBS News, etc. To learn more about GrandCare Systems, please visit:  www.grandcare.com.

About GreatCall, Inc.

GreatCall provides easy-to-use wireless health and safety products for aging consumers and their families, allowing them to enjoy a worry-free independent lifestyle. The company stands apart from other wireless services providers through its simplified, personalized and humanized approach, as well as its commitment to providing a high quality customer service experience. The company has been widely praised for its ability to deliver the benefits of innovation and technology in a meaningful and easy-to-use format. GreatCall has received prominent national media accolades from the Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, The New York Times, Washington Post and major TV broadcast networks.

GreatCall’s products and services, including The 5Star™ and the Jitterbug® are sold nationwide at leading retailers such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Sears, Radio Shack Dealer Franchise, Fry’s Electronics and ShopKo, as well as direct to consumers at 1-800-918-8543 and online at GreatCall.com. Service coverage includes the U.S. and Canada. GreatCall is located in San Diego, CA.

To learn more about all available GreatCall products and services, please visit: http://www.greatcall.com. This GreatCall news release and other announcements are available at http://www.greatcall.com/buzz. Or follow our news on Twitter @GreatCallInc and on Facebook facebook.com/greatcall. For access to company logos and high-resolution images and screen shots, please visit: www.greatcall.com/assets

GrandCare Systems awarded CDBG loan from EDWC

WEST BEND, Wis., (July 8, 2013) – GrandCare Systems®, a Washington County-based organization, is rapidly ramping up deployments of their touch-based digital health monitoring and socialization technology both domestically and internationally. This expansion is in part due to funding provided through the award of a CDBG loan for $200,000 from Economic Development Washington County (EDWC).

“It’s an exciting time for GrandCare and the ‘aging in place’ technology industry”, says GrandCare founder, Charles Hillman. “The vision that the EDWC has shown will not only help build up our team to support our large contracts, but also will showcase that Washington County is a pioneer in the Health Information Technology space.”

The GrandCare System starts with a large, user-friendly touchscreen placed into a loved one’s home. This touchscreen displays weather, news, calendar events, medication prompts, reminders, family photos, videos and allows for one-button Skype with designated family and friends. Various activity, smart home sensors & telehealth devices are placed around the home to give authorized caregivers and family “peace of mind” that all is normal and safe at home. Caregivers can choose to receive email, text or phone alerts if specified conditions occur (e.g. medication noncompliance, unusual night activity, failure to access the kitchen during mealtime, etc.)

GrandCare also enables the loved one with their own large sized “smart device” giving them easy access to family photos, videos, web-based content and one-touch Skype calls with children and grandchildren. These features are critical to help overcome the very real and damaging effects of social isolation.

“Home healthcare is a growing segment of the global economy”, states Christian Tscheschlok, Executive Director of Economic Development Washington County, “We are excited to support the growth of a local company that offers significant potential to elevate our economy through its noteworthy leadership in that expanding market.”

GrandCare is available today for retail purchase throughout the United States, Bermuda, New Zealand, Australia, and soon in the UK. For more information, visit www.grandcare.com or call 262-338-6147

About GrandCare Systems

GrandCare Systems, on the market since 2006, uses a series of wireless activity & telehealth sensors in a loved one’s home to alert family members if anything seems amiss. Family can Skype and send pictures, messages, videos, etc, to the loved one using a simple touchscreen interface. GrandCare combines digital health assessment, biometric readings, activity of daily living sensing, medication management, smart home automation, video chat, and virtual touch-based communications into the most comprehensive and fully-featured technology in the private home market.
For more information, visit: www.grandcare.com

About Economic Development Washington County

Economic Development Washington County (EDWC) is an independent economic development organization fueling growth businesses and industries for the creation of quality jobs and wealth in Washington County. EDWC accomplishes this through a focus on existing business development consulting; engaging in driver-industry business attraction; supporting qualified start-up enterprises and serving as a central voice on economic development issues.

About CDBG RLF Funds

Economic Development Washington County (EDWC), on behalf of Washington County, administers a pool of funds that can make loans to businesses wishing to expand or locate in the county. These loans are customized to a project but have typically been smaller in size ($20,000-$100,000) and are made at a low interest rate. Principal and interest repaid by those businesses with loans are reinvested back into the fund to be lent out again, making it a “revolving loan fund,” or RLF.

GrandCare Systems Partners with mySmartCTI to Bring Aging in Place Technology to Australia

mySmartCare delivers touch-based digital health monitoring technology

mySmartCTI Logo

GrandCare Systems® appoints mySmartCTITM as Australian distributor

GrandCare Systems of the USA has today appointed mySmartCTI as the Australian distributor of its touch-based digital health monitoring and socialization technology solution.

mySmartCare powered by GrandCare’s technology will be available throughout Australia and includes telehealth functionality, socialization and family coordination features as well as activity of daily living monitoring.  For the residents, it means social connection, games, weather and news reports and one button video chat calls with children and grandchildren.

mySmartCare is also designed to provide family & caregivers with “peace of mind” by looking after activities of daily living (e.g. medication access, fridge access, sleeping patterns and door monitoring) as well as automatic monitoring and recording of vitals.  If a specified check point is not met, the system can alert a designated caregiver by email, text or phone call.

Says Peter Garrett, Managing Director of mySmartCTI, “As a leading technology integrator in Australia we are proud to be able to deliver a solution that assists the 90% of older Australians who wish to stay living in their homes whilst delivering peace of mind for them and their loved ones.”

“We are looking forward to entering the Australian market through mySmartCTI and utilizing their credibility and expertise”, said GrandCare founder Charlie Hillman, “the GrandCare technology takes away distance as a barrier to connectivity and care, reconnecting the aging population with their family, friends and social networks”.

About the partners

mySmartCTI is an Australian company that prides itself on making a positive difference for its customers, their employees and the environment. mySmartCTI helps to create the most energy and resource-efficient environments possible. Using the latest technologies with highly trained consultants and technicians, mySmartCTI is able to optimize buildings and outdoor environments so they more comfortable, and use less energy and resources with a resulting reduction in ongoing operational costs. mySmartCTI is Australia’s largest commercial building systems integrator with over 50 staff and offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth.

GrandCare Systems on the market since 2006, uses a series of wireless activity & tele-health sensors in a loved one’s home to alert family members if anything seems amiss. Family can Skype and send pictures, messages, videos, etc., to the loved one using a simple touchscreen interface. GrandCare combines digital health assessment, biometric readings, activity of daily living sensing, medication management, smart home automation, video chat, and virtual touch-based communications into the most comprehensive and fully-featured technology in the private home market. If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please call Alistair Grice, Marketing Manager at mySmartCTI on 02 9887 1000 or email Alistair.Grice@mysmartcti.com.au

Contact: Alistair Grice​
Tel: 02 9887 1000
Mob: 0405 111 122
Email:
Alistair.Grice@mysmartcti.com.au

UK Home Care Provider, Saga at Home, Partners with GrandCare Systems to power home care services

CES Las Vegas, NV – (January 8, 2013) – GrandCare Systems® announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas today, a partnership agreement under which Saga, the UK’s largest in-home care provider, will incorporate GrandCare’s touch-based digital health monitoring and socialization technology into their care service offerings.

This is a giant step for the remote monitoring industry as international player, Saga, shows the world how digital health technology could complement domiciliary care services for the over 50s.

“We are honored to have been chosen by Saga as their go-to-market technology for enhancing the 50+ services in the UK,” said GrandCare Founder Charlie Hillman, “the GrandCare technology takes away distance as a barrier to communication and care, benefiting our aging population with familial socialization and the connectivity of the Internet.”

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