Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.

What is the purpose of GrandCare?

GrandCare is designed to help individuals live at home with a large touchscreen offering self directed reminders, instructionals on tasks, how-to videos, easy one-touch video chat to caregivers and locked-down engaging content for entertainment/videos/games (without sacrificing safety or security). Wireless motion/door sensors can alert caregivers if and when additional support might be needed (e.g if they didn’t get out of bed, didn’t access medications or opened the front door during the night). Optional telehealth devices (BP/Weight/Pulseox/Glucometer) can be used to help an individual manage chronic conditions and notify designated caregivers if a reading is “out of threshold”. Our clients have seen that individuals can support themselves with more daily tasks. One Ohio-based study showed GrandCare decreased in caregiver to individual staffing ratio from 1:6 to 1:21, saving dollars and allowing caregivers to be placed where care is really needed.

What type of demographics most commonly benefit from GrandCare?

Older Adults and Individuals living with I/DD with lower support needs and those with mental health challenges. Autism, TBI, ADHD, Down Syndrome, etc.

Where is GrandCare used? 

Private homes, group homes, senior living communities and other settings.

Does GrandCare provide a monitoring service?

No. GrandCare is a technology company. We make a remote monitoring and remote support platform. Other organizations use GrandCare to provide services to their clients.

What if a family wanted to provide their own monitoring through GrandCare? 

You absolutely can do that.

How is GrandCare paid for? 

Many different ways. GrandCare may be paid for through Medicaid, long term care insurance, private pay, and Medicare. It depends on who is using GrandCare and how they are using it.

Can I use my own tablet and download the GrandCare software? 

No. GrandCare is a dedicated appliance for remote monitoring and support. Our software is only available on touchscreens provided by GrandCare.

Is it user friendly for the individual? 

Yes, it was designed for someone who may have no experience with technology or electronics. Even if someone is not utilizing all aspects of GrandCare, there can still be a benefit to use the system for remote monitoring and video chat check-ins.

Can you customize GrandCare for each person who uses it? 

You sure can. The GrandCare touchscreen can look and behave differently for each person, depending on their preferences and needs. Also, you can choose to have motion sensors, door sensors, health devices (like blood pressure cuffs and weight scales) as needed. Everyone’s GrandCare can and should be unique. Peripheral devices like sensors and health devices can be added or removed from someone’s GrandCare at any time.

Can we add or remove buttons from the touchscreen such as radio or chores? 

You can absolutely be in charge of what is and isn’t on the touchscreens. We find that the touchscreens are most effective when the individual is drawn to it with personalized content such as favorite videos (locked-down), streaming radio, audio books, old time radio programs, etc. However, it is at the discretion of the provider and may easily be removed from one or all touchscreens.

Does the device have the capability of integration?

Yes we have a full library of API Documentation.

Would doctor’s/care teams be able to easily access information from the device?

Yes – easy to log into, download reports, access mychart through the system. HIPAA compliant video chat and communications.

Does GrandCare provide training? 

Yes. Organizations who adopt GrandCare will have access to our comprehensive online training course. Your staff can pick and choose the training modules relevant to their role, or do them all to become GrandCare Certified. On-site training is also available. 

What if the power goes out at the supported person’s residence? 

GrandCare touchscreens do have internal batteries for brief power outages. To protect against outages lasting longer than 20 minutes, you would want to look into using an uninterruptible power supply. Note: your networking equipment (your wifi router, cable modem, etc.) must also be powered. Some of our customers choose to have generators at their properties to ensure power under virtually all circumstances. 

Can GrandCare call 911 if there is an emergency situation?

No. GrandCare is not a personal emergency response system and many states won’t even allow a technology to automatically dial 911. If someone needs a PERS, they should use one along with their GrandCare.

Can GrandCare detect fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, water or other environmental emergencies? 

No. GrandCare is not designed to be a replacement for that type of equipment. GrandCare detects motion, door/window activity, and indoor temperature. 

How long has GrandCare been doing this kind of thing? 

GrandCare was officially started in 2005 and has evolved to use newer and better technology over the years. 

Do you have statistics on how this device improves and lowers the cost of care? 

Yes, we have many studies on the efficacy of GrandCare and proven outcomes in overall health, and medication compliance. We also have a case study showing a reduction in hospital readmissions. Here is one study by XAVIER University showcasing improved patient happiness and reduction in the costs of caregiving: www.grandcare.com/xavier