Tag Archive for: aging in place

home care remote monitoring

Remote Monitoring That Will Assist Caregivers

The advent of new technology is helping people that require some level of assistance stay independent in their homes longer. One of the technologies taking the market by storm is the GrandCare System. The GrandCare System is finding its way into a number of areas including residences, small group homes and even larger independent and assisted living facilities.

In a nut shell, GrandCare is a three level system. Level one provides a social interface for the end-user, level two is a health and wellness monitoring portion and level three monitors daily activity. Throw in basic home automation control and you have a fully interactive monitoring system that will provide the assistance that is needed by a large portion of the population.

With the rising cost of healthcare, we need to find new solutions that allow early detection of potential problems and address them prior to hospitalization. One hospital admittance and the system can be paid for. Also, with the average cost of assisted living topping $50,000 per year….the cost of a system can be absorbed in a number of months and extend the ability to stay at home for years. Couple a GrandCare System with a PERS and medication management system and the cost is still well below assisted living.

Level One

The first part of the Grandcare is the social interface. This portion of the system is designed to keep the user in touch with the world (even without knowing how to use a computer). It provides a central place for family to share things like photos and information. The system provides a touch screen computer and can also be connected to a TV. The touch screen allows the user to access pre-set internet sites, receive and send email, listen to music, play games and more. When not being used for an activity, the system will display; photos (that can be uploaded by family), trivia, weather, news headlines, daily reminders and other items that the family and user can designate.

Level Two

Level two is something we all need! It is the Health and Wellness side of the system. Via a wireless interface, the system will monitor weight, blood pressure and pulse-ox. The caregiver/family member can create rules so when the system detects changes, it will notify them via email, text message or a simple phone call. (More on rules later). The system will also monitor the glucose levels of the user. Combine all of the monitoring with a complete reporting system that generates reports that can be printed out and given to your doctor. This provides a much more detailed and lengthy look of the patient allowing the doctor to make better decisions then they can when they get that ten or fifteen minute snap shot when you are in for a check-up.

Level Three

Level three is designed to monitor the daily activity of the occupants of the home. It is a non evasive way of ensuring that they are ok. The system will monitor doors, windows, the refrigerator….basically, anything that can be opened. It will also look at motion, lack of motion or excessive motion in any area that is monitored. For example, if a person gets out of bed at 7AM every day, the system can be programmed to watch for no motion in the home between say, 6AM and 8AM indicating they didn’t get up. It can also monitor if a person is in bed or out of bed and how much they are moving around. By doing that, we can determine how well someone sleeps and if they are not sleeping well address it so they sleep better. The system will also advise caregivers and family members if someone is out of bed for an extended period at night, possibly indicating a problem. With the ability to monitor just about anything combined with the rules that can be created, you can create a truly safe environment.

Care Notes

This is an area for caregivers and family members that visit the user to perform assistance tasks, check on wellbeing or for any other reason they stop in. The care notes allow a person to enter basic notes. For example, a daytime caregiver may leave a note for the overnight caregiver saying that the resident has the flu so make sure they are drinking fluids. Or a daughter may stop by and notice that dad has a cut on his head from a fall so he needs to be checked on from time to time for the next 24 hours. All of the care notes can be reviewed from any computer with an internet connection and are also sent out via email at the end of the day to the people that you designate. This allows everyone to stay up to date as to what is going on.

The Rules

The GrandCare System allows rules to be setup by the caregiver or family members. This is an extremely flexible part of the system and very easy to modify as needs or areas of concern change. Some of the systems that are similar to GrandCare use Artificial Intelligence (AI). This allows the computer to set rules based on what it determines is the “normal activity” of the user. That works well providing that when the system is installed, the user has no existing conditions. The system may decide that something that is truly an issue is normal activity.
The rules in the GrandCare System can be setup to send a message via Text Message, Email or can use an automated voice and place a phone call to a designated person. You can also use any combination of the notifications. You can also use rules to cause something to happen in the home, say turn on a light. A few examples follow;
1) If no motion is detected between 7AM and 9AM send a text message to caregiver 1
2) If any door opens between 10PM and 6AM call caregiver 2
3) If person gets out of bed between 10PM and 7AM turn on the bathroom light
4) If a person is out of bed for more the 15 minutes between 10PM and 7AM, call caregiver 1
5) If a glucose reading is below 100, call the home and say “ Your blood sugar is low please drink orange juice”
The rules that can be created are almost endless and can be modified as needed. This allows the system to be customized to today and then changed to meet tomorrow’s needs.

Dealers

You will want to work with a local and reputable authorized dealer. The system brings a lot of capabilities; however during setup and installation this can overwhelm and confuse the caregivers and family members. Plus, you want to get the most from the system. When the system is first installed, the dealer will help to determine the best layout of the sensors based on the individual needs and help setup the users and rules. Some dealers will have a follow-up meeting about two weeks after the installation to review rules, adjust sensors and make any changes that are needed now that the system has real data from day to day use. The dealer will charge a monthly fee that typically covers the monthly software license (charged by the manufacturer), the hosting for alert notification, software updates and sometimes on going service for hardware failure. Some dealers will even take care of rule changes, adding users and other ongoing software maintenance. Spend time with your dealer and ensure that they are a good fit for you and your family.
When all is said and done, this is a system that can greatly improve safety, independence and general daily life of the user. However, this is not a put it in and forget it system, you want to have the family(Children, Grandchildren, Cousins etc…no matter where they live) involved and keep the photos new and changing, sending emails to the user and keeping information fresh. This will help to keep someone who may be isolated from the rest of the world more active and involved.

About the author:

James Gleason is co-owner of JNL Technologies Inc, a company that is focused on safety systems both for the residential setting as well as assisted, independent and skilled care settings. James has spent the last 15 years working in this industry and serving our population

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.

virtual long term care

Benefit Specialists Recognizes GrandCare as the Cadillac of Virtual Long-Term Care

Benefit Specialists, an industry leader since 1980, is a privately owned, full service insurance brokerage firm specialize in both employer-provided and voluntary benefits for companies of all sizes across a broad array of industries. Affiliated with over 50 of the largest national insurance companies, they specialize in providing customized solutions for companies looking for group and individual insurance products and benefit plans which will meet the unique needs of employees.

Recently, Benefit Specialists wrote an interesting article discussing the impact that emerging technologies are having on long-term care environments. Check out the excerpt below, which explains how GrandCare is reshaping the healthcare landscape.

“For those who want to maximize their peace of mind, Gomez says the Cadillac of virtual long-term care is a remote-monitoring system like that offered by grandCARE.

With this system, activity sensors are placed in a senior’s home. To use grandCARE, Managed Senior Care first evaluates what a typical ‘good day’ looks like for a senior and sets alerts accordingly. For example, if a senior typically has breakfast by 9 a.m. and the refrigerator hasn’t been opened by that time, an alert may go out to a caregiver.

As with Banner iCare, seniors using the grandCARE system are set up with a tablet. In this case, it’s an oversized tablet that can be remotely activated. If a caregiver needs to check on a senior, he or she can open Skype which will activate the camera and microphone on the tablet. At that point, the caregiver can look for the senior and call out to him or her to determine whether help is needed.

‘One of the reasons we like this product is because it’s respectful of the senior,’ Gomez says. ‘You know when people are watching. There is no secret monitoring.’”

GrandCare Gets Its Kicks on Route 66

“If you ever plan to motor west,
Travel my way, take the highway that is best.
Get your kicks on Route Sixty-Six.”

GrandCare is headed to western Illinois for this year’s Healthy Living Expo with GrandCare affiliate Gray Matters Alliance. This one-day event, held on May 19, is a great place to have fun, get facts on healthy living for seniors, and get free health screenings. And it’s a good place to learn more about GrandCare by stopping at Table 19.

But wait, there’s more! The event is being held at Gateway Classic Cars which means that, in addition to this fun and informative expo, you can enjoy the classic car show. There will be hundreds of cars to look at and more than 100 vendors to visit.

And wait, there’s even more! There’s a free continental breakfast, complimentary lunch, entertainment, games, and more. Even a Patsy Cline impersonator! There’s also free transportation. (Call 800-326-3221 for pickup locations.)

“It winds from Chicago to LA,
More than two thousand miles all the way.
Get your kicks on Route Sixty-Six.”

So, if you’re winding down Route sixty-six, or any highway, be sure to stop in at Gateway Classic Cars at 1237 Central Park Drive, in O’Fallon, Illinois. Get healthy, and enjoy the car show.

The event is sponsored by AgeSmart Community Resources. AgeSmart works to help older adults remain independent in their homes and communities. Through planning, funding, responding to community needs and providing answers on aging, AgeSmart Community Resources helps people age well their way.

Healthy Living Expo
Sponsored by AgeSmart Community Resources
May 19, 2017
At Gateway Classic Cars
1237 Central Park Dr
O’Fallon, IL
Table 19
Expo open 8:30am to 12:30pm
More information

Gray Matters Alliance was established to create empathy, patience and tolerance towards the elder population. They are committed to offering peace of mind for families while allowing their loved ones to remain engaged and maintain their dignity and at the same time provide caregivers with additional resources to do their jobs more effectively and compassionately. Find out more at their website (www.graymattersalliance.com.)

Kiplinger Showcases GrandCare Technology to Help Seniors Remain in Their Homes

Kiplinger, a national financial news magazine, recently gave a shout out to GrandCare Systems in an article called “Technology Helps Seniors Remain at Home.” GrandCare was highlighted as a device to help seniors remain independent in their own homes.

“Most of us want to remain at home as we get older, but safety and health issues and social isolation can interfere with that plan.” The article praises GrandCare for being a technology that addresses both of those issues, and that enables seniors “to stay put indefinitely.”

The author specifically mentions GrandCare’s comprehensive health and wellness features. Using home health devices, such as blood pressure monitors, weight scales, glucometers, and pulse oximeters, seniors can take their readings at home, and those readings are automatically (and wirelessly) transmitted and recorded to the GrandCare System in the residence. Family members and caregivers can login in remotely to view the readings at any time, and identify trends. They can also set rules to receive email, phone, or text notifications whenever a reading falls outside of a chosen range, or whenever the senior forgets to take a reading. And they can take printouts of the readings with them to doctor appointments.

The article also commended GrandCare’s socialization and communication features.

“With an interactive touch screen from [GrandCare] Systems, you can look at a photo of a grandson’s Halloween costume or a video replay of his baseball home run. You can listen to music, play word games, read the news or surf the Internet. No need to know how to use a computer.”

The article quotes GrandCare customer Randall Schafer, 61, of Houston, whose 90-year-old mother has a GrandCare system in her home. Schafer said that he and his mother especially love the video chat feature of her system.

“‘My mom is in love with our dog, Daisy,’ Schafer says. Her ‘face lights up’ when she sees the schnauzer, he says.” The GrandCare system makes it so easy to do, that she can simply push a button to start the video chat.

Read the entire article.

Will you join our movement to inspire and connect? GrandCare Contest

The GrandCare movement is changing the world…

GrandCare is leading a movement to change the world as we age.  View the movement video here: GrandCare’s Facebook page and just hit share on Facebook.  Two “sharers” will be selected as our Inspirational Movement Ambassadors and be highlighted by GrandCare AND will win a FREE GrandCare System on May 30th.

Here’s what the movement is about. Will you join us?

…Transforming and connecting

The simple touchscreen system, has big, easy to read buttons. It makes the connection with loved ones as easy as the push of a button.

…Empowering and soothing

Vitals and activities are recorded automatically. Peace of mind for the people far away who worry. Peace of mind of the senior, who knows loved ones can check in easily, and are alerted automatically if something isn’t right.

…Entertaining and informative

A wealth of information, connection, and entertainment easily available. Just push the buttons for news and weather. Games. Old-time radio. Videos. Family photos. The Internet.

…Friendly guidance

Messaging. Calendar and event reminders. Daily To-do lists. Medication reminders.

…Pure joy

Isn’t it time to inspire with GrandCare?

Will you join us to inspire and make your loved one’s life better? You have the power! Enter our Facebook contest.

How?

Visit GrandCare’s Facebook page to view our video. Then share it with your Facebook friends. Everyone who shares will be entered into our contest. Two winners will be selected to win a GrandCare System on May 30th. ‪

Inspire, motivate, influence someone special today! Join the GrandCare movement.

GrandCare Makes Healthcare Accessible Via Telemedicine

 

GrandCare is in the news again. Rural telephone companies have partnered with local health care providers to improve access to care using telehealth devices. GrandCare is instrumental to this effort, according to Rural Telecom magazine.

The article “Making Health Care Accessible via Telemedicine,” features innovator Dave Wolf, CEO and general manager of Gardonville Telephone Cooperative in Brandon, MN. Wolf used GrandCare’s monitoring system as the vehicle to partner with Knute Nelson, a senior care organization serving rural Minnesota, to offer in-home services to hospice patients. “They want to go home and be surrounded by family and a familiar environment,” Wolf said.

GrandCare is proud to help.

In the article, Wolf praises GrandCare for its simple and intuitive design that makes it easy for seniors to manage, as well as its security features.

“These are very simple and intuitive and designed for someone who may be a little foggy and on meds,” he said, adding that it’s also easy to lock out unintended users. “We don’t want family visitors jumping on the tablet and clogging it up with games or videos.”

Wolf identifies two other reasons he chose GrandCare: quick installation, and a monthly payment schedule rather than a long-term contract. Wolf pointed out that these features, important to all clients, are especially important to hospice patients where time is of the essence.

In his experience, patients and caregivers liked many of the features of the GrandCare system, for example the medication reminders, music and entertainment features, and video communication with health care providers, caregivers, and family members.

GrandCare’s Clinical Advisor, Daphne Karpan worked with Wolf to help make the partnership a success.In the article, Karpan praises Wolf and rural telecommunication providers for bringing high quality care to people who might otherwise not have access, saying, “Meeting the folks at Gardonville and working with other small telephone companies over the years has given me newfound respect for this group. They work hard, and they care about people.”

Karpan notes that progress has been made toward reimbursement for telehealth.

Medicare is doing pilot programs on telemedicine and home-based care, and it’s starting to do some limited reimbursements. While this is a slow-moving regulatory process, Karpan said the fact that Medicare reimbursements are now based on patient outcomes is good news.

The article also highlights the importance of HIPAA compliance for telehealth reimbursement. Successful partnerships use tools such as GrandCare that meet or exceed the requirements of HIPAA.

The advances in telehealth create a big opportunity. Using a tool that is a proven market leader, and that works, such as GrandCare, will be key to success. As Karpan explains:

“So many health care agencies are coming online to offer in-home services. If you get the package and system figured out, you’ll be the one to get that business.”

GrandCare is a caregiving tool that is designed to reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes by enabling designated family members, caregivers and healthcare professionals to remotely care for an individual in a residence, regardless of geographic location. The heart of GrandCare is a large touchscreen in the residence, which provides the individual with social communications, instructions, reminders and medication prompts. No computer skills are needed for the resident to fully engage in all of the touchscreen features.

GrandCare is the winner of the 2012 CEA Innovation Entrepreneur Award for Small Business of the Year, and is a two-time winner of SeniorHomes.com’s Most Innovative Senior Products Award.

GrandCare Announces Certified Dealer Training in April

System2.pngGrandCare Systems announced today the re-launch of their platinum distribution channel by certifying authorized custom integrators, dealers, installers and other organizations. GrandCare will be offering a 2-day intensive training session on market opportunities, aging and health conditions, the competitive landscape, as well as complementary products and services. The training will also cover sales and marketing strategies and a deep dive into the GrandCare technology.  Participants will learn to successfully customize, implement and install GrandCare, while offering additional value-added services to help individuals remain healthy and happy at home.

Launched in 2006, GrandCare Systems is the pioneer in connected living and connected health in the private home. GrandCare is a comprehensive, fully tested and rugged system that combines social interaction with activity sensors and telehealth devices. Family members and other caregivers can monitor activity patterns, assess health readings, and send personalized messages and reminders to the GrandCare touchscreen platform in the private home.

If you or someone you know would be a good fit for the GrandCare distribution direct to consumer channel, we would like to hear from you.

What?
GrandCare Dealer Training

Who?
Anyone that would like to resell GrandCare technology and services

Where?
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

When?
April 12th – 14th (Training begins at 1pm on the 12th and ends at 1pm on the 14th)

Early Bird Special: $1500 (register before March 15th)

Regular Training Rate: $2500

Additional rewards for previously authorized GrandCare Dealers

Details will be provided upon registration

[REGISTER HERE]

CEPro Highlights GrandCare’s Return to Home Tech

GrandCare Returns to Home Tech Channel, Teams with CEDIA on Aging-in-Place

Julie Jacobson · February 19, 2016
Read in full at www.cepro.com

GrandCare is coming back to the home technology channel, hoping integrators are ready to sell and install solutions for seniors, handicapped individuals and others aspiring to live independently.
…
For its first years in business, the company used the custom installation channel to deploy its products. It’s fair to say GrandCare was the leading force in educating integrators on the home-health market and encouraging other aging-in-place vendors to participate in the effort.

While home-health technology enjoyed a high profile for many years in the channel — from about 2009 to 2012 — few integrators were able to make a significant dent in the market. In 2013, GrandCare left the channel to focus on institutional sales to healthcare and affiliated organizations.
…
“GrandCare is re-launching a dealer program because the timing is right,” Laura Mitchell says. “Everyone is aging. That’s a demographic we have on our side.”

CEDIA [www.cedia.net], the trade association for home technology professionals, is getting in on the action too.

More information on the new GrandCare Dealer Opportunities is coming soon, with significant discounts for previously authorized GrandCare Dealers!

 

 

GrandCare Showcased at Innovative LeadingAge MN Conference

GrandCare, the industry leader in comprehensive eldercare technology, will be featured at the LeadingAge Minnesota conference in St. Paul tomorrow, February 10. The mission of LeadingAge Minnesota is an important one: ensuring that “older adults in every community live with dignity, meaning, and purpose.” GrandCare will be at the conference in booth 257 to help deliver on that mission.

How? By introducing new and innovative functionality like the Emergency Broadcast Alert System and enhanced community features like event calendars, meal schedule and digital signage. GrandCare founder and CEO Charlie Hillman commented, “GrandCare is delighted to reinforce our partnership with LeadingAge of MN and be on display at this innovative event. Together we are reinventing the care delivery model to be more proactive, predictive and cost-effective.”

To find out more about what GrandCare is up to, visit us on the web at grandcare.com. Ask us about our discounted pricing for senior care providers at sales@grandcare.com today!