Tag Archive for: Alzheimer’s Association

Enabling Technologies can help Alzheimer’s Patients Stay at Home

Aging in place and enabling technologies like GrandCare Systems have been empowering seniors to remain healthy, safe, and happy at home.

By Heather Kelly, CNN
August 25, 2014
edition.cnn.com

 

Sensors let Alzheimer’s patients stay at home, safely

(CNN) — Mary Lou doesn’t know that she’s being tracked.

The 77-year-old is in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s and though she lives on her own, her family keeps close tabs on her. If she leaves her Washington D.C. home between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., a silent sensor on her front door texts her daughter an alert.

[…]

“It’s kept her to the point where we haven’t even had to have in-home care yet. Our goal is to keep her in her home for as long as possible,” said her daughter Cathy Johnson.

Caregivers like Johnson are increasingly turning to smart-home technology and wearable devices to monitor family members with Alzheimer’s and dementia, helping them live independently longer. One of the first things Alzheimer’s patients lose is the ability to learn new things. It makes getting their bearings and adjusting to a new residence especially difficult. But living alone can pose its own dangers, such as leaving a stove on, wandering off or forgetting to take medication.

“Often, decisions about care are made when safety becomes an issue” said said Beth Kallmyer, vice president of constituent services for the Alzheimer’s Association. Tools like these sensors “can allow people to feel more comfortable” and ease the transition.

Read more at edition.cnn.com.

GrandCare Systems

System Comp HR NEWIndustry pioneer GrandCare Systems, provides the most trusted and comprehensive caregiving technology on the market. Since 2005, GrandCare has enabled individuals to remain healthier, happier, and more independent.

The GrandCare interactive touchscreen gives residents the option to control communications and view specific pictures, listen to audio messages, check calendar appointments, visit designated web sites, play games and brain exercises, and video chat with family.

Using a series of wireless activity sensors and digital health devices, the system can notify designated caregivers by phone, email, or text if something seems amiss.

For more information visit GrandCare Systems online at GrandCare.com.

This Spring…coming to a brain near you…The GrandCare Memory Boost

In a not so distant future…one seemingly ordinary man discovers something extraordinary.

This spring, viewers will enjoy the coming of the SECOND BRAIN, “GRANDCARE MEMORY BOOST”

 

Starring:

  • Sandy Halperin: playing the ordinary man
  • GrandCare Systems Memory Boost: playing the second brain.

Together – they will fight memory loss and early Alzheimer’s, LIVING up to the challenge!!

You will clap, you will cry! Watch Sandy’s breathtaking performance and GrandCare’s natural appeal.  You want want to miss this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs6t2dTolrk

Cameos by Lauren Halperin & Scott D Feldstein.

Shot & Produced by Laura Mitchell

All rights belong to GrandCare Systems

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

 

Sandy Halperin: becoming a butterfly with GrandCare

Sandy Halperin an Alumni Adviser for the Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Group is a true leader in the “War on Alzheimer’s”, as both an advocate and patient. He speaks openly about his daily life, working diligently to shed light on what is like to live with  early-stage Alzheimer’s and to share his concerns on the cultural stigma and/or embarrassment that effects those with cognitive impairments, their friends and their families. His goals are to raise public awareness on Alzheimer’s, aid in raising funding for research and support programs as well as to provide input to external groups on how to provide the best services for people living with early-stage Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments.

Sandys ScreenSandy is currently working with GrandCare Systems on the development of a new memory care package, for their existing home health technology system. GrandCare features an all-in-one touchscreen system, called the HomeBase. The system is placed in the homes of an individuals who need assistance in remaining independent, by providing cognitive assistance, monitoring basic activities, recording wellness data, and serving as a communication platform. Friends, family members and professional caregivers can access the system remotely via any Internet-connected device to add communications, view activity information and set up alerts to notify them if anything seems amiss.

With Sandy’s help the new “Memory Boost”‘ package will provide GrandCare clients with a SUPER memory personal assistant to self enable longer lasting independence and memory assistance.

My “In-Home 2nd Brain” (so to speak…)

Sandy Halperin

Sandy Halperin

The “GrandCare” system and technology was installed in my home a few days ago to dramatically help me with my memory due to my having early-stage Alzheimer’s and it’s associated short and long term memory difficulties.

Already, for me, it has begun to act like my “In-Home 2nd Brain” as mentioned. I will keep you up-to-date in the days and months ahead as I utilize and integrate the system and it’s huge number of benefits/functions into my daily routines.

I mention this as I am being verbal about my having cognitive problems, without stigma — and I am using any and all aids that I can for me to continue to lead as proactive and active life as I can. This is all as I continue to live in the gift of the present with my family and friends…

As I have said before quoting from a Proverb: “Just when the caterpillar thought that his life was over, he became a butterfly”. So metaphorically, as I live this chapter of my life as a butterfly, I believe that the GrandCare System will help me to live it to the fullest.”

Tomorrow Age/Tech Call – Julie from The National Alzheimer’s Association speaks

Please join the aging & tech industry tomorrow for our weekly aging/technology webinar.

Who: Julie Sipchen, Safety Services Product Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association National Office
What: The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to educating families about how to keep people with Alzheimer’s safe, active and independent in the community for as long as possible. Alzheimer’s Association Comfort Zone™ powered by Omnilink, is an exciting step forward in Alzheimer’s safety choices.
When: (EVERY THURS)
Jan 20, 2pm EST/1p CST/12n MST/11a PST
Where: GO ONLINE to: www.dimdim.com
Click “Join Meeting” enter Meeting Room: GrandCare
You should be able to hear through your computer speakers. If you’d like to participate in the conversation, please mute your computer speakers and dial-in to the number listed at the top of the webinar screen.

Bio: Julie Sipchen is the Safety Services Product Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association National Office. As part of the Business Development team, Julie manages the MedicAlert + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return program, Comfort Zone and other safety related programs and services. She fields inquiries from companies interested in working with the Association as well as seeks out new opportunities to bring innovative and accessible safety options to people with Alzheimer’s and related dementia and their families.

Why: These webinars are open to ALL and hosted every week to educate, learn from each other, network with each other and have a good time! Remember, THE UPCOMING AGING TSUNAMI will float all boats! Let’s join together and MAKE A SPLASH in the aging and technology industry!!!

Each call is recorded! To ensure good call quality, please mute your phone when not speaking (*6 can automatically mute/unmute your phone) & mute computer speakers if you dial-in.

All are welcome to join us!!!

Your Aging&Technology Call Host,

Laura H. Mitchell
GrandCare Systems
info@grandcare.com
www.grandcare.com

GrandCare Systems is a communication, cognition, wellness assessment & activity monitoring system that allows individuals to stay safe, happy, healthy & independent at home!