Tag Archive for: GrandCare Systems

Bud Myers joins AgeTek as CEO

HOT NEWS: Bud Myers joins AgeTek as CEO

Today, AgeTek announced the appointment of its first chief executive officer, Bud Myers. For years, Bud served as Sr. Director of Merchandising at boomer-focused catalog and online retailer FirstSTREET (www.firststreetonline.com) and is a well-known expert in the baby-boomer and consumer electronics markets.

Bud has played a significant role helping the alliance transition from idea to reality. We are tremendously lucky to have acquired Bud in the first year of the alliance.

Bud wanted to tell you all, “I look forward to helping AgeTek move out of ‘formation’ mode and into ‘action’ mode. We have a robust agenda focused on helping our members’ businesses become successful and there’s lots to do.”

I also want to announce that AgeTek has just become incorporated in the state of California and is about to post the names of its founding members. We gave a deadline of May 31, 2010 to be considered “founding” members. You still have a few more days to send your application which can be found here: http://bit.ly/AgeTekMembership

Send it to agetek@me.com and then send first year dues by check to: Aging Technology Alliance, 3701 Sacramento Street – #496, San Francisco, CA 94118

Final thought: Be part of the solution, or be part of the problem…it’s up to you. Welcome, Bud, and thanks for being part of the solution.

http://web.me.com/pradsliff/Aging_Technology_Alliance/Blog/Entries/2010/5/27_HOT_NEWS__Bud_Myers_joins_AgeTek_as_CEO.html

Tomorrow Aging & Technology Industry Conference Call

Aging & Technology Enthusiasts!

Join us tomorrow – Thursday May 27th at 2pm EDT
(11a PDT) – for our weekly aging & technology
conference call. This call is provided and
brought to you by GrandCare Systems. This
industry call is sponsored by the brand new AgeTek
Alliance. The AgeTek alliance spurred the idea for
a brand new organization called the AgeTek
Alliance.

Where: http://my.dimdim.com/grandcare
Dial In: Listed on the top of the webinar
Topic: 5-27-10 Steve Abate, VRI, speaks on
Telehealth and home safety for seniors

ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS:
1. SEEKING SPEAKERS/TOPICS FOR AUGUST/SEPT.
Contact info@grandcare.com for more info

2. JOIN AgeTek by May 31st and get the ”Founding
Member” logo to display on your website! Fill out
your application and join today:
http://web.me.com/pr…iff/Aging_Techn …
n_Us!.html
PAYMENT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE!!!!

3. CEDIA. This show is designed for aging/tech
vendors to showcase their technologies in the
Aging & Tech Pavilion. Dealers/Installers are the
target audience for this conference. AgeTek
Members receive a $250 discount! Spots are VERY
LIMITED. We are also hosting a few AgeTek booths,
where AgeTek members companies can ”SHARE THE
SPACE” and pay less. Up to 3 companies per 10×10
booth! SAVE MONEY & Join us at CEDIA!
CEDIA EXPO 2010
September 22-26, 2010
(tradeshow floor open Sept. 23-26)
Georgia World Congress Center
Atlanta, GA
http://www.cedia.net/expo/index2010.php

4. AARP. This show is geared towards the AARP
members. Now accepting exhibitors. AgeTek
members receive a SUBSTANTIAL 25% discount (ALMOST
$500 off)
Orlando@50+ National Event & Expo from Thursday,
Sept. 30, until Saturday, Oct. 2, in Orlando.
Contact Jackie Berdy to register:
jberdyAARP@showmgmt.com

5. EARLY BIRD SIGN UP FOR EHX 2011! Custom
Integrator/Dealer show. For Aging & Technology
vendors that distribute through dealers. Register
before July 1 and save $1000. (Exhibitor
investment: Only $2,995 – $1000 before July). To
register, contact Susan Celli, 800-375-8015 x312,
scelli@ehpub.com

Thanks!!

Laura Mitchell
Director
AgeTek Alliance
www.agetek.org

These industry calls were designed, created and
hosted by GrandCare Systems. A complete ADL
monitoring, Wellness assessment, socialization and
touch-communication tool to keep individuals
active, interactive, safe, healthy, happy and
CONNECTED wherever he/she wants to live. More
info: www.grandcare.com

“Empower the user — product design assumptions for boomers and seniors”

Just read a post by Laurie Orlov (Aging in Place Technology Watch: ageinplacetech.com) and I wanted to share it here:

http://www.ageinplacetech.com/blog/empower-user-product-design-assumptions-boomers-and-seniors

Here are my thoughts…what do you think???

I am torn on this issue. I do believe that this is going to happen. I’m not entirely convinced that it is happening currently. At GrandCare, we offer ADL&Wellness monitoring ONLY along with a TV-based communication station OR the all-in-one interactive touchcomputer that provides all the benefits of the Internet on a touchpanel with a touchkeyboard – just no mouse (touchscreen). I do believe that as time goes on, our “seniors” are going to be more savvy, expect more, want to use more, want to feel empowered, etc.

This whole thing really depends on who we are talking about. There is obviously a huge difference between 65, 75 and 95. For our younger customers – the ones who really are choosing to “age responsibly”, they are not choosing to ditch their computers to use GrandCare. They don’t have to! They can use both and enjoy them for different reasons. I have a GrandCare System in my house. Why? To monitor various things, when the dog was let out, monitor the in-home temp, keep track of my weight/BP, and of course to see the montage of pictures, videos, etc on the touchscreen. My kids love it, it’s a conversation piece and fun to watch. I do have older customers that you couldn’t convince to use the touchscreen. It’s not comfortable for them and we don’t force it! They can simply watch the channel on the TV with the slideshow of information.

The important thing is they need to feel connected to society – all of these solutions help to do that in one way or another. They need to feel empowered – now if that just means being able to stay home, or being able to use the touchscreen or being able to have a pic of the grandchild on presto that they can bring along to the senior center… It really doesn’t matter HOW they get the information. It only matters if they are comfortable with it, feel involved, feel in control and of course feel happiness overall!

I do appreciate this article, though, because even though I agree with many of Peter’s comments, I think this issue is an important one to remember. Even in 2 years time, this will be even more relevant. As our boomers turn into seniors, that’s a HUGE shift in thinking.

And I don’t mind being continually reminded who we are serving and making sure we/our organization stays on target!

thanks Laurie & Peter(s) for another interesting and insightful conversation!

Laura Mitchell
GrandCare Systems
www.grandcare.com

Thursday AgeTek Topic: Medical Device Safety

THIS THURSDAY!

When: Thursday May 6th, 2p EDT (11am PDT)

Where: http://my.dimdim.com/grandcare

Topic: Medical device safety and government oversight. The financial crisis is not the only area where government oversight is creating issues. Lack of oversight equals risk management issues and more healthcare unknowns user safety issues that go unreported.

Bio: Patrece Banks business background is diverse and entrepreneurial. She is an award winning medical device inventor, Co-founder of an international non-profit focused on education and equality of men and women, advocate for consumers and business from lack of government oversight in device safety.

This Weekly Webinar is open to all and sponsored by the AgeTek Alliance.

This call is hosted and created by GrandCare Systems.

What is CEDIA and why do you need to be there?

CEDIA Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (http://www.cedia.net/)

What is CEDIA EXPO?

CEDIA EXPO is the #1 tradeshow in the residential electronic systems industry. Attending CEDIA EXPO gives you an advantage over the competition by providing the latest technologies, FREE training on the latest products, and the industry’s best education with CEDIA University courses. CEDIA EXPO gives you the best strategies to profit in home entertainment, environmental control, energy management, green technology, home health, security, and more.  2009’s conference saw 20,000 dealers and over 350 exhibitors.

Who should attend?

1. Professionals in home entertainment, security, lighting control, environmental control, energy management, retrofit, home control, home health, home theater, audio systems, integration, or are someone looking to break into the residential electronic systems industry, you need to be at CEDIA EXPO.

2. Home health technology provider that are looking to sell your technology through Custom Integrators/Dealers- YOU NEED TO BE AT CEDIA EXPO!

AgeTek is putting together a home health tech pavilion (right next to the CEDIA Future Home Technology House).  This pavilion will be full of aging technologies and there will be great attention drawn to our pavilion.  We will be hosting educational sessions and panels RIGHT on the show floor.  We will be doing press releases to get the dealers there – although, this topic is so hot right now, the dealers already KNOW that’s where they need to be!

GrandCare Systems will be exhibiting along with fellow agetek members: Presto!, ClearSounds Communications, VRI, Home Controls and more…

GrandCare will be hosting a special ON-SITE manufacturer-hosted dealer team training in the Convention Center before CEDIA Expo begins.  This is open too ALL Authorized GrandCare Dealers (old and new).  GrandCare will also be offering a brief refresher course open to current authorized dealers.

Look for GrandCare at their Manufacturer Training Course – open to all – during CEDIA on Saturday from 4 – 530p and during the Home Health Panel on Friday from 2 – 4p.

SPACE is very limited in this pavilion!  We are already over half booked and registration hasn’t even started yet (June 1)

Speaking and other opportunities are still available!!!

Please contact me ASAP to book your turnkey kiosk at CEDIA .  CEDIA is offering a wonderful discount to all pavilion members for an all-inclusive turnkey kiosk for well under $3,000.  AgeTek Members receive an additional $250 off the substantial discount.

INFO@grandcare.com to secure your place!

More info to come…

KAHSA Starts today!

The Kansas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging Conference starts today and from what we hear, it’s buzzing with excitement!  Aging Service Providers are intrigued and interested in adopting technologies to allow their residents more indepedence, freedom, safety & social connection with family members around the United States.  The staff can have “peace of mind” knowing the residents are being well cared for, save footsteps and time, and effectively and easily communicate with each other and multiple family members through the GrandCare System.  Life is good with GrandCare Systems!

Live footage of HC lifecare’s (grandcare dealer) booth: http://sharing.theflip.com/session/88f384ea88c01113eb07f753a709aa47/video/13311225

Thurs 4-29 2p EDT, Monica Anderson speaks on the importance of BRAIN FITNESS

Attention aging & technology enthusiasts & AgeTek members:

Join us tomorrow for the weekly aging & technology web-conference.  This is open to ANYONE in the aging and technology industry to learn, educate and network.  For upcoming Topics:  http://wp.me/pyOLA-1t

Topic: the importance of brain fitness by Monica Anderson (formerly of Dakim)

When: Thursday April 29th, 2010 – 2pm EDT (1p CDT)

Where: http://my.dimdim.com/grandcare

Dial-In will be listed on the webinar

Bio for Monica L. Anderson, former Dakim,Inc.  Southwest Vice President  Monica Anderson is a pioneer in the brain fitness for seniors movement with over 25 years of operational experience in the medical device industry with expertise in program development and sales and marketing management.   Monica has successfully directed and participated in the launch of over 20 transformational therapeutic technologies in high growth medical markets serving older adults, and has developed best practices and participated in training for numerous brain fitness programs in all levels of residential care, and adult day centers.    After caring for 3 family members suffering with Alzheimer’s related dementia, she joined Dakim’s management team to partner with senior living providers to offer older adults brain fitness programs to stave off dementia and preserve brain health and quality of life. Monica held prior management  positions with market leaders Edwards Lifesciences, Breg/Orthofix,  SCIMED/Boston Scientific, American Medical Systems, and was a principal  in a  leading sales distributorship for  DePuy Orthopaedic which was acquired by Johnson&Johnson.  Monica speaks functional Spanish and German, and holds a B.A. from Boston University,  an Executive Finance Certificate from the Wharton School of Business, and is pursuing a combined masters degree program in Gerontology and Business Administration.

Remember, the upcoming Aging Tsunami will float ALL BOATS!  Let’s work together!

 

Your Invitation to Thursday’s AGETEK informational webinar

Do you want to learn more about the new Aging and Technology Alliance: AGETEK???
Consider this your invitation to a conference call & online meeting where we will discuss Aging Technology Alliance membership:
Day:        Thursday
Date:       April 22, 2010
Time:       11:00 A.M. Pacific (2:00 P.M. Eastern)
Duration: 1 hour
_____
Phone (to listen and speak):
dial-in &  password will be listed on the top of the webinar  *(to mute/unmute:  *6)
Online (to view slides, access to public chat and to listen through computer speakers only): http://my.dimdim.com/grandcare
_____
Agenda:
The Aging Technology Alliance ad hoc board of directors has been busy getting the organization started: i.e. listening to feedback on membership structure, fielding membership requests from over 100 organizations, incorporating AgeTek, writing by-laws, etc. At this meeting, we will discuss…
– The benefits of membership in the Aging Technology Alliance
– Requirements of Members and Associate Members
– Cost to become a Member or Associate Member
– Creation of an AgeTek Advisory Board
*****HERE’S WHERE WE NEED YOUR RESPONSE!!!!
– Introductions – we would like to provide an opportunity for members to introduce themselves and their companies. Anyone who wishes to be allotted one minute to state who they are, what their company does, and what they hope to accomplish through the AgeTek membership may sign-up for a one-minute speaking slot by sending an email to agetek@me.com. Slots are limited and available on a first come-first served basis. Please put “AgeTek” in your email subject line.
Bring your questions, bring your comments, and bring your checkbook because we will be telling you where to send your first year dues, and the next steps for participation and committee formation to start the work of the alliance.

Thank you!

The AgeTek Board of Directors

4-22-10 Virtual AGETEK meeting during the weekly aging & technology webinar

THIS Thursday – AgeTek – the NEW aging & technology consortium (born on one of our thursday calls) will be taking the floor.

when: Thurs Apr 22, 2010 (2p EDT)

http://my.dimdim.com/grandcare (DIAL IN LISTED ON THE WEBINAR)

This webinar will review what AgeTek is, goals and visions, how YOU can join and reap member benefits & discounts.

AgeTek wants to hear from our future members!!!  Every participant is invited to speak during the call.  We will take reservations to speak (first come – first served). To ensure a slot, please email: agetek@me.com or info@grandcare.com.   Prepare to speak for one minute and answer the following questions

1. name/organization

2. What you can bring to AgeTek members

3. What you hope to gain from AgeTek

You must be dialed in to the conference number.  All are welcome to simply join and listen in!!!

JOIN US!

Live from the NAPGCM – Geriatric Care Manager Conference

Well here we are in New Mexico at the National Geriatric Care Manager Conference NAPGCM.  It’s been a great show for us so far.  Not too many attendees – around 250, but they are all definitely interested in using technology for their clients – which is a great shift that we are seeing and very encouraging.  We are pairing them together with our local dealers in their area (our dealers will take care of pricing, installation, tech support, etc).  They will help our dealers to determine the care plan assessment for the clients and in turn, our dealers will help them to set up rules, train the families on how to add communications, how to view the data and provide all customer and technical assistance.  It’s a match made in heaven!

It’s just so invigorating to be witnessing the shift to a genuine belief and acceptance and even excitement about the possibilities of this sort of technology.
The thing about the group of these people, they are genuinely passionate and care about what they do.  You hardly could not be.  Being a GCM, you have to love people, care about them and want to help!  It’s wonderful chatting with them, we were fortunate enough to go upstairs to a social event put on by Senior Bridge and got to socialize with many of them.  We discussed the potential opportunities for working together, things are looking great!

Tomorrow is the last day of the show, we have distributed close to 200 flyers, which means many of them took one.  I have collected a handful of business cards that want to be paired with dealers immediately.  Many more took my information to contact me about getting paired together!!

We have gotten a nice opportunity to meet some of the other vendors at the show – many are old friends!!  Home Instead is right next to us, our friends VRI,  CloseBy Network is also here, Phillips Lifeline, ElderCare Channel (very cool new concept – just launched), etc!!

Things are looking good and the weather (I hear) in New Mexico is great – – soon I’ll have to put work away and go outside to enjoy some of it 🙂