Tag Archive for: home health technology

CEDIA Recognizes Home Health Technology (and showcases GrandCare) as the Next HUGE opp for DEALERS!!!!

http://www.cediacrosspoint.com/content/emerging-trends-2q-update-video

VERY well done CEDIA video that showcases new opportunities for dealers.  Home Health Technology is one of the recommended avenues for dealers to explore. In the video, CEDIA shows two pictures of the GrandCare System in use 😉

Fantastic! Well Done Cedia team!  Home Health is a great opportunity for this industry!  The Aging Technology Alliance: AgeTek (www.agetek.org) is perfect for new dealers that are signing up for this industry.

ALSO – – We are hosting a free webinar event tomorrow (Thursday April 7th, 2p EDT) called “10 steps to Home Health Technology”. It will be a webinar open to anyone and everyone. 2pm Eastern Time. We will meet here: http://grandcaresystems.webex.com
Two of your AgeTek Board Members will be speaking on this session: AgeTek Chairman – Peter Radsliff and AgeTek Director – Laura Mitchell.If you cannot attend, but would like to receive tomorrow’s recording, just shoot an email to info(at)grandcare.com
Moderator: Laura Mitchell, GrandCare SystemsPanelists:Peter Radsliff, Presto & AgeTek ChairTom Morgan, Worthington DistributionBob Levy, Electronic Creations

3-24-11 GrandCare webinar: Home Care in the 21st Century- Mark Shea speaks

We invite you to join in GrandCare’s weekly aging/technology industry webinars. All are welcome to join us!
Date: Thursday March 24th 2011
Time: 2pm EST (11am PST)
Room: Go to http://grandcaresystems.webex.com
If you would like to call in but you do not have access to a computer, call: 1-408-600-3600 access code: 661 277 172 #

NOTE: If you are new to using Webex and you have questions, please contact us at info@grandcare.com. Some of the initial kinks have been fixed, so please try again. You may opt to ONLY dial in (number listed above) We appreciate your patience!

Topic Description: Home Care in the 21st Century

Existing consumer electronics and networking technologies are being re-purposed to allow family caregivers the ability to remain aware of a loved one’s health and safety. Perhaps the easiest way to think of these systems is as a “baby monitor times ten”. This is being heralded by pundits from the Consumer Electronics industry as the next big thing. Enabling a virtual presence in a home makes whole new levels of service and care that is affordable and available to almost everyone. The world of home care is about to change radically and rapidly.

About our speaker: Mark Shea from Right at Home

Our speaker, Mark Shea, has over twenty years of experience with networking and internet technologies and ten years with Microsoft. He teaches Social Media at the University of Washington. Mark currently owns a Home Care agency in Mount Vernon, Washington: North Cascade Right at Home. Mark will be presenting his vision of how these technologies can be leveraged by a Home Care Agency of the 21st Century.

Webinar Objectives:

– Learn how long term health care is being transformed

– How does technology fit into homes?

– Resistance to change – Acceptance. How does it work?

GrandCare Interviewed by Rave Publications at EHX 2011

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DB-NGBRJsQ]

GrandCare’s VP of Marketing, Laura Mitchell, is interviewed by Rave Publications at EHX 2011.

Another Interview at EHX with VP Marketing, Laura Mitchell: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqw89ArzbGw]

Smart Money Magazine asks us – can aging be stylish?

Yesterday, Smart Money Magazine posted an article: Can a Medic Alert System be Stylish. They discussed grab bars, Personal Emergency Response Systems, Wearable Pendants, etc. GMU’s Andy Carle, Age in Place Tech Watch’s Laurie Orlov and AgeTek’s own Peter Radsliff all weighed in on solutions and adoption of technology to “age in place”.

I think this is a very important topic to address. People don’t want to use systems/devices that make them “feel” geriatric, old or disabled. That is the reason that the systems need to be viewed more like we view every day conveniences..think of railings on stairs, alarm clocks, smart phones, online calendar/reminders, appointment books, etc. All of these we use every day because they are helpful and they assist EVERYONE. Systems that enable a person to stay independent and at home should be viewed in a similar fashion. Nobody wants to have the scarlet pendant of aging, instead they want to be able to self-enable with gadgets, technologies, design, etc. If we design systems like GrandCare Systems that has many features that ANYBODY would enjoy, it is much more likely that a person will accept. I use GrandCare Systems in my home every day and my two toddler boys do too. We use it for different reasons, using the same alerts, cognitive assists, reminders, family calendar, etc that the system provides. Everyone benefits from convenience, safety, communication, etc. (Think of the iPad). I would NEVER be able to keep track of my schedule without my iPhone reminding me of EVERYTHING. Why should it be so different with non tech-savvy individuals? Check out my entry on why I believe Gen X-ers should also be adopting these technologies as early adopters: http://wp.me/pyOLA-dx Thanks for the article – short answer: YES, aging can and SHOULD be stylish and graceful! Laura Mitchell GrandCare Systems www.grandcare.com

What are your thoughts???

Read their article here: Can a Medic Alert System Be Stylish? – SmartMoney.com http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/technology/now-in-vogue-grandpas-gadgets-1299712884177/#ixzz1GJrWJD00

Geek News Central Interviews GrandCare Founder, Charlie Hillman

Geek News Central
Grandcare: Keeping the Senior Citizen Independent
POSTED BY KL TECH MUSE AT 10:04 PM ON FEBRUARY 13, 2011

Andy McCasky and Esbjorn Larsen spoke to Charles Hillman, PE of Grandcare. Grandcare goal is to help seniors stay in their home, while allowing the caregiver to have peace of mind. The system consists of a central unit similar to a TiVo box that connects to any size TV or monitor. Then a series of motion sensors can placed around the house that measure motions.

There is also a wellness system that can measure blood pressure, weight and other health measurements. The monitor has a series of buttons, that can be set by and changed by the caregiver. The buttons can be big as needed and give a tactile feed back to the senior citizen. On the buttons are pictures to indicate who or what the senior will connect to. Push a button and the senior citizen is connected with a family member through Skype or a video plays that the caregiver has chosen for the senior citizen, the possibilities are endless.

The Grandcare system is set up to prevent malware and virus, and unwanted communication to the senior citizen. It is simple to use and no computer knowledge is necessary by the senior citizen. Grandcare has distributors and dealers that install the system.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDR News. and Esbjorn Larsen of MrNetCast.com.

Watch the video Here

NOTE – – The Current Activity & Wellness Sensors Available from GrandCare Systems are here
Tele-Wellness Sensors Currently Available for Retail: Blood Pressure, Weight Scale, Medication Dispenser. (Glucometer & Pulse Oximeter available pending FDA Approval)

Thanks,

GrandCare Featured on Las Vegas Morning Blend

Congrats to GrandCare Las Vegas dealer: Fusion Care for their wonderful feature on the Las Vegas Morning Blend this morning!!

http://www.vegasmorningblend.com/videos/106630598.html

Computers Important to Home Health Tech – by Electronic House Magazine

Using technology to care for an aging loved one is simpler than you might think. Sometimes it just takes a PC.

With healthcare costs spiraling out of control, a number of forward-thinking electronics manufacturers are developing solutions that enable a person’s health and wellness to be monitored and managed electronically from the comfort of their homes.

But as a few key industry experts pointed out at a recent educational session at the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association Expo (CEDIA) in Atlanta, often it’s the simple technologies, like a basic computer and Internet access, that can make the biggest impact in a aging or disabled person’s life.

“You can monitor the heck out of mom and dad, but if they aren’t engaged and enjoying life what’s the point,” said Jack York, CEO of It’s Never Too Late (www.in2l.com), a Centennial, Colo.–based organization that customizes computer systems for senior care centers across the U.S.

Often, the computers are designed with built-in touchscreens, adaptive devices for those with physical or cognitive difficulties and picture-based interfaces for launching applications. As York, explained, a computer with Internet access help an aging loved-on connect friends, family and their community; exercise their mind; and find real purpose in their lives. “Socialization is the real Trojan horse of the home health technology industry,” added fellow panelist Charlie Hillman, CEO of GrandCare Systems (www.grandcaresystems.com).

As reported by myoptumhealth.com, the top uses of the Internet by people 73 and older are online searches, including news, product research and financial information; email and phone sharing with friends and family; research on health and medical topics.

Realizing the importance of technology to the age-in-place population, a number of home systems installers have spun off home health tech divisions from their core installation businesses. Eric Crawford, president of Home Theater & Automation, Meridian, Idaho, for example, uses the security sensors and control processors from his current portfolio of Control4 products to create his own monitoring systems.

Paul Ebaugh of CyberNet Solutions, Commerce Township, Mich., has taken a slightly different approach. After seven years of installing sophisticated audio/video, automation and security systems into clients’ homes, Ebaugh launched a new division within his company to cater exclusively to the age-in-place market. Called Elderwatch, the company’s core product is the Grand Care System. “It has all the tools necessary for health and wellness—things that standard automation systems can’t really do,” he says. When necessary, though, Ebaugh can always pull from his old bag of CyberNet products, combining the Grand Care System with video surveillance, security and automation devices.

Question/Answers from today’s Home Health Tech Webinar: NAHB/CEDIA

Thanks to NAHB & CEDIA for allowing me to speak on the webinar: Home Health Technology: A $20 Billion Industry”. We had 150 signed up, an amazing amount of interest! Thanks to all who attended!

Below are some questions I received after the webinar – I wanted to share with everyone!

1. Are there any systems on the market that identify through some sort of floor sweep that someone has fallen. Sometimes clients are not able to push the button. There are some “smart floor” applications that are out there. These can be costly solutions. Sometimes motion detection can pick up things like this. For example, excessive motion on the foot of the stairs, got up during the night & didn’t return to bed within a given parameter. There are all sorts of ways that we might know if something is “amiss”

2. I own MJW Home Modifications for Boomers & Beyond which modifies homes to allow clients to remain in their homes independently and safely and I want to add assistive technology to my offers. Who do I contact for more info at GrandCare Systems? Contact info@grandcare.com or call 262-338-6147 and we can absolutely have someone get in touch with you about becoming a reseller or pair you together with an existing dealer/integrator!
3. How do you become a dealer?/em> Contact info@grandcare.com or call 262-338-6147. Dealer process is different for some of the other technologies. To become a GrandCare dealer, dealers must attend training, sign the dealer documents & purchase their 1st demonstration system. GCHQ will be hosting a dealer training at CEDIA on Tues Sept 21, 2010 from 930a – 5p. Contact us for more info!

4. Do you have any advice about how to discuss the term monitoring and big brother watching? Remote monitoring & smart systems in general have wireless motion/temp/door sensors that can assess the overall activity in the home. It is as intrusive as a security system. It simply alerts a family member or caregiver if something is amiss. Senior/Loved One compliance is very important and we recommend that they absolutely understand that this is an enabling technology that can help them to remain independent, while giving their children “peace of mind” knowing they are safe, happy & healthy at home. GrandCare has a LARGE socialization/cognition/communication component that really helps us to overcome this. With GrandCare, grandma gets to video chat & receive incoming communications…if the family is involved, this featured OVERRIDES all else…

5. Sounds like most of the info is in the east or mid states, is there info in the west? I am not sure I understand what kind of information you are referring to. We have dealers throughout the entire United States, Canada and Australia. All sorts of organizations are doing this kind of technology – really everywhere. The technology that I showed in the presentation ranged from Europe to the East coast, midwest with products also on the west coast being shown.

6. Have you seen any web sites or web services that are bringing this all together? AgeTek Alliance (www.agetek.org), CAST – center for aging services technology, we try to help our GrandCare dealers by providing educational opportunities on how to partner with other organizations & provide a suite of products. We have weekly aging/tech conference call webinars open to everyone in the industry, we also host a monthly webinar for our GC dealers on marketing/sales, tech questions, etc – and have a dealer chat room and forum for dealers to communicate, cooperate, share information, ask questions, and access our documents/ppts/pics, etc

7. What are the franchise opportunities for the products? Many offer dealer programs. Those you will see at CEDIA have dealer opportunities available. Some have sales reps. Contact the specific company to find out details

8. What is the best way to jump start an AIP business and come up with prospects to talk to about systems for their loved ones? Make sure whichever program you join, they offer adequate training and materials. I know that some of our distributors offer a full range of “getting started” materials such as website options, sales/marketing & getting started training.

9. How can we demo your products?
What’s the best way for HH care companies and ESC’s to work together… so both can profit? What have you found to work the best? Contact the companies you are interested in and see if you can see a demonstration. Many have recorded demonstrations you can watch – or attend CEDIA to see them LIVE in action, touch them, try them, ask questions. If you come on to our weekly aging technology industry call – you can ask questions on the public chat, network and learn more about the industry. Much of this is also covered in your training program.

10. When providing a system, what should we say is a basic or approximate cost? This really ranges on what you are selling. If you are selling a Personal Emergency Response System, that’s going to be a much lowered cost, vs a fully featured Smart Home/Communication/Tele-wellness System. Some systems have a high upfront cost and lowered monthly cost, some go for a lower upfront cost and higher monthly, some are offered with rental/leasing programs.

11. When you provide this presentation get a copy of the list of manufacturers and products–pictures were displayed but no mention of the products. Many of the products that are shown on the ppt were mentioned, but I did mention a few too that did not have a picture shown. If there’s anything specific you are looking for, just contact me: laura@grandcare.com and I am happy to get you the information!

CEDIA Expo Tech Sessions to Focus on HDMI, Home Health


http://www.cepro.com/article/cedia_expo_tech_sessions_to_focus_on_hdmi_home_health/
Four free technology discussions in Atlanta will cover HDMI, digital home health, gaming/3D, tablet PCs and communications protocols.

By CE Pro Editors
August 04, 2010
Four panel discussions presented by the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) at CEDIA Expo 2010 (Sept. 22-26 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta) will shed light on some of the most talked-about issues in the electronic systems industry.

Expert-led panels will focus on opportunities in and the future of:
HDMI
Digital home health
Entertainment
Communications
The panel discussions are offered by CEDIA’s Technology Council in conjunction with the new Future Technology Pavilion at CEDIA Expo 2010. The Future Technology Pavilion will showcase cutting-edge technologies that are expected to impact the electronic systems industry in the coming months and years. The panel discussions will give CEDIA EXPO attendees a more in-depth perspective on the technologies and trends represented in the pavilion.

…
Digital Home Health: What It Is and How It Affects Us All, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Fri., Sept. 24, will cover the closely watched topic of home health care technology. Moderator Laura Mitchell of GrandCare Systems will lead a panel that includes experts from leading companies in the home health and senior care space.
…
Utz Baldwin, CEDIA CEO, says, “The discussions will allow industry professionals to get a closer look at the most anticipated technologies and trends in home technology.”

Home Controls Launches New Division to Meet Demand for Affordable and Easy-to-use Aging in Place Solutions


Home Controls Launches New Division to Meet Demand for Affordable and Easy-to-use Aging in Place Solutions
Home Controls, Inc., an award-winning company that has offered innovative products and services for the home automation industry since 1989, today announced that it has launched Caregiver Systems (www.caregiversystems.com), a new division committed to providing high quality, fully automated communication and wellness reporting solutions for seniors and those living with disabilities. Caregiver Systems was founded to provide a unique and innovative system that allows seniors to “age in place” while providing peace of mind for their families. Caregiver Systems by Home Controls combines knowledge and expertise in home automation solutions with an affordable, fully installed, interactive and easy-to-use system that provides 24/7 wellness reporting, activities of daily living and communications.

According to a June 2009 report from the AARP Policy Institute, the population 65 or older is projected to grow by 89 percent between 2007 and 2030, more than four times faster than the population overall. This aging population will skyrocket by another 118 percent between the years 2030 and 2050 as Baby Boomers reach 85. There are approximately 44.4 million caregivers in the U.S., who are struggling to care for their aging loved ones because of the astronomical costs of assisted living and full-time nursing care.

“With the huge growth of the senior population, we saw a definite need and market opportunity for an easy-to-use, automated solution that allows people to stay in their own homes with increased peace of mind. Most people don’t realize that affordable home technology that works hand-in-hand with human interaction to delay or avoid the need for assisted living is available,” said Home Controls President Ken Kerr. “We believe our new division offers one of the most innovative and comprehensive solutions available, combining wellness reporting, communication and cognitive tools into a single system. Care facilities also benefit by reducing administrative work and increasing value to residents and their families.”

Leveraging its 20-year history in home automation and the unique technology developed by GrandCare Systems (www.grandcare.com), Caregiver Systems by Home Controls is able to offer its customers the most advanced, feature-packed aging in place technology available today. It combines aspects of home automation, online communications, wellness reporting, activities of daily living alerts and cognitive tools into one easy-to-use, affordable package that pays for itself in the first 30 to 90 days of use. Caregiver Systems’ partners provide installation services and a thorough, personalized orientation on how to use the simple touch screen system.

Caregiver Systems – Complete, Simple, Effective

Caregiver Systems does not require separate systems for seniors and caregivers. The system consists of one touch screen monitor and wireless “wellness sensors” placed throughout the senior’s home. The wellness sensors monitor and collect data on important health indicators, including blood pressure, glucose levels, weight, activity and motion, sending wellness reports directly to a secure Web page accessed by the caregiver or family member.

Caregiver Systems is also a complete communication system. Relatives, friends and caregivers simply go online to send messages, reminders and pictures right to the touch screen. The senior needs no computer experience to receive full benefit from Caregiver Systems.

The Caregiver Systems solution includes:

– A central unit consisting of a sturdy touch screen monitor that connects to any full-time Internet connection

– “Wellness sensors” which are discreetly placed around the residence to report activity and wellness to the system

– One touch access to cognitive games, family pictures, appointment reminders and messages

– Complete system installation and family orientation

– Full monthly support of non-emergency functions, health and activity monitoring/reporting

– Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) for 24/7 EMT monitoring and response (optional)

“The beauty of Caregiver Systems is its simplicity. It provides all of the features you’d expect for a top of the line aging in place solution, yet it’s affordable; paying for itself in about three months,” said Cheryl Kerr, division manager of Caregiver Systems. “We deliberately made the price competitive in order to reach millions of seniors and disabled individuals that want to stay independent in their own homes, and to also help millions of caregivers who are making the ultimate sacrifice for their loved ones.”

Caregiver Systems is available for installation, anywhere in the U.S., now. To receive more information on the affordable aging in place alternative from Caregiver Systems, please call 1-858-693-5545 or go to: www.caregiversystems.com.

About Caregiver Systems

Caregiver Systems, a division of Home Controls Inc., offers an affordable, fully installed, easy-to-use wireless communication, activity and wellness reporting system that enables seniors to age in place with increased safety, security and dignity while providing caregivers and family members with peace of mind. Care facilities also benefit by using this solution to enhance their services, improve communication and increase patient interaction.

For more information on how you or your loved one can age in place safely and securely please call 1-858-693-5545 or go to www.caregiversystems.com.

Author Information

Lori Scribner
Caregiver Systems by Home Controls