Tag Archive for: jnl technologies

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

GeekBeat TV Reports Live on the GrandCare System

Geek Beat’s CALLY, Reports live from the CEDIA Tech House and covers the GrandCare System along with some of the sensors (medication dispenser, weight scale, motion/temp, etc).  She shows off the Rx Tender Medication Dispenser along with the GrandCare System (where all of the sensors report in)…. The GrandCare System   The GrandCare Medication Dispenser Rx Tender starts about 4:48 into the video….take a look!!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_COkLs2jN5c&feature=player_embedded]

Tech in the Bathroom

The Seura TV Mirror is a TV with a mirrored surface, and the whole package is just one-inch deep. Audio Design Associates has a scale that is Bluetooth-enabled and will send notifications to your doctor if you gain 5 pounds in 3 days, for example (a sign of congestive heart failure). And this toilet can send you alerts if grandma doesn’t flush in 3 days so you can take her to the doctor.

Healthcare in the Bedroom

Again, there’s a focus here on seniors. A pill dispenser will automatically give the owner medication and it’ll beep to let them know it’s time. If the pills aren’t picked up it will send a caregiver an alert. A weight sensor on the bed will send an alert if the occupant doesn’t get up (or return) after a set number of hours…

To read the entire article, visit: http://geekbeat.tv/geekbeat-tv-260-cedia-2011-future-technology-pavilion/

Brand New GC Med Tablet Unveiled at CEDIA: GrandCare Systems booth 4754

GrandCare is thrilled to unveil our latest portable tablet – GC Med Tablet at CEDIA!
Once again, GrandCare is proud to again sponsor the Future Tech Home Pavilion at CEDIA: BOOTH 4754.
GrandCare will also be moderating several of the Home Health Technology Sessions and GrandCare’s VP of Marketing, Laura Mitchell, will be leading a seminar on the How-To’s of in home health technology sales.

Portable GC Med Tablet

The GrandCare System will be shown in 2 locations on the CEDIA show floor and there will be three GrandCare Stocking Distributors exhibiting and ready to answer your questions at CEDIA: Home Controls (4754), JNL Technologies (4754) and Worthington Distribution (430)

The Future Home will be displaying a GrandCare System HomeBase along with a full range of sensor options including motion, indoor temp, door, bed/chair, telehealth (BP, Weight, Pulseox), Stove/Appliance Monitor, RxTender Medication Sensor, Big Red Buttons and more… You will also see the brand new GC Med Tablet within the Future Home Pavilion.

The show floor is open Thursday/Friday 9a – 6p – Saturday 9a – 5p

If you would simply like a demonstration of the system, you can stop by anytime or shoot an email to any of our authorized distributors to arrange a personal meeting.
1. JNL Technologies (www.jnltech.net) Booth 4754
2. Worthington Distribution (www.worthdist.com) Booth 430
3. Home Controls: Home Health Tech (gcdealers@homecontrols.com) Booth 4754

– For a Full Listing of Home Health Tech Events led by GrandCare Systems at CEDIA: http://grandcare.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/mark-your-calendars-home-health-tech-events-at-cedia-2011/

– Meet The GrandCare Staff & fellow AgeTek members for an informal No-Host mixer on Wednesday Sept 7th, 6-8p Pullman’s Lounge, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 123 Louisiana Ave

See you in Indy!!!!

Mark Your Calendars – – Home Health Tech EVENTS at CEDIA 2011

If you are interested in the home health technology market, then CEDIA is the place to be Sept 7-10th in Indianapolis.

Come for the exhibits, the educational courses & the networking. GrandCare is a sponsor again this year of the Future Home Pavilion and will be showcased throughout the CEDIA show  by Distribution partners, Home Controls, JNL Technologies and Worthington Distribution.

GrandCare will be leading three educational courses on Digital Home Health & the valuable dealer opportunities available in this emerging market. GrandCare is also coordinating a pre-CEDIA HIPAA boot camp session as well as a no-host networking session!   Mark your calendars now – – if you will be at CEDIA, you can’t miss THESE events!!!!!!

Wednesday September 7th:

2:00p – 3:00pm  ESCR039 Home Health Technology is Here to Stay…Are You?
Catalog #: ESCR039-10, Wednesday: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Indianapolis Convention Center
Room 241
CEU Value: 0.50
Moderator: Laura Mitchell
Panelists: Tom Morgan, Peter Radsliff, Jim Gleason
In an economy where markets are drying up left and right, there’s one market that we can guarantee will only grow: The Aging & Technology Industry. This year alone, 7,000 boomers will turn age 65, increasing the demand for a new and sustainable “aging in place” model of care. Delivered by a true integration expert, the solution combines standard home automation and smart home technologies—complete with wireless tele-medicine, brain fitness, and socialization features. Learn about the future of aging and technology, why you should get involved, and how to start.  A la carte fees: Early $49/$99, Regular $71/$121, Onsite $85/$145  Register:  http://www.cedia.net/expo/expo11.att.register.php
4:00p – 5:30pm Pre-CEDIA HIPAA 90 minute boot camp (hosted by GrandCare Systems)
 Wednesday: 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 
Crowne Plaza at Union Station, 123 W Louisiana St, Indianapolis (Room TBA)
Get trained by GrandCare’s HIPAA compliance officer on what HIPAA is, what is means to DEALERS, why it is REQUIRED of dealers reselling telehealth devices,  and what t takes to be HIPAA compliant. This seminar is Wednesday, Sept 7th 4-530p at the Crowne Plaza-Union Station hotel in Indianpolis.  
$129 per person (discounts for GC Dealers). To reserve a spot, contact info@grandcare.com OR call 262-338-6147
 
6:00p – 8:00pm Pre-CEDIA DEALER-TO-DEALER MIXER!!! 
Pullman’s Lounge, Crowne Plaza at Union Station, 123 W Louisiana St, Indianapolis
ALL ARE WELCOME!!!  FREE
Come meet the GrandCare Team and fellow AgeTek Members An informal NO HOST meet & greet at Pullman’s Lounge, Crowne Plaza-Union Station Hotel in Indianapolis, directly following HIPAA Boot Camp. 6p – 8p.  No RSVP needed, just meet us there! The GrandCare Team as well as AgeTek Board members will be there!

Thursday September 8th:

 9:00a – 6:00 pm Exhibits Open – – Visit the Future Home Pavilion Booth 4754 
 See an Exhibit Hall Map Here: http://www.mapyourshow.com/shows/index.cfm?booth=4754&exhid=319054&show_id=cedia11&userid=&lang=EN&locale=EN
 Press may Schedule an appointment for a demonstration: info@grandcare.com or download our GrandCare Press Kit: https://www.grandcare.com/presskit/
 
 
11:00a – 12:00pm  ESCR047 Home Health Technology Case Study: A How-To Discussion
Catalog #: ESCR047-7, Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
CEU Value: 0.50
Indianapolis Convention Center
Room 231
CEU Value: 0.50
Instructor: Laura Mitchell, GrandCare Systems
We all know the statistics and can agree that technology and aging is the future, so now what? This
course takes you on a journey from choosing your home health technologies to promoting and
educating to sales and support. Prepare to see real-life case studies on how actual home automation
installers started their business, promoted, sold and supported this new caregiving network clientele.
Discuss why it’s not your ordinary sale and how you can be prepared for this brand new $20 billion
dollar market! If you think home health technology might be your next market, you cannot afford to
miss this rare opportunity!
A la carte fees: Early $49/$99, Regular $71/$121, Onsite $85/$145  Register:  http://www.cedia.net/expo/expo11.att.register.php
  
 
 Friday September 9th:
9:00a – 6:00 pm Exhibits Open – – Visit the Future Home Pavilion Booth 4754 
 See an Exhibit Hall Map Here: http://www.mapyourshow.com/shows/index.cfm?booth=4754&exhid=319054&show_id=cedia11&userid=&lang=EN&locale=EN
 Press may Schedule an appointment for a demonstration: info@grandcare.com or download our GrandCare Press Kit: https://www.grandcare.com/presskit/
 
3:00p – 4:00pm  ESD010-4 Digital Home Health – The Technology of Aging in Place
ESD010
Catalog #: ESD010-4, Friday: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
CEU Value: 0.50 
Moderator: Laura Mitchell, GrandCare Systems
Panelists: Ken Kerr, Kip Meachum, Charlie Hillman
Get into the nitty gritty of the various technologies being used and integrated into independent living for
our aging population. Industry expert Laura Mitchell assembles a panel of manufacturers and ESCs to
discuss aging technologies, ranging from the Personal Emergency Response Systems (Think: “Help, I’ve
fallen and I can’t get up!”) to medication management, fall detection, Activities of Daily Living and
socialization/cognition. Anyone who wants to enter the home health technology needs to attend.
A la carte fees: Early $49/$99, Regular $71/$121, Onsite $85/$145  Register:  http://www.cedia.net/expo/expo11.att.register.php
 

Saturday September 10th:

9:00a – 5:00 pm Exhibits Open – – Visit the Future Home Pavilion Booth 4754 
 See an Exhibit Hall Map Here: http://www.mapyourshow.com/shows/index.cfm?booth=4754&exhid=319054&show_id=cedia11&userid=&lang=EN&locale=EN
 Press may Schedule an appointment for a demonstration: info@grandcare.com or download our GrandCare Press Kit: https://www.grandcare.com/presskit/
 
 
 

What is CEDIA EXPO?

CEDIA EXPO is the leading 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.

Register Now: http://www.cedia.net/expo/expo11.att.register.php

What is GrandCare Systems?

GrandCare combines ADL monitoring, tele-wellness assessment, senior social networking & cognitive assists into one easy-to-use system. GrandCare is highly customizable and can be set up to fit your needs exactly. There is no “one size fits all” model, so it’s easy to make sure each customer gets EXACTLY what he/she is looking for.