Archive for the ‘Health Tech’ Category

How To Choose The Right Medical Alert System For You

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 by Angela Stringfellow

Guest Post by Bryan Stapp, President of American Response Technologies, Inc.

There are many good medical alert systems available on the market today, and the choices can be overwhelming.  The good news is there are lots of options; they are highly reliable, and also very affordable.  The bad news is that it can be confusing to sort through all the choices.

Here is an overview of the differences between some of the most popular medical alert systems available to you, and some ideas on things to look for.

With any system you consider, we recommend you look for companies who offer:

  • Name brand equipment with warranty.  Look for quality names you’ve heard of like BOSCH or GE
  • No long term contract – never sign a long term contract, your situation may change
  • 30 Day return policy

Two-Way Medical Alert System with 24/7 Monitoring

This is the most popular type of medical alert system, and is often called a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS).  You’ve probably seen these systems advertised on TV.  This type of medical alert system consists of a two-way console which communicates with a monitoring center.  A signal is sent when you press the button that is worn on your wrist or around the neck as a pendant.

The monitoring center will have your complete information on a computer screen at the time you call.  They will take appropriate action depending on the situation, including dispatching 911 to your location and notifying people on your call list.  This is the type of medical alert system offered by Medical Care Alert and many other good companies.

Typical Cost: $27.45 a month and higher.

Things to look for:

  • Range of the pendant signal to the base unit  – 800 feet minimum
  • US Based monitoring agents, not based overseas
  • Name brand equipment with warranty.  Look for quality names you’ve heard of like BOSCH or GE
  • No long term contract – never sign a long term contract, you situation may change
  • 30 Day return policy

American Response Technologies, Inc.

Two-Way Medical Alert System, No Monitoring, Calls 911 or other number

This type of medical alert system consists of a two-way console and button which will dial any phone number you program into the unit.  It will call a neighbor, family member, doctor, 911 (except in California and Illinois) or any other number you program.

Typical Cost: $275.00 – $350.00 to purchase.

Things to look for:

  • Range of the pendant signal to the base unit  – 800 feet minimum
  • Phone type – many do not support VoIP phones or DSL phones from your cable company
  • 911 policy in your local area – residents of California and Illinois may not program 911 into this type of medical alert system – check your local laws before considering this type of system

Two-Way Medical Alert System with Speakerphone Pendant – Monitored or not-monitored

This type of medical alert system may have monitoring, or may dial a number you choose directly.  The distinguishing feature is that the pendant itself is a two-way speakerphone and allows the user to communicate with the base as long as they are within range.  The range of these systems is limited, often only  100-300 feet from the base.

Medical Alert SystemsThe advantage of this type of medical alert system is the ability to speak into the pendant if you are far away from the base unit and cannot be heard.  However, these pendants are large, and look like a small walkie-talkie around the neck.  They also require frequent battery changes, and are uncomfortable to wear at night in bed.

Typical Cost: $34.95 a month and higher for a monitored system.  $275.00 – $350.00 to purchase a system without monitoring.

Things to look for:

  • Range of the pendant signal to the base unit  – These systems tend to have a shorter range
  • Will the senior actually wear it?  Users tell us that seniors find these large pendants annoying and tend to remove them, placing them on a nightstand or table nearby.  This defeats the purpose of the system, which needs to be on your person at all times in the event of an emergency.

Cellular Medical Alert Systems – Not Monitored, Calls 911

This type of medical alert system is often sold as an “add-on” to a traditional Medical Alert system with monitoring.  The small, hand-held device transmits a signal via GSM cellular when the button is pressed and dials 911 directly.

The advantage of this type of medical alert system is the perceived added security to have access to emergency personnel when you are outside of the home, or beyond the range of your home medical alert system.

However, it’s important to understand what these systems do, and what they don’t do:

  • Calls 911 – the call will be routed to 911 based on the location of the nearest cellular tower that connects your call
  • No Location Information Provided – these are not GPS systems.  If you are unable to speak, 911 will only know the location of the cellular tower closest to your current location.  In 2012, cellular providers are required to give 911 a geo-location within 300 meters (about 1,000 feet) of the location of the signal.
  • No Personal Information Provided – 911 will not know your name, or personal medical history.

We are aware of a very high dissatisfaction rate, and high cancellation rate for these kinds of 911 call devices.  Most of the dissatisfaction is due to having to keep the unit charged, and that it does not contact a monitoring center with your specific information.  Some people often think these are GPS locator units, but they are not designed for that purpose.

Typical Cost: $10.00 – $20.00 a month in addition to a monthly PERS plan of $30-60 a month.

Things to look for:

  • Battery life – these systems need to be constantly charged
  • Actual need – will the person using the system be alone outside of the home enough to justify the cost?

Cellular Phone As a Substitute for a Medical Alert System

Some families will provide a cellular phone to a senior and suggest they use it in an emergency instead of getting a dedicated medical alert system.

The expectation is that in an emergency, the senior will have the cell phone charged up and on their person, be able to open it up and dial 911, and be able to communicate their name, location and emergency.

The advantage is cost.  However, a cellular phone is a poor substitute for a medical alert system, and provides a false sense of security.

There are 3 basic problems with calling 911 from a cell phone:

  • They Don’t Know WHO You Are.  The caller ID from your cell phone does not identify who you are, just your phone number and possibly the general metropolitan area where your cellular service originates from.   They won’t know your name, home address, medical conditions, or who to call in the event of an emergency.
  • They Don’t Know WHERE You Are.  911 responders won’t immediately know where you are. The closest they will know is the location of the cell tower you happened to have used when placing your call.  If you lose your connection or drop your cell phone before you can give your location, they might not be able to find you.
  • Cell Phones DON’T SEND GPS Coordinates.  Your phone may have GPS on it, but that information is not sent to 911.  U.S. wireless carriers are not required until 2012 to provide emergency responders with the latitude and longitude of a 911 caller.  And once they do, they are only required to be accurate to within 300 meters (984 feet) of the caller.  That’s three football fields away from where you may be.

Typical Cost: Typical cellular phone plans cost around $30.00 – $50.00 a month with a two year contract.  Phone hardware extra.

Things to look for:

  • Are the buttons large and easy to push?
  • Is there a dedicated 911 button?
  • Does 911 in your area route to local dispatchers?  Some 911’s route to county or highway patrol offices
  • Will the senior keep it charged, on their person, and be able to use in an emergency?

Choosing the right medical alert system for you:

We know the choices are overwhelming and confusing, and that families need to balance the needs of the senior, convenience, costs, and reliability.  Speak to your doctor or caregiver, or contact a reputable medical alert system provider to learn more.

Bryan Stapp is the President of American Response Technologies, a leading provider of medical alert systems for seniors nationwide.  Their “Caregiver Tips” blog was chosen as the People’s Choice Best of the Web winner of SeniorHomes.com 2012 Best Senior Living Blogs by an Organization.  Learn more at www.medicalcarealert.com or www.senioralertmedical.com .

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Posted in Caregiver Tips, Health Tech, Home Care | 3 Comments »

SeniorHomes.com Weekly Roundup

Saturday, January 28th, 2012 by Angela Stringfellow

This Week in Senior Living News

Aging News:

Maintaining cognition through aging

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Ladies, we knew it! Mild memory impairment is more common in men, according to a post on WebMD. All joking aside, the condition is officially termed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and is more than just the occasional “senior moment.” Often, MCI is a precursor to the development of full-blown Alzheimer’s disease, and a recent study showed the development of MCI was more common in men over the course of three years. The study also found MCI to be more common among participants who were less educated and those who were single.

Speaking of memory, want to try to keep your brain sharp? A number of publications have weighed in recently with tips for maintaining cognitive ability and giving your noggin a good workout. Read these tips, learn about current brain research and get inspired by tech-savvy and forward-thinking seniors by visiting The New York Times, The Columbian, Moorabbin Leader and 9News.com.

Senior Living News:

Joan London is at it again! This time in Joan’s Journey: The Search for Senior Housing, Joan is writing a blog post directly to you, her loyal readers. She’s been loving the many words of encouragement, friendly advice and suggestions. Read Joan’s latest post.

LGBT Crosswalk currently has an ad in the running for the TED Ads Worth Spreading Award. Aging LGBT adults face a unique set of challenges, and the issue is garnering more and more attention in the media and even by the U.S. Government. President Obama made mention of the struggles this group faces during his State of the Union Address. Check out the press release on PRWeb for more facts and details about emerging organizations focused on increasing awareness and improving transitions.

Caregiver Stories and Advice:

Do you accompany an aging loved one to medical office visits? If you do, you could be improving the care your loved one receives, according to an article in Outcome Magazine.

Caregiving is often a 24-hours a day, seven days a week challenge. It’s easy to become burnt out, and the problem is only compounded by the feelings of grief that follow. We feel guilty because we wish we had a few moments to ourselves, or we feel like we’re not doing enough. Here are a few tips for avoiding caregiver burnout from EmpowHer.

Tech Roundup:

Is Social Security taking a step backwards in technology? U.S. News says the Social Security Administration will resume mailing paper statements to beneficiaries in February. But it’s not what it seems: The Administration didn’t move to an electronic system, they simply put a hold on mailing statements to save money temporarily. There are actually plans to develop an online system, according to SSA Commissioner Michael Astrue, but the system is being tested to ensure demand can be met and there are no firm implementation dates at this time.

Computer-aided exercise is a valuable tool for seniors, according to a post in The Atlantic. A study tested whether combining stationary bike exercise with video-led visual routines would help seniors maintain cognitive ability. Turns out that video games might not be as bad for our brains as we think. We also covered the study in a recent blog post.

Operations and On the Political Beat:

The National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry (NIC) reports that senior housing occupancy rates continued to show a slow recovery in the fourth quarter of 2011. Construction, however, remains stagnant. Occupancy rates are expected to continue at a slow growth rate, with projections indicating occupancy rates of 89% by Q4 2012. NuWire Investor summarizes these findings.

Obama hangs out on Google+

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Health reform discussions are heating up as we ramp up to the upcoming presidential election. The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, an independent body tasked with determining the comparative effectiveness of health policies, programs and treatments, has published it inaugural agenda, outlining plans for research in the coming year. Dr. Joe Selby, the Institute’s first chief executive officer, talks with The Washington Post about health reform and the group’s role in ensuring positive outcomes. Additionally, the PCORI is soliciting feedback on its National Priorities Research and Research Agenda. The public comment period ends mid-March. Get the details on how to add your comments from SacBee.

The Alzheimer’s Challenge 2012, a collective effort by a number of groups and companies, was introduced at the Care Innovations Summit in Washington, D.C. The Challenge aims to improve diagnostics through the development of cost-effective, consistent tools and techniques that can assess memory, mood, thinking and activity level over time. Get more details on the program and how it may improve Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatments at Enhanced Online News.

Things that make you say, “Huh?” and our favorite unexpected news of the week:

I know, we preach about social media a lot. We love social media. And apparently, so does President Obama. When he first took office, he wouldn’t give up his Blackberry, as most presidents are asked to do to maintain safety and security. Now, even President Obama is hanging out on Google+. That’s right, hang out with the President and maybe even have your question answered (you must submit it by Jan. 28th – today!). And get this: Questions are to be submitted via The White House’s very own YouTube channel.

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Posted in Aging, Health News, Health Tech, Senior Living News | 1 Comment »

A Boost for Health Tech: Computer-Aided Exercise Improves Cognition

Thursday, January 26th, 2012 by Angela Stringfellow

Numerous studies have proven that exercise delays and possibly helps prevent the onset of dementia in older adults. But in reality, just 14 percent of adults age 65 to 74 actually participate in regular physical exercise. Among adults 75 years and older, the figure drops to just seven percent.

Older adults get cognitive benefits from exercise

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The Union College’s Healthy Aging and Neuropsychology Lab researcher, Cay Anderson-Handley, devised a study to determine whether computer-aided exercise (such as the use of a stationary bike accompanied by a computer-generated video) provided the same benefits.

Study specifics

More than 100 volunteers (between the ages of 58 and 99) residing in an independent living facility, with access to an indoor exercise bike, participated in the study. Participants were monitored three times per week for a total of three months, and cognitive function was assessed periodically.

Researchers evaluated executive functions at the start of the study, one month after and three months after the conclusion of the study, including:

  • Planning
  • Working memory
  • Attention

In addition, participants’ blood plasma was evaluated periodically to check for levels of a neurotrophic growth factor (brain-derived), which can be used as a measure of brain plasticity. Brain plasticity is a medical term used to describe the ability of the brain to compensate for injury or atrophy, essentially re-wiring itself to create alternate pathways to perform functions usually controlled by other areas.

Results

Both the control group and the experimental group participated in the same amount and frequency of exercising. However, participants in the experimental group, which used computer-aided visuals and techniques to enhance solitary stationary bike exercise, showed a 23 percent greater reduction in progression to dementia in comparison to the control group.

The bottom line

Video games may get a bad rap for overuse by the younger generation, but in the older adult population, there are clear benefits to incorporating “exergames” in a general fitness program. This study demonstrates a clear benefit to enhancing solitary stationary bike use with computer-generated programs and features, at least in terms of cognitive benefit. So while video games are often criticized for being “mindless” activities for youth, older adults can reap significant cognitive benefits from specially-designed programs.

Read the full study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

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CES 2012 and the Future of Health Tech

Friday, January 20th, 2012 by Angela Stringfellow

If you spend any time on the internet (which you must, since you’re reading this post) and haven’t heard about CES 2012, you must be living under a rock. The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show, which wrapped up last week in Las Vegas, has been the talk of the World Wide Web for the past two weeks. Among the many wacky, incredible and downright astounding technological advances that made their debut this year are a number of gadgets designed for the health, fitness and senior crowd.

Real-time personal health monitoring

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And for good reason: InformationWeek estimates that mobile health revenues will skyrocket from $230 million (2010) to $392 million in 2015 (citing Frost & Sullivan research). This growth will be fueled by a rapid increase in tablet users, projected to increase from 10 million (2010) to 82 million in 2015. Mobile health apps can ease the burden of an aging population by improving efficiency and reducing costly hospital admissions.

CES 2012: gadgets galore

If you’re a gadget geek, CES is literally a mecca of over-the-top electronic devices. PCWorld notes a few standout health-monitoring tools that made their debut at this year’s show, including bands that monitor stress levels based on skin response (really?) and track your brainwaves while you sleep. Great. Sure, I’d love to know whether I’m getting the right amount of sleep, but I have to admit a brain-wave tracking device seems a little intrusive.

WFTV.com says these types of wearable monitoring devices are the wave of the future, set to “revolutionize medical diagnostics and treatments.” MEDRC is an emerging company focused on bringing to market this specific type of minimally-invasive monitoring devices to the market.

Real-time personal health monitoring shifts the healthcare focus

Real-time health monitoring

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The Wall Street Journal weighs in on the future of mobile health, pointing to a future shift in the way we look at our personal health and treat conditions. The current model focuses on “fixing” problems after they’ve occurred. But with the rapid rise in the use of monitoring devices, people would be able to monitor their own health in real-time, making adjustments to maintain the specific lifestyle required to ward off potential chronic illnesses, like diabetes and atherosclerosis.

But does health tech really improve patient care?

But not everyone is so optimistic about the practicality and usability of the latest health tech trends. Health Leaders Media says hospitals often invest millions of dollars in the latest high-tech devices, but the author criticizes the practice, noting that these investments don’t actually improve patient care. The article goes on to list seven reasons why hospitals make poor investment decisions, including pressure from providers and a desire to boost public image. Who doesn’t want to say they have the most expensive, technologically-advanced imaging and diagnostic technology? It certainly brings patients to the door.

Not all tech investments are futile, however. Health Leaders points to findings from the ECRI Institute and the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, which identify the most (and least) worthy investments based on actual patient outcomes. The idea isn’t to disregard any new technology that comes to market, but to invest in the right million-dollar gadgets; namely, those with evidence of improved patient care, delivery or outcomes.

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Mobile Tech in Healthcare: Asset or Distraction?

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 by Angela Stringfellow

Mobile tech has been embraced by the medical community and widely touted for the potential to streamline healthcare, provide immediate access to important medical history and coordinate care among providers and caregivers. But there are two sides to every story. In this instance, ZDNet.com points out that lines are currently blurred as to what constitutes appropriate medical use and what’s merely a distraction for physicians. Who wants a distracted physician? Or worse, a surgeon focused more on his Twitter feed than the patient’s procedure? Not me.

Mobile tech streamlines healthcare

The many advantages to mobile tech are obvious, and it appears the healthcare community has taken notice. ZDNet.com reports that 81 percent of physicians use smart phones, and 38 percent say they use medical apps daily. About one-third are accessing electronic health records (EHRs) using smart phones or tablets, and 20 percent say they’ll be implementing EHRs this year.

Mobile health tech saves time, money

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For physicians at least, it seems to be a no-brainer. Providers are already overwhelmed, especially those working under a corporation. Frequently, they’re asked to squeeze more patients in in a single day, reducing the total time spent with each patient. And billing is a nightmare. While physicians don’t handle billing themselves, they have to rely on staff to document appropriate diagnosis codes and choose treatment options covered by an individual’s insurance plan. Otherwise, they might not get paid. They have to sort through dozens of medical plans, which can vary dramatically in coverage and treatment options. Mobile tech can save providers a significant amount of time.

  • Instant access to patient history
  • Past treatments
  • Current medications prescribed by any or all providers
  • Instantaneous medical reference applications
  • Drug interaction databases
  • Coordination of care across providers

Grey’s Anatomy docs embrace Twitter

If you’re a Grey’s Anatomy fan, you may recall the episode from last season in which Chief Weber was none-too-pleased when he discovered his staff were tweeting status updates during surgeries. Fortunately, the surgeon performing the procedure wasn’t taking periodic breaks to do so; instead, it was Lexi Grey (assisting the procedure) who stood on the sidelines and manned the Twitter feed.

Eventually, the Chief was won over when an old colleague reached out to him during a complex procedure and Twitter became an acceptable OR practice.

Status updates from the operating room?

Texting during surgery

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In the Grey’s Anatomy episode, the doctors were using Twitter to describe the procedure they were performing to an interested and targeted audience. But is it also acceptable to send a tweet to a Friday-night beer buddy during surgery? Or for the surgeon to PM his wife on Facebook? This is where the lines get fuzzy.

Surprisingly, less than half of healthcare organizations currently have guidelines defining the acceptable use of mobile devices on the job. Some lock devices with passwords or encrypt data to enhance the security of patients’ personal information, but about half of all organizations surveyed do nothing at all to monitor, guide or secure the use of mobile devices and applications. (Data from a survey by the Ponemon Institute.)

ZDNet.com also points to other research indicating that more than half of technicians monitoring heart bypass machines during surgeries admit to talking on their cell phones or texting during surgeries.

Mobile device management

Clearly, the healthcare industry as a whole or individual organizations should implement a set of best practices or solid rules that define acceptable use under certain circumstances. The potential for saving time and money is too great to ignore, so banning mobile devices from healthcare settings altogether isn’t a viable option.

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Health IT Focus for Feds

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 by Angela Stringfellow

The Feds are about to go on a spending binge. This time, they’re dumping $6.5 billion on health IT, a move which should improve access to and quality of care for Americans over time. Health IT is big business and a federal spend of this magnitude is a sure indication that the healthcare industry is moving forward in terms of technology.

Feds make health IT a priority

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One reason for the rise in government health IT spending: It’s proven ability to reduce healthcare costs, according to FierceHealthIT. Other factors include an aging population and ever-rising healthcare costs. This estimate doesn’t include the Department of Health and Human Services electronic health initiative or state grants for health information exchange.

The $6.5 billion estimate does include health IT systems for the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In addition, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be upgrading its payment systems and the National Institutes of Health and Center for Disease Control will be funding the tracking of medical research and surveillance of disease outbreaks.

Health IT will ease massive health care costs

Health care costs are expected to double between now and 2020. While improvements in health IT carry an initial cost, more efficient systems will help ease the rapid cost increase accompanying an aging population.

Other agencies, such as the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs, are implementing initiatives that will streamline health care for Veterans and active military personnel by creating a single, lifelong health record for each individual.

According to Healthcare IT News, even though federal agencies overall are facing budget cuts over the next several years, health IT is one area that will continue to receive funding increases thanks to the promise of down-the-road savings.

The article also notes that as health care moves toward a more preventative and patient-centered approach, health IT enables providers to provide services more adequately and efficiently, which improves the overall patient experience. Further, advanced technology aids providers in predicting future health care needs of individuals and provide preventative treatments.

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Elder 411/911! Cool Smartphone Apps for Baby Boomers

Monday, December 5th, 2011 by mackenzie

As more than 8,000 baby boomers turn 60 each day, many find themselves caring for an older relative or loved one while also struggling to balance their own retirement, health, jobs, family and aging concerns.  With generations living longer than ever before, I believe we are on the verge of an “elder care tsunami” that has the potential to drown us all.

We are in an era of government cutbacks on much-needed social services for our senior population. At the same time, individuals are dealing with their own property values, savings and retirement funds diminishing.  All told, people are in dire need of practical solutions for dealing with elder care issues – saving their precious time, energy, financial and emotional resources so they can continue to keep their life in balance.

Caregivers and our senior population are in desperate need of information, direction, resources and practical “how to’s” to expedite their needs, so I partnered with Presto Services Inc. (www.presto.com), developer of a computerless email service, to launch a pair of elder care applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch – Elder911.net and Elder411.net. Both applications are FREE! I divided the eldercare information into two separate apps because they serve two very different purposes. Let me explain:

Elder911.net is specifically for emergencies like a fall or sudden illness, putting critical tips and information in hand to help immediately navigate the complexities of a crisis. Amidst the panic and stress of the situation, you will have access to expert advice on what to ask the doctor, planning hospital discharge and life after the initial event.

Both iPhone applications have videos, audio and text that are easy-to understand-and practically presented. They also feature things like interactive checklists, the ability to add personal notes to content, and more.

Elder411.net is a comprehensive database of elder care information providing you access to my tested and proven solutions to caregiving problems as you encounter them.  It’s great for accessing on-the-spot caregiving information, and for planning ahead. More than 500 pieces of practical advice are organized according to my ten steps to make elder care easier. It covers the full spectrum of caregiving issues – talking about tough subjects, keeping the home safe, managing financial and legal needs, considering housing options, and more.

The need to care for an aging parent creates unique and intensive demands on our time and resources. It is my goal to make sure no ones goes through it alone. These two iPhone applications will help caregivers gain instant access to critical caregiving advice directly from their mobile iPhone.

This post was written by guest contributor Dr. Marion Somers.  Dr. Marion has been working in the field of elder care for over 40 years as a geriatric care manager, caregiver, author, speaker, teacher of all things elder care. More information on Dr. Marion and the apps can be found at www.drmarion.com

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Posted in Baby Boomers, Caregiver Tips, Health Tech, Senior Living News | 2 Comments »

Memo Touch: A New Tablet Specifically for Seniors

Friday, December 2nd, 2011 by Angela Stringfellow

If you or a loved one suffer from short-term memory loss, there’s a new tablet PC designed specifically for you: The Memo Touch, a tech gadget with limited functionality (compared to the typical tablet PCs like iPads), which offers reminders to take medication, keep scheduled appointments and even collaborate with friends and loved ones via an integrated calendar tool.

New tool for short-term memory loss

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This collaborative tool can be a lifesaver for long-distance caregivers, saving endless phone calls to remind an aging parent to take care of important tasks. An interactive website, accessible by anyone given a password, allows siblings, professional caregivers and patients to coordinate tasks through scheduled calendar events and personal messages. Loved ones can even send personal messages and photos.

Memo Touch is an especially useful tool when there are several family members all participating in caring for a loved one. With Memo Touch, it’s easy to coordinate schedules, assign family members certain tasks and ensure that everyone involved in care is on the same page and aware of all important details. The device can be updated remotely, meaning caregivers in distant cities can add appointments and other events. It’s more reliable than the typical sticky note and calendar method, as these more tangible items are easily misplaced.

It’s designed specifically for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, who are still capable of handling many tasks alone yet need a gentle reminder to aid with short-term memory loss. Because it’s designed for aging adults, it’s limited functionality provides a shorter learning curve for those not accustomed to new technology. Memo Touch contains all the features needed to coordinate care and maintain proper schedules, without the addition of dozens of applications that will rarely–if ever–be used.

Memo Touch is a relatively new product, introduced in 2010. Those interested in learning how Memo Touch works can sign up for a free, 14-day trial on the Memo Touch website, which will allow complete use of the website during that timeframe for multiple users. If you decide to purchase Memo Touch, the cost is $299 for the device plus a monthly subscription fee. (6 months at $29 per month or 12 months at $25 per month). There’s a three-month trial period, so if you decide Memo Touch isn’t right for you after trying it for a few weeks, you may return it for a complete refund.

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Posted in Aging, Caregiver Tips, Health Tech, Product Reviews, Senior Living News | 5 Comments »

5 Tech Trends in Senior Housing

Monday, November 28th, 2011 by Angela Stringfellow

Technology and healthcare are two of the hottest industries in terms of employment outlook and revenue right now, and coincidentally, the two industries complement each other so nicely that they’re like two adjacent puzzle pieces. Technology is increasingly a big part of healthcare management, and more recently, senior living. Whether your love one resides in a community setting, such as assisted living or independent living, or in her own home alone, new technologies are entering the market that can improve your loved one’s safety, mobility and independence. Here are a few top trends in health technology:

Seniors increasingly focus on going green

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  1. Wander protection. Several new programs and gadgets have been introduced that aim to protect elders from Alzheimer’s-related wandering. Wanderers endanger themselves, as they can easily become disoriented and lost.
  2. Wi-Fi is a must. Seniors are becoming increasingly tech-savvy, and much like the working generation, wireless access is considered a necessity, not a luxury. Wireless internet access allows seniors to use their own laptops to stay in touch with family, friends and even business associates.
  3. Engaging websites. More and more, seniors and their families are turning to the internet in their search for senior housing options. Assisted living (and independent living, nursing homes and other types of senior housing providers) websites must be engaging and informative. The better your facility is tapped into the web, the more referrals you’re likely to receive. That means having a presence on prominent social networks, a quality static website and interacting with your potential customers on a regular basis. The internet is no longer an ancillary marketing tactic.
  4. Opportunities for web-based continuing education. Baby Boomers are hesitant to retire, and today’s older adults aren’t about to let their minds go to waste as they age. Senior living providers are increasingly partnering with local colleges and universities to offer free or discounted continuing education opportunities, allowing seniors to remain sharp and even delve into totally new topics in retirement.
  5. Going green. Not a “tech” trend in the literal sense, but environmental friendliness tops the list of many seniors’ priorities when choosing senior housing. Think: energy-efficient lighting, low-VOC paint and sustainable resources, like bamboo flooring. Going green can involve tech devices that help simplify processes, but the green revolution is all about making the most of the resources we have. Many of today’s seniors have experienced an economy slump at some point during their lives, so the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” concept in a senior housing complex rings true. And, it’s always good to feel like you’re doing something to help preserve the future of our planet for generations to come! An official environmentally-friendly certification is a hot selling point for any senior living community.

Have you been searching for senior housing for a loved one or for yourself? What tech trends have you noticed popping up increasingly as amenities? Let us know in the comments below!

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Posted in Assisted Living Marketing, Health Tech, Senior Living News | 5 Comments »