There are some wonderful companies out there creating technology-based products and services to help adult daughters/sons and our aging parents.

I want to highlight one such company and product, FineThanx.   Before I describe the service, think about the following:

• How many of our parents forget to wear their PERS (personal emergency alert systems)?  I venture to say, quite a few.

• We’ve heard the statistics.  One in every 3 persons aged 65+ falls each year.

• With the growing desire to age in place and the risk of falling at home alone, wouldn’t it be great to have an automated system that checks on your loved one every 24 hours and communicates their status to their whole Circle of Care (including children that live far away)?

Peter Sharff, founder of FineThanx, developed an automated call system as a result of a person experience with his grandmother who fell, did not use her alert button and was not found for 2 days.  The company’s tagline is “make every day independence day.” This service does indeed meet the aging parent’s desire to age in place, and also meets the adult daughter/son’s concern for their parent’s safety.

The service is:

• simple to set up and use
• well-designed and tested
• automated
• flexible
• supports an aging parent’s independence and desire to age-in-place

How it works:

• A call is made once or twice a day to the home of the elderly person.  The automated message tells the person to press “1″ if they are ok, press “2″ if they need help.
• If “2″ is pressed or if the call goes unanswered after 3 attempts, an second automated call sequence commences, calling one person at a time within the Circle of Care (established by the family)
• Members of the family’s Circle of Care receives email notification of calls each day so they can rest assured their loved one is ok.

As FineThanx site says, “Use FineThanx alone or as the perfect companion to the ‘panic button’ device, and get a moment of assurance each and every day.”

After testing FineThanx for several days, I can say that it works flawlessly.  The calls come right on time, the automated calling sequence works very well, and the web-based dashboard to maintain the Circle of Care, phone numbers… is very easy to navigate.

I do want to mention a few considerations as you set the service up for your aging parent

• The calls appear to come from a toll-free number.  If you’ve told your parent to ignore toll-free numbers, be sure you tell them about this.
• Before you set up the Circle of Care, think carefully about who should be included.  If the family lives a distance away, consider including a trusted neighbor or nearby friend in the Circle of Care, someone who can get to your parent quickly if assistance is needed.
• Once you decide who will be in your Circle of Care, carefully explain (to each person) how the system works.  Make sure they understand what you are expecting from them.  I would also ask members of Care to let me know if they were going to be gone for an extended absence.
• One last important point. If the automated call sequence fails to reach anyone, 9-1-1 is not called.  FineThanx is a complimentary call service.  They do mention it is the “perfect companion to the ‘panic button’ device”.  Excellent suggestion.

For more info about FineThanx, click here.

If you use this service or choose it in the future, please comment on your experience.  Thank you!

Last year when I told a friend I was trying out some new elder-friendly software on my mother, he urged me to give Pointerware a try.  Much to my chagrin, I never followed up… until last week when I tested the product.  Now I totally understand why my friend and his elderly parents are fans.

Let me tell you why this software is heads and shoulders above the rest.  The two founders/developers had their grandmother and her elderly friend be part of the testing as they developed the product.   The product is developed with the everyday challenges of the elderly in mind.  Your parent can have a physical disability (such as low vision or arthritis), cognitive impairment or low level of literacy.  That is OK.  The design of the product allows for all of that.  ”The PointerWare team is committed to the values of connectedness,empowerment and simplicity.”  This is evident in every aspect of the product.

I want to share the key functionality of the product – what sets it apart from other elder email/Internet access software.

1. Although Pointerware has to be downloaded to the computer (it is not web-based), the download process is very well-defined and works flawlessly.  Every step of the way, you are given complete instructions and guidance.  My suggestion would be to do the install alone and then have your parent join you.  You’ll want to know the functionality and then introduce your parent to Pointerware.
2. The first time you launch Pointerware, enjoy watching your parent’s reaction!
3. You’ll hear a voice say, “Good afternoon, welcome to the Main Menu”.  Yes, there is enough audio so that the older adult feels as if they’re being guided.
4. You’ll see Pointeware fill the entire screen, with a white background, black letters and very large icons with large text.  This is wonderful for those with a visual impairment or for those who have trouble using a mouse.
5. The icons offered are “Internet, Photos, Mail, Phone, Games”.
6. The Home icon is visible on all screens with the image of a dog.  I love that!  No matter where you are, if you get confused, you can find the dog, click and go to Home.
7. Under Internet, you can save and “bookmark” favorite sites.
8. Under Photos, you can send photos out.
9. Under Mail, you can send and receive mail.  The navigation buttons make the process very easy to understand.
10. I especially like the Phone functionality.  In the download process, you can integrate Pointerware into Skype.  So, your parent can actually be calling out through Skype while they’re still in Pointerware.  And there’s this wonderful audio and video test available.  I had a problem with my microphone and that allowed me to troubleshoot and get the problem quickly resolved.

Pointerware offers a 30 day f.r.e.e trial followed by a choice of a one-time charge or a low monthly charge.

The product is also available to assisted living communities at a small charge per user.

I recall years ago in technology circles, we’d talk about the digital divide among the rich and poor.  As I work with the elderly, I realize the digital divide extends to the elderly, many of whom are not able to utilize technology to connect with their loved ones and the world around them.  No more!

To check out Pointerware for your aging parent, click here. (If you decide to purchase, please use coupon code of “Transition”.)

“Transitioning Your Aging Parent: A 5 Step Guide Through Crisis & Change”

It was written to help adult children and families navigate the many changes their aging parents will face. Dale Carter has developed a new framework, ADAPT, from her personal experience, her background as an educator and project manager, and a sincere desire to help families and their aging parents. Readers will learn how to use the framework, apply specific strategies, and seek out appropriate resources that are right for their situation. Personal stories are woven throughout to illustrate the concepts.

Join Dale Carter as she shares what she learned in helping her own mother navigate crisis and change to renewed health and happiness.

Discover how to approach any change or crisis in your parent’s life with clarity and confidence.

Discover how this new framework will guide you in making the right decisions for your parent while balancing your own personal needs and family responsibilities.

“It’s almost as though you took all my years of training and managed to put order to it. The ADAPT method of caregiving will decrease stress and give great comfort to families in the eldercare world. My fear is that we can’t get it out to people fast enough.”
~ P.K. Beville, M.S., Founder, Second Wind Dreams & Geriatric Specialists

To preview the book or purchase your copy, click here.

The program began.  And, I discovered that ‘Connected Living’ is all about social engagement with minimal emphasis on technology.  In fact, founder Sarah Hoit says that technology is just the channel for connecting residents with their families and with each other in their community.  This philosophy was quite evident through a most enjoyable and engaging program.

First, we played a game, complete with prizes!  Ginna, our leader, asked the residents:

*  Who is oldest?  (A lady who is 99!)

*  Who is youngest?  (A lady who is 63!)

* Who has lived here the longest?  (I think the answer was 27 years)

* Who has the most children?  (A couple sitting behind me won that with 9 children)

* Who has the most grandchildren?  (We had a tie between 2 ladies, each with 22 grandchildren)

As you can well imagine, people were learning all sorts of new things about the people sitting right next to them.  We learned that ’Connected Living’ will help build upon the connections that residents already enjoy in their community.   There are 2 new Discussion Group events scheduled.  The first is titled, “The Greatest Generation”, World II Experiences.  Residents will be able to share experiences of growing up during the Great Depression.  The second is “Memorial Day” to honor and remember those who served our country.  I can only imagine the wealth of life stories and the wisdom that will be shared during those discussions!

At a personal level, with Connected Living’s touch screen PCs, simple interface and one-on-one help from staff Ambassadors, residents will be able to invite family and friends to join them on St. Paul’s special social network.   It reminds me of a private Facebook group.   Besides email, residents will be able to record their memoirs, share photos, and connect to the World on the Internet.

The benefits include:  bringing families and generations together, creating lifelong learning opportunities, AND building community.  ”Connected Living” is offered to all residents at no-charge, and there is a 24/7 call center available for questions.

As the program ended, residents enjoyed a reception and immediately formed a line to get their logins.  My friend wasted no time.  She wanted to go down to the computers, log on to Connected Living and invite family and friends.  So, we did.  I don’t know who was more excited, her or me!

If your aging parents are living in a retirement community or assisted living, I strongly suggest you check out Connected Living.

If you’ve taken my E-course, you know I feel very strongly about effective communication with your parent and family.  Just as important is communication with your parent’s care providers.  If your parent is in Assisted Living or a Nursing Home, you realize how much it means to know how your parent is doing each day.

There is a company that is trying to make that happen with their solution, Tutela Connect.  Care providers (in assisted living, nursing homes, home care, adult day services or independent senior communities) can use Tutela Connect to provide daily updates and communicate with their residents’ families (via a secure website.)

Please complete this short survey, sharing your thoughts about communication with care providers.  Tutela will use this survey in their effort to expand their current product and ultimately benefit senior residents, their families and care providers.

Tutela leadership writes, “if they can help advance positive, meaningful change, then we count that as a success”.  There are several initiatives across our country to change nursing homes from a medical, institutional model to a patient-centered model.  Tutela’s product offering can certainly be a facilitator of that change.

Please be a part of this culture change and take Tutela’s short survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ ZH3LH82

(Complete the survey by April 23^rd. You’ll have the option to win a $20 Amazon.com gift card.)

Tutela’s website: http://tutelaconnect.com/

Until I visited our Area Agency on Aging last week, I had no idea what an incredible resource these agencies are to adult children and their aging parents across our country.

I had these misconceptions.  How about you?

I was 100% wrong.  I corrected my understanding when I met with Tricia Gordon and Kim Charles of REAL Services (Indiana’s Area 2 Agency on Aging.)

Let me share what I learned so you too can understand the value Area Agencies provide older adult and their families.

What are Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)?

AAAs were established under the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 1973 to respond to the needs of Americans aged 60 and older in every community.  There are 650 Area Agencies on Aging across our country.   These agencies provide a range of options to allow older adults to choose home and community-based services and living arrangements.  ”AAAs make it possible for older adults to remain in their homes and communities as long as possible.”

How can I find one based on location?

Use the Eldercare Locator ( http://www.eldercare.gov/) and enter a zip code, city or county.  You can also call  800.677.1116.

Why is the name different from Area Agency on Aging?

Our community’s Area 2 Agency on Aging goes by the name REAL Services.  The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration designated REAL Services as the Area Agency on Aging for 5 local counties.   I learned that each Area Agency on Aging in Indiana goes by a different name.  That unique name is helpful for raising awareness and outreach within the community.

What services do Area Agencies offer?

Home and Community based services can include:

• Information and Referral
• Legal services
• Case management
• Transportation
• Respite
• Skilled nursing
• Home health aide
• Attendant Care
• Emergency response system
• Home delivered meals
• Adult day services
• Homemaker
• Bath aide

More detail at: http://www.n4a.org/files/about-n4a/community-based-services.pdf

What is the process when an adult child or elderly person calls in?

Here is how our community’s agency handles calls.  The call center accepts the call.  It never goes to voicemail, and is always answered by a person.  Beyond answering the caller’s question, about 50% of the 2,000 calls each month result in what’s called “options counseling”.  The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Options Counselors listen for other needs and determines other services/programs the caller may need.  The approach is holistic.  Part of the options counseling is to help the caller understand financial eligibility.  Options may include private pay, government assistance, or Medicaid/Medicare insurance.

If  necessary, the counselor may refer the caller to a Geriatric Care manager who will provide an assessment of needs and requirements (often quite complex) of the older adult, and work with the family to arrange the right resources and services important for quality of life.

I also learned that the call center staffers are certified in suicide prevention and know how to de-escalate a situation or refer it to 911 when necessary.

How are Area Agencies unique?

Area Agencies across the country can be unique and still stay true to the foundational mission as set forth by the OAA.

• Funding can vary from state to state and agency to agency in terms of funding by various grants and state programs.
• There may be special programs or initiatives.  In our area, a home was renovated and modified to meet the needs of elderly and disabled.  It is called the “Caregiver Connection” and offers educational opportunities, training and support  for caregivers of older persons.  What a great service to area  families!  You can read more about it at http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20100128/News01/1280308&Template=printpicart
• Specific challenges within the community as well as agency leadership and staffing all contribute to the unique nature of each agency.

So, now you know!  Your Area Agency on Aging is a phenomenal resource.  You may not see a lot of marketing/advertising about them.  Spread the word to your friends, neighbors and family.  It doesn’t matter if you’re in California and your aging parent is in Florida.  You can reach the agency closest to your specific need by going online at http://www.eldercare.gov/ or calling 800.677.1116

Remember, the Area Agency’s mission is to help older persons remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.  They are waiting for your call!

I immersed myself for 15 minutes in using a new kit called the “Virtual Dementia Tour”.  Ok, so it was just a simulation and only for 15 minutes, but it totally changed my perception of dementia.  In fact, I can’t get the experience out of my mind.  I believe that’s a good thing!

2.  My Top 5 List – Things I Wish I Had Known

If you didn’t have time to listen to my 30 minute radio interview with Viki Kind, do not worry!  I’ve created two Top 5 lists that summarize keypoints from that conversation.  You can quickly peruse my lists and hopefully pick up one or two tips that will help you and your aging parent before crisis hits.

5 things I did (in my mother’s crisis) that helped
5 things I wish I had known and done beforehand

3.  Amazing Art Therapy for the Elderly

An artist/philosopher brings his love of art and deep belief in its healing power to a nursing home. You will be moved by this video which describes his form of art (mandala) and shows one of his weekly workshops. People who can’t even speak their names become engaged!

4. New Software Enabled Elderly Mother to Send First Email

Right before my mother wrapped up her two week vacation with us this summer, an amazing thing happened.  She logged on to a computer for the very first time in her life, sent an email, received photos from me, and set up her calendar.  She will be able to view all these from one screen – one portal when she returns to her retirement community.

5.  Love Letter from Aging Parent to Daughter

This is a beautiful tribute to our aging parents…a reflection on the wonderful gifts we can give our parents as they age.

As I put this list together, I can only wonder, what 5 posts will appear here at the end of 2010?

There are several pilot projects being conducted with health-care providers and retirement communities to see if new high-tech devices (Intel Health Guide, GE QuietCare) can help doctors monitor aging patients so that simple health problems do not escalate  and lead to costly hospital admissions – especially repeat hospital visits due to chronic conditions, such as diabetes, congestive heart failure and high blood pressure.  We all know that early detection of cancer has cut cancer rates dramatically.  Why not focus on early detection of deteriorating chronic diseases?   Did you know that Medicare spends more than $12 billion a year on “potentially preventable repeat hospital admissions?”  By 2050, there will be 33% more persons over age 65, so Medicare costs will only increase unless specific ways to contain cost can be found.

How does the pilot program work for participants ?

• The device is set to blink with a blue light (and a friendly voice) at the same time every morning to prompt the person to do their monitoring (no login; each machine is programmed for that individual)
• The patient straps on a blood pressure cuff attached to his/her machine, presses a button and waits for the cuff to inflate.  His/her pressure is recorded and transmitted to her clinic.
• Employees at the clinic monitor the readings and alert them if there is a problem.
• Other things monitored are weight (critical for indicating congestive heart failure )and blood sugar (critical for problems with diabetes)
• The “touch screen” also provides a link to informational videos related to the data being transmitted.  If BP reading is high, the patient is linked to a short video with tips on how to reduce BP.
• There are also motion sensors placed under a bed (to ensure a person has gotten up in the morning), and wall sensors to tell if a person is moving about normally.

The devices being piloted are built by Intel in a partnership with General Electric.    The companies say they are focusing on these products because “more than 80% of health-care spending focuses on patients with one of more chronic diseases.”

What are the challenges in implementing/utilizing such technology, moving forward?

• The biggest obstacle is that Medicare and private insurers generally do not reimburse for the technology, and the devices are expensive (about $100/month to rent).
• Also, insurance plans do not typically reimburse doctors for treating patients on data sent remotely.
• Some patient advocates worry that the remote data might be substituted for direct medical care.  Organizers of the pilot say that is not one of the goals.  They counter that all of the collected data can be used by the doctor during a visit as a starting point, to delve deeper into the patient’s health concerns.

I hope these devices will come to be commonly used by the elderly.  We all understand the benefits of preventive care.  These high tech devices and monitoring by health-care professionals can help the elderly with chronic diseases become proactive about their quality of health/life on a daily basis.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/16/AR2009111602900.html

Right before my mother wrapped up her two week vacation with us this summer, an amazing thing happened.  She logged on to a computer for the very first time in her life, sent an email, received photos from me, and set up her calendar.  She will be able to view all these from one screen – one portal when she returns to her retirement community.

I’m convinced the only way I finally got her online was due to a new one-stop portal offered by Famililink.   Famililink’s CEO Laura Nuhann states that “Famililink is unique compared to other websites and software offerings that focus primarily on caregiving resources and support, whereas Famililink’s purpose is to improve the communication between the family and their aging loved ones while making it possible to engage the care recipient in the process”.

If this sounds like the answer to a long-distance caregiver’s prayer, it is.  I spent quite a bit of time checking out the functionality and usability of the software before suggesting my mom try it out.    Based on my mother’s reaction and success in using Familink, I am now ready to recommend it to my readers.

What are the key features that make this product a good choice for your elderly parent?

• First and foremost, the visual design, colors used and size of font are excellent.  This immediately appealed to my mother.
• This is a one-stop portal for your elderly parents.  Once Mom logged, her front page showed photos (that had come attached to received emails), her daily calendar and large colorful buttons for easy navigation to Mail, Pictures, Contacts and Calendar.  My mom loved it that when I sent her an email with photos attached…those photos automatically appeared on her front page.  Even I marveled, “how did they do that?”
• There is a prominent button on Mom’s front page, “Send Urgent Message”. I set myself up as her emergency contact.  If she has an emergency, she clicks this button and a pre-formatted emergency email message appears.  She clicks “Send” and I immediately get it.
• My mother was able to add a “helper”. We decided she’d add me so I can get on and help her add/maintain her calendar, photos, videos and  answer her questions about usage (while we are 600  miles apart).  In my opinion, this is a key feature at helping my mother over the initial learning curve and sticking  with it.

Mom and I found this software easy to learn, easy to use and well-supported.  A big part of getting your parent to use  software (especially someone who has never touched a computer) is to walk them through it step by step.   I was surprised my mother didn’t even know where the letters were on the keyboard.  It was slow going but we sat together, and slowly, patiently… Mom sent and received her first email, viewed her photos and updated her calendar.  I said, “Mom, you have now entered the digital age”.  You should have seen the smile on her face.

Here’s the link: http://famililink.com/

(Tip:  Create  and print out a list of steps for your parent to follow as they use this software.  Mine was quite basic as it started with “start the computer” and took her through routine daily use.

If your aging parent does not have cable or satellite, they will need a digital converter box.   We have all been hearing this for months.  But, if you have an elderly parent living independently, don’t just ask them if they’re ready.  Actually check they have the box and it is installed.

TV viewing analyst Nielsen Media Research estimates about 35,000 metro Atlanta homes aren’t ready for Friday’s conversion.  They report the elderly, low-income and those who don’t speak English are among those who are having difficulty preparing for the switch.

So, whether you’re a son, daughter, neighbor or friend, why not make a friendly call and inquire if an elderly person needs your help with the switch?  You could save them from a lot of frustration and distress when Friday arrives.

Here is a website with all the information you will need: http://www.dtvanswers.com/