As you think about your parents, what are some of your hopes and dreams for them as they age?

For my own mother, I hope that she

• can live her life the way she chooses
• will have the best possible health and quality of life
• will always be part of a loving, caring community surrounded by support

And yet I realize the many challenges.  We have a growing aging population that is straining our healthcare and senior care system.  Debilitating chronic diseases can wear down even the most resilient body and spirit.   And, then there’s the isolation that all too often accompanies aging due to loss of spouse and loved ones.

It’s seems that our hopes and the reality are at odds.  Or, are they? 

I want to share an innovative approach to helping older adults live an active and healthy life in their own homes with the aid of a senior-friendly tool.  There are quite a few technologies that are senior friendly, but this approach goes one critical step deeper!

Recently I spoke with Denise Rabidoux, President  & CEO, Evangelical Homes of Michigan, and Steve Hopkins, VP Wellness and Home Based Solutions.  Evangelical Homes is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) with a bold vision.  They want to extend the care of older adults beyond their walls, and they want to connect with older adults (living independently in their own homes) prior to a care need.   Their goal:  help older adults be proactive in their health so they can avert the progressive decline that often leads to a health crisis.

So, Evangelical Homes searched the marketplace for the right tool and partner in this effort.  They found Intel/GE’s Care Innovations “Connect.”  “Connect” is a senior-friendly device with touch screen and includes wellness surveys, medication compliance reminders, brain fitness games and social networking tools.  But, as Steve Hopkins pointed out, it wasn’t enough to just put a device in the senior’s home.

There had to be a strong and persistent link between the senior and a trained staff member.  Evangelical Homes call these support staff, Lifestyle coaches.  So, here is that critical step – the “high touch” component.  Each senior would have a Lifestyle coach, based at Evangelical Homes.  Each coach would develop a trusting relationship with “their seniors”, and, on a daily basis, intervene and handle issues as they arise, and also guide & educate.

Ok, this sounds great in theory.  But, what would make the senior want to use the device so they could reap the benefits?  Let me share the how it works, and then you’ll see the beauty of the way Evangelical Homes implemented the tool.

(Assume Mary is the senior, and John is the lifestyle coach.)

As part of Mary’s morning routine, she turns to her “Connect” device, touches the large icon on the screen labeled, “Wellness.”   She is prompted with 20 random questions, and simply touches the answer that best describes her answer.  For Mary, it’s a quick and simple process.  It makes her more self-aware plus she feels a sense of security, knowing that her lifestyle coach, John, is reviewing her responses and will contact her with a follow-up call, if he feels it’s necessary.  (Behind the scenes, this survey is not totally random.   If question #2 indicates a problem, question #3 will dig in deeper, and so forth.)  As John receives the data from Mary’s responses, he immediately recognizes potential risk factors of depression, trouble with balance, with medications, etc.  In fact, Mary may not even be aware that she has a problem.  She has come to know and trust John, and appreciates John when he calls and helps her out.

Evangelical Homes is currently in pilot with their program and 35 members.  And, as Denise Rabidoux points out, it is also important to recognize the way in which this new solution has changed the nature of the lifestyle coach daily work and job satisfaction.  It is indeed shaping the overall culture throughout Evangelical Homes (members, families and staff) in an amazing way.

Integrating technology and lifestyle coaches to deliver individualized care!  It is my hope that Evangelical Homes will share their new model of “senior wellness” around the country.  With their “Connect” solution, they are expanding the very definition of what it means to be a “Continuing Care Retirement Community.”  They are offering care and support to seniors throughout the “continuum” of their lives so they can indeed have the best health and quality of life possible.

For more information about Evangelical Homes of Michigan, click here.

For more information about Intel/GE’s Care Innovation “Connect”, click here.

Aging in place (AIP) costs considerably less than assisted living care, but it’s not free.

Though funds are dwindling for many senior-related programs (Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security have all spent ample time on the chopping block lately), there are still a number of federal, state, local and private organizations that offer financial support to seniors who want to stay where the heart is.

To begin – because first you might need to sell the idea to skeptical family members, or just figure out what modifications are needed before getting the capital to do it – get to know what services and resources are offered in your home state via these helpful sites:

• Search for home repair and modification resources in your region at Eldercare.gov.
• HomeMods.org is a national information clearinghouse on all things related to home modifications. Professionals and consumers alike can peruse an extensive resource directory on the site.
• Not sure if your own home or a senior loved one’s residence is adaptable for AIP? Most are, but the WellCome Home site helps you clearly see the potential and know where to direct your energies and efforts when it’s time to transform the home.
• Download this Home Safety Checklist from Rebuilding Together, Inc. to remove fall hazards and resolve accessibility issues, many of which may be implemented without spending a dime.

Should the need arise for assistive equipment (such as power chairs or stair lifts) or home modifications (like wheelchair ramps or door-opening systems), here are a few ways to ease the burden of purchasing or installing these costly components.

Claim a deduction. Russell Glickman, a DC-based home design and remodeling expert, recommends conferring with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to find out whether you or a loved one is eligible to deduct the cost of home modifications on your federal income tax. You need a written recommendation from your doctor as proof that the modifications are medically necessary. Glickman also states that you can claim a deduction for the costs of operating and maintaining the modifications, whether or not the stair lift, ramp, or other equipment qualified as a medical expense. Home improvements (or capital expenses) that may be deducted per the IRS.gov are as follows:

• Constructing entrance or exit ramps for your home.
• Widening doorways at entrances or exits to your home.
• Widening or otherwise modifying hallways and interior doorways.
• Installing railings, support bars, or other modifications to bathrooms.
• Lowering or modifying kitchen cabinets and equipment.
• Moving or modifying electrical outlets and fixtures.
• Installing porch lifts and other forms of lifts (but elevators generally add value to the house).
• Modifying fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other warning systems.
• Modifying stairways.
• Adding handrails or grab bars anywhere (whether or not in bathrooms).
• Modifying hardware on doors.
• Modifying areas in front of entrance and exit doorways.
• Grading the ground to provide access to the residence.

Note: You can only itemize these deductions if the main purpose of installation is medical care for you, a spouse or dependent (modifications made for aesthetic, architectural or other personal reasons do not qualify). Permanent improvements that boost your property’s value may be partially included as a deduction; in this case, the cost of the home modification is reduced by the amount of the property value increase (whatever the difference is what your qualified medical expense to deduct will be). If the home modification does not increase your property value, you can deduct the whole cost as a medical expense.

Visit the Area Agency on Aging. Every state offers different incentives, programs, and benefits to their senior residents. The best way to learn about them all, in addition to any tax credits or federal monies available through Medicare, Medicaid (in some states, you may be able to qualify for funding via the Medicaid HCBS – home and community-based services – waiver), HUD, the VA, or the USDA that would be disbursed through the state, is at your local Area Agency on Aging. The AAA is a one-stop-shop neighborhood branch of your state’s department that handles senior care (i.e. Department of Aging, Department of Public Welfare, etc.). Go to Eldercare.gov or N4A.org to find your AAA by zip code, city or county.

Apply for grants or take advantage of state assistive technology projects to make your home wheelchair accessible. According to HomeMods.org, funding is available for this specific modification through the Department of Veteran Affairs (call 800-827-1000 or your local VA for more details) and via the United Cerebral Palsy Association (call 800-872-5827). The IRS also permits those with disabilities to claim some of these expenses as a tax deduction. Check in with the National Council on Independent Living Center (call 703-525-3406) to get local funding information and referral services.

Get a loan to add a room. If Mom is moving in and she has health needs or disabilities, you may be eligible for government funding. FannieMae offers the HomeChoice program, Home Keeper program, and the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (get more details at http://www.efanniemae.com, or visit the local office). In Texas, New Mexico, California and Illinois, residents can apply for a Home Modifications Loan for Homeowners (with fixed interest rates and low minimum loan amounts) via Bank of America, under the “Access Loans” category. For more information, call 800-843-2632 (in CA, IL) or 800-900-9000 (in TX, NM).

Contact local foundations and non-profit organizations. Some may offer financial assistance or services referrals for those providing care for someone with disabilities or diseases like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Easter Seals and Rebuilding Together both offer low- or no-cost community-based home modification and repair programs.

Take out a second/reverse mortgage. If you have the equity, this is a good way to secure a loan for a home modification, which, if done well, should add value to the home as more people will be seeking homes where aging in place is possible. You must be over 62 to secure funding via a reverse mortgage. (Learn more about reverse mortgages here.)

Check your insurance policies and healthcare plans. The National Association of Home Builders says that some programs – auto insurance, worker’s compensation, long term care policies (some will cover the cost of major modifications in lieu of a transition to a long-term care facility), state catastrophic accident insurance plans, and medical trust funds – might cover the costs of a home modification.

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, check with your care/case manager to find out if some home modification costs may be covered in the plan (note: those that do generally require participation in a care management program).

Move your parents in. If you have decided it’s best for Mom and Dad to just move in with you so you can provide care more readily, Glickman says you may be able to use proceeds from the sale of their home to make an accessible suite at your residence. He adds that adult children can avail themselves of the space in the future too, as their own care needs change.

Ready to consider a home modification for a family member’s residence, or your own? 101 Mobility has a full line of products (stairlifts, auto lifts, ramps, and more) and a team of highly-trained professional installers standing by to get AIP construction underway. Learn more about their services and find the local office serving you at http://101mobility.com/locator/.

Additional Sources:

• http://www.homemods.org/FAQ/index.shtml
• http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=89799

But, what about the resident who has never used a computer?  My mother has no interest in email, Google search or online games.  But, there are definitely things she’d love to be able to do, such as video chat and share photos.  It is neat to hear her discover these things.  She told me the other day that her physical therapist skypes with her family once a week … and they are in the Phillipines.  You can well imagine her next thought.  My mother wants to “skype” with her family scattered across the country, Indiana, Arkansas, Seattle, Chicago.  She wants to watch to her great-grandchildren as they grow!

Here’s our challenge.  In the past, I’ve tried to help my mother learn 2 different ‘senior friendly’ programs for sharing email, photos, …  My mother’s greatest difficulty is in using the mouse.  And, of course, the other problem is that when I leave and return home, she has no one to help her with her questions. But, she continues saying, “someday I’d love to have a computer.”

Until now, I have unable to find the “right” technology for my mother.  I am looking for a total solution:

• a computer, software & personal support
• easy for my mother to navigate (no mouse and it’s got to be intuitive)
• at a good price point

Last month, I found the product, Telikin, and had the pleasure of interviewing Telikin’s sales and marketing directors (Nancy Allegrezza and Cheryl Lewis) on my radio show.  It your time permits, I encourage you to listen to our 30 minute interview, click here.

Nancy and Cheryl shared the many benefits of Telikin for older adults.  First and foremost, it helps older adults stay connected with their friends and family.  Telikin provides easy-to-use video chat, email, photo sharing, and web access that can reduce the social isolation often associated with aging, as well as cognitive stimulation, increased independence and life-long learning opportunities for seniors.  Telikin’s goal is to “simplify the computing experience for seniors, and anyone else who is frustrated by, or intimidated by conventional computer use.”

Here are a few of the key features:

• Touch screen capability ( a stylus or finger tips can be used)
• Screen is easy-to-read (large buttons, fonts, with ability to enlarge text with magnifiers)
• Easy navigation is ensured by the ‘list of features’ always visible to the user on the left hand side of the screen
• Features are simplified (3 clicks to do video-chat)
• The Home screen provides a well-organized ‘at a glance’ view

There are certain features that I especially like, as a long distance caregiver.

• The video chat will also help me see first-hand how my mother is doing.  I can have a ‘virtual visit’ with her and observe her and her environment.  It’s so much more helpful seeing someone versus hearing them describe how they are over the phone.
• She’ll have her calendar and address book at her finger tips, something she currently struggles with.
• I’ll be able to use the ‘Tech buddy’ feature of Telikin to have remote access to Mom’s computer so I can be her first line of support.

Setup and support are 2 critical factors in choosing the right technology for an older adult.

• Telikin’s software is pre-installed.  There is no monthly software fee, and software updates are f.ree and automatic. You will need to obtain a high-speed internet connection and then plug in the computer’s power cord. Voila!
• Support comes in the form of online help, help via email and support via telephone to a “live person.”  That last point is huge.  Nancy emphasizes their Support Team is local, cheerful and patient.

Nancy and Cheryl wrapped up our radio interview by sharing that Telikin has been positively ‘ life changing’ for many of their senior customers who have had little or no computer experience, and who didn’t know what they were missing in terms of communicating with others and being in touch with the world.  For some, Telikin is their first computer!  Our family is planning on giving my mother a Telikin for Christmas.  I can’t wait to see her reaction

You can see Telikin for yourself in this excellent short video.  Click here.

Blessed Mother Teresa’s Cardiologist to Speak at Local Conference

SOUTH BEND – Paul Wright, M.D., is the keynote speaker for the upcoming “Aging with Purpose and Passion” conference sponsored by the Gerontology Consortium of Michiana (GCM). Dr. Wright practiced as a cardiologist for 25 years, during which time he worked directly with Mother Teresa for the last five years of her life. His presentation titled, “What Blessed Mother Teresa Taught Me About the Purpose of Life” will address the topics of compassion and finding inner peace and happiness in service within the medical profession.

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Dr. Wright will be available to autograph copies of his book “Mother Teresa’s Prescription: Finding Happiness and Peace in Service.”  It is a compelling account of his time spent with Mother Teresa. Copies of the book will be available for $10 by cash or check, and all royalties go to Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity to continue their life-changing work.

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The fourth annual conference sponsored by the GCM is open to health care professionals, families, friends and the community. It takes place from 8 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 2, in Vincent Hall on the Holy Cross College campus. The keynote presentation will be followed by breakout sessions providing information on a variety of topics, including the aging brain, retirement planning, health care reform, gerontechnology and intimacy.

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The fee to attend is $75 for health care professionals, $25 for caregivers and community members and $10 for students. Continuing education credit is available for nurses, social workers, mental health counselors and nursing home administrators. Continental breakfast and a lunch will be provided.

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For more information or to register, contact Pat Adams by phone at 574-239-8364 or e-mail padams at hcc-nd.edu.

To register online, click here.

About the Gerontology Consortium of Michiana (GCM)
Founded in late 2006, GCM comprises several hundred members from a variety of area organizations that have partnered to promote education and service for the benefit of seniors in the community. The consortium includes organizations representing health care, higher education, local government and long-term care.
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Emily Abel

Thanks to our guest blogger, Emily Abel.  Emily is a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), a member of the Indiana Geriatrics Society, and a member of the International Society of Gerontechnology. She is also a graduate student in the University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community’s Aging Studies program. She makes presentations and consults on assistive technology for the aging population around the country.

My mom loves to read.  She goes to book club at her local library every month.  She likes non-fiction, historical fiction, but she doesn’t like science fiction.  My mom has rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in her hands.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in your joints. It can affect any joint but is common in the wrist and fingers. More women than men get rheumatoid arthritis. It often starts between ages 25 and 55. You might have the disease for only a short time, or symptoms might come and go. The severe form can last a lifetime (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2010).

Over time, Mom’s RA has interfered with her love of reading as holding books became more difficult. I suggested she might consider getting an e-reader like the Amazon Kindle, a electronic device that is the size of a small book, lightweight, portable, easy to use and can hold hundreds of books, but she wasn’t interested.  She said, “Part of what I like about reading is holding the book and turning the pages.”  She said she would just lean her book against a pillow.  So, that was the end of that.

Even with that solution, from time to time Mom would complain that it was too difficult to hold a book in bed. She asked if I could find something to hold it for her, like a book stand.  We tried a couple of different things, but nothing seemed to suit her.  I told her about a book holder that was floor mounted beside her bed, had an extended arm that held a small platform to hold her book.  She said, she might be interested in trying it, but when she learned the price, she adamantly said, “No.”

Mom was talking on the phone with an older niece who happens to use a Kindle.  She told her niece that she didn’t want to get one because she likes to use the library and doesn’t want to spend money on buying books. Her niece told her that there were a lot of free books; that she would only have to purchase them if she wanted a newly released one.  Shortly after, Mom called me and said, “I guess having a Kindle would work for me.”

In the meantime, I had looked on the library website to see what books I might download on an e-reader if she ever decided to try it.  My mom’s library uses Overdrive.com for their e-books.  Overdrive is a leading full-service digital distributor of eBooks, audio books, music, and video. It is based on the popular public library service available at 13,000 libraries worldwide.         Much to my surprise, the Kindle was not compatible with any of the e-books.  I called the research librarian to double-check that I wasn’t misunderstanding.  No, she said, “Kindle is not compatible with any books through Overdrive.com.  They (Kindle) are working on compatibility, but are not there yet.”  Well, I guess that makes sense because Amazon, distributors of Kindle, would not benefit from having a device that people could use without purchasing books.

Fortunately; however there are many readers that are compatible with the formats used on Overdrive.com, including Barnes & Noble’s Nook; Kobo; Literati; Pandigital; and Sony.  Other compatible e-books devices include: Apple iPad; iPhone; iPod Touch; Archos 5; HTC Droid; and several other phones with internet capabilities.  Pricing is based on available features.

If you want a basic black and white reader take a look at the Nook and Kobo.  The Nook Wifi is $149 and the Nook Wifi 3G is $199.  The Kobo is $120.  To make things more difficult for users, each device has its strengths and weaknesses.

For Mom, we decided to go with the Nook Wifi. It best fit the features we were looking for in an e-reader for Mom:

• Easy to use (not a lot of buttons and steps)
• Something she can do independently (maybe a few cheat sheets to get her going).
• Variable font size to make the print larger if she wishes

Though not important to my mom, some e-readers also offer a voice output feature. Mom said audio books make her go to sleep!

If you’re considering an e-reader for yourself or for a loved one, you might want to check out this detailed comparison: For a detailed opinion report, please go to Top Ten Reviews

http://ebook-reader-review.toptenreviews.com/index.html.

But, stop for a minute and think about our elderly parents, those still living in their own homes and those in senior living communities.  How are we using new technologies to benefit them, especially when it comes to connecting them with friends and family who live at a distance?  We all know that strengthening the connection and communication (thereby reducing the isolation) can positively impact an older adult’s mental, emotional and physical well-being.

The good news is… we don’t need to invest a lot of money in technologies to make a significant difference in their lives.

Just a few weeks ago, my husband and I connected with our son, daughter-in-law  (and their baby) via Skype ( a free service).  We now have established a time each Sunday evening when we Skype with them.  It is incredibly joyful to be able to see and hear our son and his family.   I feel like I can just reach out and touch my little granddaughter.  We chat, laugh, and spend time together.  The experience is so much richer than a phone call.

This experience has made me realize how powerful Skype can be for the elderly.   It’s not only a solution to counter isolation.  This type of quality communication can also strengthen the connection between the generations as we use all our senses to “listen” to each other and share.  I guarantee that once you try it, you will want to do it often! It really is the next best thing to being there.

I’m also happy to share that there is a wondeful new tool that just became available this week. Eldercare Locator’s “Staying Connected: Technology Options for Older Adults” guide takes users through the basic facts about how to use tools like Facebook, email and texting, including privacy and safety information.  The guide also introduces YouTube, Twitter, Skype, Instant Messaging and blogging – all tools that older adults can use to stay connected.

You know your aging parent best.  Review the guide and decide what technologies are most appropriate for your parent.  My advice is to start with just one, the one with the greatest potential benefit for your loved one.

“This year when families get together for the holidays, we hope the younger generations engage their older relatives in a discussion about staying connected – and vice versa,” said Sandy Markwood, CEO of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a).  “Connectivity for older adults results in a better quality of life and technology can really have a positive impact if used appropriately.”

Thanks to Eldercare Locator for this wonderful new guide that will most certainly help facilitate connection with all members of the family, young and old.

To access the guide, click here.

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.