Friday, January 22, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Don't Forget the caregivers
I came across a great article that highlights many the sometimes forgotten caregivers that are so critical to improved and continued healthcare for senior family members. Many technology solutions leave out this group in their models. I have always made caregivers the center of our solutions and this article echoes my thoughts on this subject. I would love to hear what you think.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Great New Resource for Homecare Funding
Not sure how many know about a great resource for funding if you are a veteran or spouse of a veteran. I found this great web site (www.veteranAid.org) that explains how veterans are entitled to $1,949 a month in funds that can be used to help with homecare and health related expenses if you qualify. You will have to prove eligibility and have the necessary paper work but it is well worth the effort.
Seems like it is not a well known resource even by the Veterans Administration call centers so you may have to press them to get the necessary information. There are income limits but it could be helpful for some.
Seems like it is not a well known resource even by the Veterans Administration call centers so you may have to press them to get the necessary information. There are income limits but it could be helpful for some.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Do you have a WEP for seniors that live alone?
The recent weather reports from around the country reminds me of the reason that I created the WEPs. What is a WEP?
A WEP is a 30 day Weather Emergency Program (WEP) subscription that can be activated whenever there is a severe weather condition that could present a danger to seniors who live alone. It creates an in-home monitoring system that automatically checks on loved ones using their own home phone. WEP enables notification even if the senior’s power or phone lines are disrupted.
Family members, caregivers, or seniors can register for a 30 day My Buddy Check WEP membership and not activate it until there is a weather emergency. At that time, you simply call/email/SMS My Buddy Check to activate your registered WEP and for the next 30 days your loved ones will receive the full services of My Buddy Check’s daily monitoring system with status updates to their family and friends.
I don't know how many times I have heard of seniors trapped in their homes in bad weather and find themselves cut-off from family and friends for an extended period? They run out of needed medications, household supplies, suffer from hypothermia due to cold weather conditions, or hyperthermia in heat waves. In this age of technology, there really is no reason for this to be happening.
The cost start at less than $10 so that anyone can have peace of mind from knowing that this safety net is in place and ready for immediate use when needed.
We have set aside a limited number of Free WEPs for selected areas so call today to apply or for more information.
888-804-3622 info@caryltech.com
A WEP is a 30 day Weather Emergency Program (WEP) subscription that can be activated whenever there is a severe weather condition that could present a danger to seniors who live alone. It creates an in-home monitoring system that automatically checks on loved ones using their own home phone. WEP enables notification even if the senior’s power or phone lines are disrupted.
Family members, caregivers, or seniors can register for a 30 day My Buddy Check WEP membership and not activate it until there is a weather emergency. At that time, you simply call/email/SMS My Buddy Check to activate your registered WEP and for the next 30 days your loved ones will receive the full services of My Buddy Check’s daily monitoring system with status updates to their family and friends.
I don't know how many times I have heard of seniors trapped in their homes in bad weather and find themselves cut-off from family and friends for an extended period? They run out of needed medications, household supplies, suffer from hypothermia due to cold weather conditions, or hyperthermia in heat waves. In this age of technology, there really is no reason for this to be happening.
The cost start at less than $10 so that anyone can have peace of mind from knowing that this safety net is in place and ready for immediate use when needed.
We have set aside a limited number of Free WEPs for selected areas so call today to apply or for more information.
888-804-3622 info@caryltech.com
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Mobile phone technology addresses unmet needs of parents of children with diabetes
The Center for Connected Health, a division of Partners HealthCare in Boston has published an article that highlights a need I have been trying to publicize for years. They conducted a study that showed how Mobile phone technology might address unmet needs of parents of children with diabetes, sending blood sugar readings via text, to help manage child's illness.
In a recent study, new data revealed that parents of children with diabetes were receptive to using novel health technology - such as a mobile phone that could collect and transmit the child's blood sugar readings to a doctor - to help manage their child's diabetes. This study published in the November issue of the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. You can read the whole article here:
This is one of the driving reason we created the Buddy Check Network so that new and innovative technology can be used to improve health out-comes. Using technology that allows them to monitor and report compliance using their mobile phone provides high interactivity and privacy. This gives them a level of control while following their plan of care that encourages compliance. This report highlights that acceptance of teens and parents to using SMS technology for controlling outcomes. Acceptance is the first step to improvement.
In a recent study, new data revealed that parents of children with diabetes were receptive to using novel health technology - such as a mobile phone that could collect and transmit the child's blood sugar readings to a doctor - to help manage their child's diabetes. This study published in the November issue of the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. You can read the whole article here:
This is one of the driving reason we created the Buddy Check Network so that new and innovative technology can be used to improve health out-comes. Using technology that allows them to monitor and report compliance using their mobile phone provides high interactivity and privacy. This gives them a level of control while following their plan of care that encourages compliance. This report highlights that acceptance of teens and parents to using SMS technology for controlling outcomes. Acceptance is the first step to improvement.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
What Do Boomers Want From Technology
Great article, What Do Baby Boomers Want From Technology, posted by Robin Raff.
I have seen some of the same results in our service offering. There seems to be a demarcation line at about 70 yrs old and above and those below when it come to technology adoption. This will change in the future but Boomers like me have decreased tolerance with beta products and learning complex new system. We just want to get things done and for them to work simply.
I have seen some of the same results in our service offering. There seems to be a demarcation line at about 70 yrs old and above and those below when it come to technology adoption. This will change in the future but Boomers like me have decreased tolerance with beta products and learning complex new system. We just want to get things done and for them to work simply.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
56% Re-hospitalizations rate Among Medicare Patients Cost $17.4 Billion (with a B)
There was a recent study published by about re-hospitalization of Medicare members that underscore the reason we started the Buddy Check Network.
This study of Medicare fee-for-service claims data for nearly 12 million Medicare beneficiaries discharged from a hospital in 2003 and 2004 found that one of five patients was readmitted within 30 days, and half of nonsurgical patients were re-hospitalized without having seen an outpatient doctor in follow-up.
The estimated cost of unplanned hospital readmissions in 2004 accounted for $17.4 billion of the $102.6 billion total hospital payments made by Medicare that same year.
To address the problem, the researchers recommend intervention at the time of discharge, reliable and prompt follow-up care by primary care physicians, and aggressive management of chronic illnesses.
This study focused on the enormous cost associated with re-hospitalizations but I have always been concerned with the effect on the quality of life issues. Family members have to get more involved in this because the study showed that half of the patients readmitted in the first 30 days did not receive any follow-up form their Doctor or medical provider.
Additional studies have shown that re-hospitalizations have been reduces by as much as 39% by instituting a basic follow-up program with the patients. This is something we can do on our own and not wait for Government efforts.
This study of Medicare fee-for-service claims data for nearly 12 million Medicare beneficiaries discharged from a hospital in 2003 and 2004 found that one of five patients was readmitted within 30 days, and half of nonsurgical patients were re-hospitalized without having seen an outpatient doctor in follow-up.
The estimated cost of unplanned hospital readmissions in 2004 accounted for $17.4 billion of the $102.6 billion total hospital payments made by Medicare that same year.
To address the problem, the researchers recommend intervention at the time of discharge, reliable and prompt follow-up care by primary care physicians, and aggressive management of chronic illnesses.
This study focused on the enormous cost associated with re-hospitalizations but I have always been concerned with the effect on the quality of life issues. Family members have to get more involved in this because the study showed that half of the patients readmitted in the first 30 days did not receive any follow-up form their Doctor or medical provider.
Additional studies have shown that re-hospitalizations have been reduces by as much as 39% by instituting a basic follow-up program with the patients. This is something we can do on our own and not wait for Government efforts.
Please Read Complete Report and let me know your thoughts.
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