Five New Technologies for Aging in Place

Rounding up from a series of press releases over the past two months, here are some new (and very new!) technologies and/or services that may be new to you for use by or in support of older adults.  All material is from vendor published information:

Care Technology Systems and Qualcomm Life Join Forces.  "A cloud-based system, Qualcomm Life's 2net Platform enables companies, providers and users to capture data from any wireless medical device and deliver it to integrated portals or databases, storing it in a secure and reliable system.  Information can be easily retrieved by physicians, caregivers or other critical audiences, such as designated healthcare service companies, providers, payors, pharmaceutical companies and application/device collaborators, for use in healthcare decisions. CTS utilizes the 2net Platform to provide PERS, ADL monitoring and biometrics." Learn more at Care Technology Systems.

PureDevices launches Kickstarter campaign. "The Pure Device is a simplified touch screen that only provides access to the Internet, messaging, audio/video communication, social networking, online radio and streamed movies and shows without the need to use a traditional computer. With all aspects of the Pure Device being supported from the cloud, device interaction becomes extremely streamed-lined and efficient. Mere seconds after the device is powered on, it is ready for use." Learn more at Kickstarter.com.

Adapted Living launches VitaCare. "VITACARE™ is, at its core, a messaging, reminder and monitoring system that is highly simplified for both users (caregivers and care recipients) and is packed with features that makes constant contact a reality. Messages are continuously scrolled on the tablet or smartphone screen and can be acknowledged and/or replied to by the client. Urgent messages are displayed in a vivid font and color and all messages include the photo of the sender. Messages that have been acknowledged or replied to are not deleted from the screen but are “struck out”, reminding the client that s/he has responded to the message. Messages that have not been acknowledged are highlighted back to the caregiver for action." Learn more at Adapted Living.

SimpleC Receives NIH Fast Track SBIR Grant. "Atlanta-based health care technology innovator SimpleC has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The grant will fund nearly three years of development and implementation of a mobile therapy tool, the SimpleC Companion, designed to improve the well-being and care of older adults living at home with cognitive loss due to dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease, or other brain diseases." Learn more at SimpleC.com.

New More Accurate Fall Detector Helps Seniors Age in Place Safely.  "The new EMTWatch FallDetect™, expected to be released this fall, will transmit an alarm to SafetyCare’s Response Center (SRC), staffed by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), when a fall occurs. The innovative and proprietary technology uses more than 20 algorithms with data collected from three sensors housed inside the waterproof unit to provide the most accurate fall detection. The proprietary design will significantly minimize the issues of false alarms that are common with similar devices available today. The EMTWatch FallDetect™ has the ability to identify a 'slow fall' such as when someone is attempting to brace themselves as they slowly fall to the ground or out of a chair as well as 'fast falls.'" Learn more at SafetyCare.net.