Panasonic to introduce tablet-based telehealth service for assisted living facilities

Panasonic Corporation of North America has announced it will launch On4Today^TM, a tablet-based telehealth service, in November. The new Health and Wellness Solutions business group is part of Panasonic's ongoing business transformation and will deliver technology solutions to the healthcare market. The group's first offering - On4Today^TM - is a non-clinical telehealth service provided to long-term care and assisted living facilities.

Designed as an 'always on' service, On4Today^TM bridges potential communication gaps between assisted living facility residents and their families, friends and care providers. It delivers connectivity and easy-to-use communications intended to improve staff efficiencies, reduce anxiety for residents, promote peace of mind among family and friends and encourage stronger levels of resident engagement.

Panasonic is showcasing On4Today^TM capabilities to healthcare professionals during the Leading Age Annual Meeting and Expo, taking place October 19 – 22 at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN. On4Today^TM is featured in the Expo's centerpiece attraction – the Leading Age 'Idea House' – where innovative technologies and solutions are displayed in real-life settings.

With the launch of On4Today^TM, Panasonic is demonstrating the types of solutions and new generation of networked health information technologies that are enabling providers to deliver cost-effective services. Health and Wellness Solutions will leverage Panasonic's engineering roots and technology portfolio to address the challenges associated with individual and population health management.

"As the aging population increases, there is growing demand for flexible healthcare solutions capable of addressing a range of needs unique to this group," said Bob Dobbins, Vice President, New Business Development, who leads Panasonic's new Health and Wellness Solutions group. "Panasonic has the expertise to integrate its technology solutions to create a comprehensive network of care. On4Today^TM is another step forward in paving the way for cost-effective 'care in place' practices," he added.

On4Today^TM is delivered on a tablet and the tablet connects through WiFi. The lightweight device is portable and gives residents options to manage daily activities with calendar appointments and reminders, view photos and videos, and participate in video chats and messaging. Large font size, audio and visual prompts and touch screen scrolling features simplify site navigation and message access. The service is intuitive and can be customized, depending on facility needs or individual preferences.

"Quality and reliability are essential attributes for any long-term care or assisted living facility," noted Mr. Dobbins. "Panasonic's health and wellness solutions reinforce the importance of those characteristics by bringing advanced technology into the care continuum to create more meaningful interactions, generate higher levels of resident well-being and reduce facility costs."