As technology advances, it’s important for healthcare organizations to consider how new tools can benefit the community. PACE Southeast Michigan is always staying up to date on the latest senior-centered technology to serve our participants, protect their privacy and ease caregiver burnout.
Roger Anderson, PACE Southeast Michigan’s Senior Director of IT Solutions and Health Plan Management, shared how our organization uses technology to serve our aging adults.
“We’re always piloting new technologies to see what can serve our participants best and give our teams the best information,” he said. “And of course, we always do everything to make sure our participants’ privacy is safe and secure.”
For PACE Southeast Michigan participants who qualify for assistive technologies, all devices are provided at no out of pocket cost as part of the full suite of PACE services our participants receive.
Keeping medication management simple with automated dispensers
Many of our participants utilize automated medication dispensers that make it easy to keep track of medication schedules and relieve caregiver stress during the day.
These dispensers can set reminders, dispense the right medication at the right time and even give reminders until medications are taken. Our pharmacy team can load dispensers weeks ahead of time, reducing the hassle of managing prescription details.
Tablets that make patient care accessible
Some of our participants utilize GrandPad tablets that give them access to virtual appointments, health education and their personal health chart. For safety, our team programs our tablets to protect against scams and communications that target seniors.
With a GrandPad, participants can engage in virtual visits with their care team or get immediate access to their PACE center from the comfort of their home.
“When someone hits the PACE logo on their Grandpad, it will give them a direct line to their center,” Anderson explained.
Lifelines to ensure help is available anytime
The most common technologies our participants use are lifeline devices.
Our program offers lifeline pendants that can be worn as a necklace, some with auto-detection for falls, and GPS watches equipped with lifeline capabilities. Watches, according to Anderson, especially benefit active participants who leave their home often.
“We can really extend beyond what people think of when they think of a lifeline,” Anderson said.
To learn more about PACE Southeast Michigan and the ways we benefit seniors, click here or call us at 855-445-4554.