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AT Success Stories News and Events

Amazon Echo Show Brings Caregiver Peace of Mind for Stay Connected Program

by Amy Norton, EASTCONN Assistive Technology Specialist

One of the best parts of working with consumers as part of “Stay Connected” is finding ways to help make life easier for people, especially during these trying times.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with a very lovely woman in CT, who is the primary caregiver for her husband. She limits her time away from home due to concern for his well-being. When we discussed using technology to help her check-in on him, whether she is in another room, running errands or meeting a friend for a quick lunch, she loved the idea. Knowing that he is okay, and that she can check on him remotely, gives her peace of mind and the ability to relax and take care of other things, including her own needs.

In addition to providing remote access to her husband, the Amazon Echo Show (funded by the “Stay Connected” program) allows him to play games, listen to music and communicate with family and friends. He can also ask Alexa to take a note so he can take phone messages for his wife when she’s out. It’s a great outcome for both of them!

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AT Success Stories News and Events

Remote Training Allows Consumer to Stay Connected

 by Jen Lortie, UCP Assistive Technology Specialist

In mid-September, assistive technology specialists at UCP of Eastern CT worked with Connecticut resident Nancy Robertson through the “Stay Connected” program to provide her with computer training, so she could connect with her friends and community during COVID-19.

One big challenge? Ms. Robertson had never used a computer before. Thanks to the “Stay Connected” program, Ms. Robertson was provided with a new computer. Next, we connected with her by phone to provide in-depth training on how to use it.

Training began with the basics, explaining that laptop computers have batteries and must be plugged in every so often to charge the battery. This was followed by training on the keyboard layout. During this training, Ms. Robertson asked, “Where is the space bar? I do not see anything labeled S-P-A-C-E!”

Next, we got her logged into her Wi-Fi. We reviewed internet basics, such as how to search for websites and save bookmarks. Ms. Robertson was interested in joining her friends in an online Bridge Club, so we located the correct Bridge website and bookmarked it.

During a recent follow-up and wellness call with Ms. Robertson, she informed us that she is now playing Bridge with her friends online, twice a day. She also told us that she had purchased a book online!

Ms. Robertson said she “really enjoys using her computer to stay connected with friends and participate in virtual activities.” She’s grateful for the Stay Connected program during the long days of COVID-19.

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News and Events Resource

Accessible Pharmacy Services Can Help Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

by Patrick Olsen, Director of Business Development for Accessible Pharmacy Services in Connecticut

Accessible Pharmacy logo

Accessible Pharmacy is a comprehensive healthcare company specializing in medication management for individuals who are blind, have a disability or are part of the senior community. Accessible Pharmacy Services provides free home delivery throughout Connecticut and will work with any insurance provider, including Medicare and Medicaid. The company was co-founded by

Dr. Alex Cohen, who is blind and lives in Philadelphia. Dr. Cohen earned his Ph.D. in Marketing, with a specific focus on retail accessibility. While earning his degree, Dr. Cohen learned about the lack of medication-management support available for seniors and people with disabilities.

Accessible Pharmacy Services Director of Business Development Patrick J. Olsen has been working with Connecticut consumers who are blind, low-vison, senior citizens, including veterans and individuals with developmental disabilities, since 2012. Patrick himself is blind.

His Accessible Pharmacy Services salespeople are experienced, top-notch customer care representatives who are blind or have disabilities. Patrick’s Connecticut customer care coordinators work with each individual client to find the best solution for effectively managing all medications. For all Connecticut residents this includes a wide variety of packaging and pill-sorting options, high-tech label-reading solutions, Braille and large-print labels, automatic refilling and reordering of prescriptions, medication consultations, education and reminder systems. All of these additional services are free, if you sign up now.

Additionally, Connecticut state consumers are provided a no-cost service that manages the transfer of pharmacy files securely, while seamlessly coordinating with all the client’s physicians, hospitals, clinics and support systems.

Accessible Pharmacy Services, through a partnership with Be My Eyes, now offers easy-to-understand procedures for private COVID-19 home testing kits for use in homes, facilities or apartments, including supports for all individuals who are blind, have low vision or other disabilities. This unique service is designed for all individuals with disabilities and senior residents in Connecticut, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our team enjoys educating all clients, family, caregivers and facility managers about the parameters of the program and any changes that have taken place. They transmit patient medication usage data to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and objectively and clearly present patients with all programs that are available to all Connecticut consumers. This service is free until the end of 2020.

Patrick Olsen, Director of Business Development for Accessible Pharmacy.To learn more, visit www.AccessiblePharmacy.com or call anytime 215-799-9800 for immediate enrollment. In Connecticut, you can also contact Patrick J. Olsen, Director of Business Development (CT), Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Or email PatrickO@accessiblepharmacy.com

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Announcement News and Events

STAY CONNECTED: Helping Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities engage with medical providers, community, family and friends during COVID-19

The Stay Connected Program is funded by the Administration for Community Living, Federal CARES Act in response to COVID-19. This a new program is operated out of the Dept of Aging and Disability Services in collaboration by the State Unit on Aging and the CT Tech Act Project.

Objective

To connect adults aged 18 years of age or older with a disability or adults sixty years of age or older to the most appropriate Assistive Technology (AT) to foster improved communication and connection with medical professionals, family/friends and the community during this pandemic when many of us are staying home to stay safe.

Process

All five Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and Centers for Independent Living (CIL) in CT conduct Information & Referral with individuals who call their centers.  The AAAs & CILs will use a validated screening tool during calls to identify individuals who would gain the most from technology assistance. Eligible individuals will be referred to one of three CT Tech Act Project AT partner agencies for a remote technology consultation. The participating AT partner agencies are EASTCONN, the NEAT Center and UCP of Eastern CT. During this consultation, the AT Partner will recommend the best selection of AT device based on the person’s needs and preference. Various funding sources have been identified to assist with the purchase of the technology device and internet (when needed). Once the technology arrives, training will be provided to the individual and any support person in the home to assist in learning how to use the device to stay connected with loved ones, family, friends and medical providers. Connections to community supports will also be made to help the individual in continuing to utilize the device and engage with others.

Referrals

Refer individuals who would benefit to the “Stay Connected” program to their Area Agency on Aging (1-800-994-9422) or Center for Independent Living Program. For More Information contact: Patricia.Richardson@ct.gov or Arlene.Lugo@ct.gov.

 

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News and Events Product Spotlight

Why Birdsong?

Written by Aisha Azher, Chief of Staff

Birdsong Tablet 10 inch model

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Technology is always advancing. The Birdsong Tablet, birdsonglife.com introduces aging seniors to technology in a confidence-building, easy-to-use way. Its big red Home button is ever-present on every screen. Just press it and you can return to the home page at any time. Never get lost, stuck or frustrated. Just tap one of the six large icons on the home screen and you are connected to the wide world around you! The Birdsong Tablet comes pre-loaded with 8000 pieces of engaging content. At your fingertips, you will find an extensive library of brain games, music, travel, lifelong learning lectures, classic TV/movies, news, and more. You are also just a click away from connecting with your loved ones through video chat, email, shareable photo albums, and more. One of the best things is that you don’t need to worry about cellular data limitation because the Birdsong Tablet runs off of your existing WiFi. So, you can use it to your heart’s content.

Older adult using the Birdsong touch screen tablet

 

To support the Stay Connected Program (Click this link to read the Stay Connected article), Birdsong has provided Tablets for use by the CT Tech Project AT Partners (EASTCONN, the NEAT Center at Oak Hill and UCP of Eastern CT) who are working on this initiative and able to provide remote and contactless demonstrations.

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News and Events Resource

UR Community Cares

Written by Donna Powell

If you’re looking for ways to help older adults age in place and persons with physical disabilities live more independently, you can now refer people to UR Community Cares.  This nonprofit organization, based in Manchester and covering all of Conn., is making great strides in matching up homebound residents and others who need safe-distanced assistance from volunteers living nearby. Needs can range from temporary (recovery from surgery) to permanent (no longer able to use stairs for laundry).  Service includes household tasks, yard work and companionship visits such as pick-up/delivery of groceries and other essential errands.  Participants are background-checked and follow COVID-19 safety protocols. There is no charge for services or for the secure online enrollment at URCommunityCares.org. Visits can be scheduled weekly, monthly or as needed, and pre-scheduling allows for caregiver respite opportunities.

Co-founder and president Michelle Puzzo is available to schedule an online informational meeting and website demonstration with your organization. Please email info@urcommunitycares.org or call 860-430-4557.   UR Community Cares is also seeking new board members, advisors, volunteers and sponsors.

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News and Events Product Spotlight

Featured Item: The GrandPad

Written by EASTCONN, Where Learning Comes to Life, Assistive Technology Library

During these uncertain times our reliance on technology to stay connected with family and friends is more important than ever.  Designed with seniors in mind,  the GrandPad simplifies the interface to the basic features offered in many other tablets.  With it’s large buttons and intuitive interface the GrandPad is a functional tablet for seniors.  The GrandPad can help seniors to stay connected by easily viewing family photos and videos, playing games, listening to music, checking emails, making phone calls, video chatting, and much more!

Interested Consortium Member districts can borrow this item by contacting any member of the AT Team or by emailing Carol Magliocco at cmagliocco@eastconn.org.