“Last summer when I visited Ben, I got to sleep on his couch! I never thought I would be able to say that I had spent the week at my son’s place, but I DID!” We’re excited to be part of the 2016 South Carolina Human Service Providers Conference, beginning tomorrow, March 9th in Myrtle Beach, S.C.  One of our providers we work closely with, the Charles Lea Center (CLC), will be speaking about their programs and how SimplyHome technology has enabled their residents to live independently.

Executive Director of CLC, Jerry Bernard, will be presenting "Integrating Assistive Technology in Supporting Individuals with Disabilities" from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. tomorrow.  Following the presentation, there will be a drawing for a Fibit. Have questions about something you learned? Stop by the SimplyHome booth!

Since 2010, CLC has been employing technology to assist individuals in moving towards becoming more involved in their community, beginning with living on their own.

What are specific ways CLC residents use SimplyHome technology in their homes?

As part of their “Community Transitional Services Program,” CLC utilizes SimplyHome technology to assist individuals in achieving independence in their homes, ultimately allowing residents to envision and live a safe, productive and healthier life.

Many individuals use a variety of sensors with customized announcements and notifications to staff, such as stove sensors and door sensors. Here are some specific examples of the technology at work:

Stove sensors allow individuals to cook their own meals, reminding them to turn off the stove and notifying staff if the stove is turned on during specific times of day.

Bed pads also can be programmed with announcements during customized times, to prompt individuals to leave their bed.

Medication Dispensers remind individuals to take their medication, while emailing / calling / texting staff if a dose is missed.

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)allow individuals to press a pendant if they fall or need assistance, alerting a call center, which can then call staff.

Ben is one individual at CLC who is able to live on his own by using SimplyHome technology.  But Ben isn’t the only one benefiting from this transition, as his mother can attest.  “Last summer when I visited Ben, I got to sleep on his couch! I never thought I would be able to say that I had spent the week at my son’s place, but I DID! And over the Christmas holidays, he rode the TRAIN from Spartanburg to Philadelphia (and back) BY HIMSELF.”

How did CLC, as a provider, implement SimplyHome technology?

• Assessing the needs of individuals in their programs, by interviewing residents to determine their interest to live independently and considering their routines

• Dedicating time and resources to teach individuals new skills

• Training staff and incorporating individualized support teams within programs

To learn more about SimplyHome, contact our Customer Service team toll free at (877) 684-3581 or email customer.service@simply-home.com.