Prospero Health, a team-based home health care company, has partnered with GrandPad, the first purpose-built tablet for people over 75, to improve access to care for vulnerable seniors during the COVID-19 crisis.
The COVID-19 risk to elderly and immuno-suppressed patients has isolated many in their homes, making it harder for clinicians and caregivers to attend to their medical and emotional well-being. From the potential for missed medications and falls to the risk of anxiety and confusion, these patients require even greater vigilance during this global crisis. Utilizing GrandPads addresses that barrier to access and allows Prospero care providers to continue visual observations that enable better identification of symptoms and behaviors than with traditional telephone interactions.
The partnership with GrandPad provides an immediate boost to Prospero’s telemedicine capabilities, the company notes in a media release.
“Our care model has been evolving to bring more virtual capabilities into the home, and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated that effort,” says Doug Wenners, Co-Founder and CEO of Prospero, in the release.
“While there’s no substitute for home-based visits, this crisis shows how important it is to provide other ways to engage with patients, and thanks to GrandPad we’ve been able to quickly mobilize.”
Prospero’s clinical care model consists of multi-disciplinary teams of doctors, nurses and social workers who provide care in the home and through 24/7 telemedicine support. The GrandPad tablet is customized for ease of use by seniors and allows Prospero care teams to regularly check in on patients and collaborate with external specialists, primary care physicians and family caregivers. These connections are also essential for preventing loneliness, which can exacerbate existing clinical conditions for older adults. In-home care will still be available when clinically necessary.
“Reconnecting seniors with caregivers and family members is critically important to maintaining physical and mental health during social distancing,” Scott Lien, Co-Founder and CEO of GrandPad, states.
“Innovative healthcare companies like Prospero recognize the role technology can play in bridging this gap with telemedicine capabilities that support consistent access to care, clinical outcomes, and above all, quality of life.”
[Sources: Prospero Health, GrandPad]
