Tech vendors - large and small

One size never fits all!

That's true for panty-hose and it's especially true for IT solutions in the health care arena. There is no single solution for all that ails this industry, but some of us small vendors are trying to make a difference in small ways.

Thanks to Laurie Orlov @AgingTech on Twitter, I just learned that OnTimeRx was mentioned in Charles King's very prestigious Pund-IT Weekly Review, which offers unique insights on specific events affecting the IT industry and community.

Laurie Orlov was a guest analyst in the May 13, 09 issue dealing with technology solutions for aging in place, and OnTimeRx.com was mentioned as “The Prescription for Taking Medicine on Time”.

· Tech Vendors and the Aging in Place Market—Trying to Make a Difference By Laurie Orlov, Aging in Place Technology Watch

“As I try to make sense out of the aging in place technology market, new companies (or companies new to me) regularly surface. The following companies are all launched (or in beta) but are perhaps not well known in the marketplace as they could and should be. Here are some of them you should bookmark— all valuable solutions for boomers and seniors in need of improving technology access, personal experience or medical care…”

This obviously is my favorite part of her contribution:

• OnTimeRx – This vendor has been around for a while in the medication reminder space, but it is always worth thinking about in the context of the range of solutions required for this complex problem. Medication non-compliance is one of those thorny issues that gets lots of talk, many offerings, few of them light-weight (that is, without containers for the pills themselves). This company says it provides "the prescription for taking medicine on time"). It works on smart phones or can operate directly from a web-based portal to your cell or landline phone. Consumer. Learn more at: www.ontimerx.com.

Microsoft was also mentioned in this Review and - as big as they are - they don't have all the answers either. Apparently Bill Gates feels this seniors market is being under served; and in fact, Microsoft contacted my "little ol' software company" a couple of years ago. Now OnTimeRx for Windows (our desktop medication manager program) is included in all of their "SeniorPC" computer offerings, which are specifically geared for the senior and boomer market. There is a big promotion planned soon for the Senior PC to reach this market in the UK, too. OnTimeRx will be included in those systems as well.

It's really nice to be noticed and invited to the party by the Big Guys. Solutions for Aging in place technology... IT may really be a Small World After All.

Medication Management on a Netbook

One of the presenters at the Silvers Summit at the January 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, was Michael Takemura, HP, Director of Accessibility & Aging Program.

This Summit was a special Senior-focused part of the CES tradeshow, that showcased the products and services that keep older adults engaged, entertained, connected, and healthy. Michael talked about the Microsoft/HP/ Senior PC offering (around 3:50 minutes into his video#2) and OnTimeRx was the "prescription reminder software" that he briefly mentioned. Michael also showcased OnTimeRx software in the HP exhibit and says it went over well.

He also talked about the new new HP mini 1000 Netbook, and this little gem has tremendous potential for older patients, who prefer to age in place.

Let me tell you why...

Back in the early days of hand held computers, PDAs were mainly used as organizers, but I always knew they made great assistive devices with OnTimeRx software onboard. Unfortunately, this technology and OnTimeRx software was about 10-15 years ahead of its time!

People are just now beginning to realize that Palms can do amazing things... just as Palm Corporation decides to stop making any more Palm OS devices!! However, there are over 40 million Palm devices out there somewhere (probably in desk drawers/deader than a doornail) but they could still be put to use as a reliable medication reminder.

But, as my son always says, I dye grass...

Say Hello to the adorable Netbook! This is the new "darling" in personal computing and for only $300-$400, I'm extremely excited about the amazing array of things it can do for seniors and their caregivers.

With an Internet connection in the Senior's home, the Netbook can be used to send and receive email, surf the Web, do online shopping, and basically stay in touch with the family through social networks like Twitter.

With a PCAnywhere type program installed, a family member can access the Netbook to check on compliance or change a medication schedule, and provide "tech support" remotely. It's almost as good as being there.

I'll tell you more things you can do with a Netbook, after I learn my way around a bit more.

...Stay tuned!