Feedback on New Activity Director Tool

[CurtisOlson 1]

I have an idea for a nursing home tool that I wish existed when my dad was in nursing care. My in-laws will soon need nursing care, so I’m motivated to build this and I would love to get your feedback on the idea.

 

What is it?

A simple mobile app that makes it easy for a family to shares photos and updates with someone living in a nursing home. Also, nursing home staff can also shares activities and photos with the family through the app.

 

How does it work?

Sharing In: A family member uses the app to collect social media updates(FB, Instragram, etc.) and send them to Gramdma’s inbox. The nursing home staff can then use the app to view the photos and notes with the residents. The app would work on phones, tables, computers and even TVs.

 

Sharing Out: A staff member could use the app to take photos of dances, craft projects, etc. and share them with the family members. Controls could be put in place for that sharing out could be reviewed and approved by an AD.

 

The user interface would be big and uncomplicated for easy viewing.

 

Why is it needed?

For the resident: They will get more family updates and can stay connect to family that lives far away.

 

For the families: They can see what types of activities the resident is doing and can even share info and stories to help keep them engaged.

 

For nursing home staff: Using content sent in from families, you will have a fun, individual or group activity. You also can share out to let the family know that they are in good hands. It could also be a good marketing tool to show off what kind of care residents receive.

 

How much does it cost?

My goal is to provide a basic service for free so no one is shut out. To pay for development and computing time, there will be an upgraded, paid version with extra services. Initially, everything would be free.

 

Why are you doing this?

When my dad was in nursing care, I was 6 states away and felt guilty and disconnected. My dad rarely got to see or hear about my family. And only when I visited did I get to see all the wonderful stuff he was doing like photos of him dancing or going out for a movie night. Also, there were times when he needed things (sweats or new shoes) that I didn’t hear about unless I called.

 

Safety, Security and Simplicity

The goal is to make the app as simple as possible, but still have controls in place for safety. I know there are concerns with sharing photos outside of a facility. I would build in security and controls to manage the information at whatever level is required.

 

Feedback

Is this something that you would use? Why or why not?

 

What kinds of barriers do you see in adopting this?

 

Feel free to add ideas or features you would like to see with something like this. I made a video to try and describe the service that you can view on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ5nVH6Z2QY

Edited March 2, 2017 by CurtisOlson

[Jamiebernard 0]

This is a great idea, I think the demand for this will grow in the years to come with seniors being more tech savvy. My company has developed an app that is quite similar, it is specific to our company and it has other features as well.  The biggest obstacle you'd likely face are privacy related issues. You might run into the issue of residents not being able to give consent, or not remembering they had given consent to share photos. But I'm sure there are ways to secure this. Loved the video.

 

Good luck with your project. Hope to see it sometime soon! 

[cherluv 0]

It's perfect!  Recently I helped a resident start an e-mail account as well as a FACEBOOK and got her on Words with Friends, of course she is higher functioning than most, now other residents would like to interact but it is just too difficult for them in all different areas (mentally, physically) this is a great solution,

[JodiCombs 0]

I think the app idea is a very good one - I can see being able to use this easily inside the building

Thanks for thinking of it!

I look forward to seeing what comes of it!