Technologies Help People Be More Independent While Staying Connected

Thanks to technology, some people served by Mosaic in Connecticut don’t have to be asked whether they brushed their teeth, whether they did it well, or even have someone watch while they do it. Instead, a “smart” toothbrush relays information about how long they brushed, what areas they brushed, and where they spent more or less time than they should have.

The smart toothbrush is just one piece of technology helping 10 people served by Mosaic be more independent.

The individuals who live in an apartment complex can also weigh themselves on a scale that sends the information to a staff member and use a thermometer that automatically records their temperature. A simple “Alexa, call my staff” puts them in touch with a staff member, and the person can request remote or even in-person support quickly and easily. 

According to Kayann Stewart, Direct Support Manager, two of the apartments have staff come if requested, and the other three have one staff member each during the evening shift, and one has an overnight staff member. 

“We used to have 24-hour staff in all of the apartments,” Stewart said. “With technology, the people we serve can be more independent and don’t feel that staff need to hover over them in their homes.” 

Other technologies in use include smart doorbells, smart smoke detectors, smart knobs on one of the stoves that notify staff if the stove is on or off, and smart wall plugs to avoid overloaded or hot circuits. 

“They’re very happy using it,” Stewart said.  

To protect privacy, the Alexa tool is located in the common area of the apartments. Additionally, each individual is coached on how to use the do-not-disturb function and turn off the video.  Staff do not monitor the devices, but respond immediately when called. The device only goes live when the resident uses the activation word, and it does not record.

While giving people more independence, the technology offers the reassurance that someone is always available.

“They know they can reach out to staff at any time,” Stewart said, adding that it helps people remain more connected to one another. 

“They also use the Alexa device to call their friends in other apartments.”

Any technology used at Mosaic is tied to each individual’s needs and goals. For those who live in this apartment complex in Connecticut, that means they don’t all use the same devices; each receives personalized supports based on their individual plan. As an example, the smart stove knobs are only used in one of the apartments, matching the need with the resident.  

Specific technologies used for communication and therapy such as augmented communication devices and talk-to-text are common across Mosaic. As services in most locations have evolved from group settings into Mosaic at Home® shared living, people also use other tech, such as smart watches and phones, and other digital assistants. 

To learn which services are available in your area to meet your needs or the needs of someone you love, visit Find Services.