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Tochtech Technologies and Langley Lodge Co-Host Successful Speaker Event on Sleep Innovation and its impact on Senior Care

By | Toch Sleepsense, Tochtech

Experiences and Insights on How Sleep Technology Can Elevate the Quality of Care and Wellbeing of Older Adults

Last Friday, Mar 15th on World Sleep Day, Tochtech Technologies and Langley Lodge, a BC-based care home, came together to host an enlightening speaker event centered around the transformative potential of sleep technology in improving the quality of care for seniors. The event, attended by those from the healthcare and senior care industries, featured three esteemed speakers renowned in the fields of sleep research and senior care.

 

Featured Speakers 

  1. Dr. Colleen Carney, Ph.D., CPsych: Professor and Director of the Sleep and Depression Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University, Dr. Carney shared invaluable insights on how an understanding physiological and behavioral factors and creating the right conditions can positively impact sleep quality.
  2. Sandy da Silva: Founder of SKS Consulting. Sandy da Silva, brought her extensive experience as a clinician and administrator in mental health shared the results of the recent study on improving sleep quality in dementia care.
  3. Lisa Samms-Maxwell: Director of Care at Langley Lodge. Lisa Samms-Maxwell, provided firsthand experiences of using sleep innovation such as Tochtech’s Sleepsense in long term care, and how it has supported them in reducing the level of antipsychotic medication for some residents.

Recordings of presentations can be found in the links provided at the end of this article.

The speakers highlighted the detrimental effects of sleep disturbances on older adults, including impaired cognition, heightened responsive behavior, and decreased overall wellbeing. Attendees gained valuable insights into evidence-based interventions for optimizing sleep in long-term care settings, such as ensuring exposure to sunlight, engagement in meaningful activities, and appropriate scheduling of evening activities to promote better sleep habits. The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive with many commenting on the various ways they would be looking to introduce programs and care routines to help support better sleep quality.

The speakers also shared experiences and stories on using innovation like Sleepsense to understand a resident’s sleep patterns providing a basis for necessary interventions such as reducing day-time naps or making medication changes to support improved sleep quality. Additionally, integration of Sleepsense data into care plans and care routines allows care staff to personalize care for each resident. Sleepsense is currently implemented in an increasing number of seniors’ homes globally, Sleepsense has shown remarkable results, including a 35% improvement in sleep quality and a significant reduction in resident falls by 38%.

The collaborative efforts of Tochtech Technologies and Langley Lodge in hosting this event has shed light on the transformative potential of sleep technology in senior care. “This highly successful event, we hope, is just the beginning and it underscores our collective commitment to enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life of older adults” said Jessica Yang, CEO of Tochtech.

 

 

Links to the recording of presentations:

Sleep and Aging – Dr Colleen Carney

Accessing sleep data for appropriate use of antipsychotics   Lisa Samms Maxwell

Improving the Quality of Sleep using Toch Sleepsense   Sandy da Silva

Tochtech Technologies Adds Trellis Seniors to Its Portfolio of Sleepsense Clients

By | Sleepsense, Tochtech

Tochtech Technologies’ bed exit and sleep monitoring platform will provide the highest quality of safety and care to seniors at Trellis Seniors’ three sites in North Vancouver, Kamloops and Sechelt

VANCOUVER, British Columbia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Tochtech Technologies is pleased to announce the company has added Trellis Seniors to its growing portfolio of Toch Sleepsense clients. The award-winning bed exit and sleep monitoring platform will be implemented across Trellis Seniors’ three sites, which provide more than 430 long term care beds throughout BC.

Trellis Seniors, a leading long-term care provider with homes in North Vancouver, Kamloops and Sechelt, is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of seniors and their families. Trellis’ decision to adopt Sleepsense for all their beds, is a significant milestone in the growth of Tochtech’s Sleepsense client community.

“We are honoured to work with Trellis Seniors, and we are confident that Sleepsense will help Trellis Seniors achieve its goals in enhancing quality of care for residents,” said Jessica Yang, CEO of Tochtech.

Trellis Seniors’ commitment to providing the highest quality of safety and care for its residents is exemplified through the adoption of Tochtech’s award-winning Sleepsense technology. The platform is designed to enhance resident well-being by addressing critical aspects of care, including fall prevention, sleep quality improvement and pressure injury management.

Mary McDougall, CEO of Trellis Seniors, expressed enthusiasm for the organization’s investment in Sleepsense, “At Trellis Seniors, our foremost priority is the well-being of the residents we serve. Our decision to integrate Tochtech’s Sleepsense technology into our homes aligns seamlessly with our mission to offer personalized care that prioritizes safety and comfort. By leveraging this state-of-the-art solution, we expect to proactively prevent falls and better support care needs through the timely alerts issued by the Sleepsense solution. We are also excited by the ability to help improve sleep quality, which ultimately contributes to overall well-being and quality of life.”

Tochtech’s Sleepsense platform has gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness in achieving quality of care goals, with clients reporting positive outcomes in resident care and safety. Toch Sleepsense is installed in thousands of beds in North America, the UK, Australia and Asia.

Sleepsense has a proven track record of success in other long-term care facilities, resulting in a 38 per cent reduction in resident falls and a 25 per cent improvement in resident sleep quality contributing to an overall positive impact on resident health and safety. Additionally, Toch Sleepsense offers a unique pressure injury management feature that aims to support improved quality of life and care compliance.

The implementation of Sleepsense at Trellis Seniors which commenced with trials in July 2022 at Hamilton Village Care Centre, previously part of the Trellis organization, reinforces the innovative platform’s reputation as being the next generation bed exit solution, and solution of choice for progressive senior care providers.

About Trellis Seniors:

Trellis Seniors is a premier long-term care provider dedicated to meeting the unique needs of seniors and their families. With a commitment to excellence, Trellis Seniors focuses on providing personalized care that prioritizes safety, comfort, and overall well-being. Trellis is Accredited with Exemplary Standing and values innovative technology solutions in pursuit of their vision to create joy in life and aging…by caring, connecting and celebrating.

About Tochtech:

Tochtech is a leading technology company specializing in innovative solutions for senior care. Their Sleepsense technology is an award-winning platform designed to enhance safety and well-being by monitoring bed exits and sleep patterns, contributing to a higher quality of care for residents in long-term care facilities.

Contacts

For media inquiries or further information:
Vessa Samson, Director of Marketing & Growth, Tochtech Technologies vessa.samson@tochtech.com

Wrapping Up 2023

By | Tochtech

As 2023 comes to a close, the team at Tochtech would like to take this opportunity to wish our clients, partners and supporters a great big THANK YOU for your support throughout the year.

2023 has been an extremely busy year where the focus has been on the growth of the company. The following are some key highlights for the year that we are proud of and would like to share:

Sleepsense user community growth. We are delighted by the growth in the number of Canadian and international sites and users that have adopted Sleepsense. We are proud of the fact that our Sleepsense bed monitor is not only being used in long term care/aged care, but its benefits are also being experienced in the healthcare, home health and young adult disability industries. A notable mention, is Trellis Seniors, a premier senior care provider in BC which operates over 450 beds at its three sites. Trellis’ leadership team has made a decision to equip all beds with a  Sleepsense device, further enhancing the safety and wellbeing of its residents.

Partnerships as a cornerstone for international expansion. While we have been busy with  growing our local market, partnerships have been key in our growth globally.  Of note is our partnership with Mediva Inc in Japan where we are collaborating on a groundbreaking project in Japan with the objective of revolutionizing the way older adults are cared for. A dedicated medical team is utilizing Tochtech’s remote wellness monitoring platform to support in-home patients, especially those suffering from dementia. Read more about this groundbreaking project.

2023 has been a busy and exciting year, and we are looking forward to continuing with this momentum as we welcome 2024.

Here’s wishing all of you a safe and wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!! We look forward to your continuing support.

From:

The Tochtech Team

Tochtech Technologies and Beacon Community Services Forge Ground Breaking Partnership to Enhance Senior Care in Brentwood Bay

By | Sleepsense, Toch Sleepsense

Today marks a pivotal moment in senior care as Tochtech, a leading healthcare technology company, joins forces with Beacon Community Services, a distinguished 50-year-old non-profit society dedicated to enhancing the lives of senior in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia.

Beacon Community Services’ investment in Toch Sleepsense, will ensure the care of residents at Brentwood House and Sluggett House is supported by the acclaimed next generation bed exit technology. This innovative technology is poised to revolutionize the safety and well-being of the residents, particularly those with dementia, aiding the dedicated staff in their caregiving roles.

Toch Sleepsense is designed to detect potential bed exits, non-return to bed status, as well as irregular heart and breathing rates. This proactive safety approach, coupled with a focus on enhancing sleep quality of residents, has demonstrated remarkable results, with participating long-term care and dementia care sites experiencing a nearly 60% reduction in falls.

“We believe in evolving with the times to ensure our residents receive the best care possible. Tochtech’s Sleepsense aligns seamlessly with our mission, offering an innovative solution to enhance safety and well-being for the seniors we serve,” remarked Tricia Gueulette, CEO at Beacon Community Services.

Beacon Community Services, with its rich history of serving the community for half a century, sees this partnership as a strategic move toward embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance the quality of care provided to their residents.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Beacon Community Services to introduce Sleepsense to Brentwood House and Sluggett House. This partnership embodies our shared commitment to elevating the standard of care for seniors, especially those facing the challenges of dementia,” said Jessica Yang, CEO at Tochtech Technologies.

The collaboration between Tochtech and Beacon Community Services represents a harmonious blend of technological innovation and compassionate care. As Sleepsense is integrated into the daily operations of Brentwood House and Sluggett House, it is anticipated to set new standards for senior care, fostering a safer and more secure environment for residents while supporting the invaluable work of the caregiving staff.

Second Buron Health residence, Haven Hill Care Centre, Embraces Cutting-Edge Technology with Tochtech’s Sleepsense Solution

By | Sleepsense, Toch Sleepsense, Tochtech

Haven Hill Care Centre, a modern, 152-bed, complex care senior care facility located in picturesque Penticton, BC, has taken a progressive step into the future of senior care by adopting Tochtech’s Sleepsense technology. Haven Hill joins Hamilton Village Care Centre also a Buron Health site in its decision to implement Toch Sleepsense a revolutionary bed exit technology that is redefining senior care safety and quality of life.

Tochtech’s Sleepsense technology, celebrated as the next generation in bed exit solutions, is set to revolutionize how Haven Hill Care Center, enhancing the safety and well-being of its residents, and at the same time supporting staff in providing care. Sleepsense utilizes advanced sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms to monitor residents’ sleep patterns and detect potential bed exits, not return to bed status, or unusual heart and breathing rate while in bed. This proactive approach to safety and the focus on improving the quality of sleep for residents has proven to reduce falls by almost 50% at long term care sites that have embraced Sleepsense technology.

“Haven Hill Care Centre is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for our residents,” said Shannon Coco, General Manager for Haven Hill. “Our decision to adopt Sleepsense reaffirms our commitment to the well-being and care of our seniors. We are thrilled to be at the forefront of this exciting advancement in senior care.”

Sleepsense is designed to seamlessly integrate into the daily routines of both residents and caregivers, and existing call bell and resident management systems like PointClickCare. The non-intrusive nature of Sleepsense safety alerts and its ability to provide unbiased sleep information has shown to improve sleep quality for residents, a critical contributor to improved health and wellbeing.

Tochtech’s CEO, Jessica Yang, expressed their enthusiasm about this collaboration: “We are honored to work with Haven Hill Care Centre and Buron Health to introduce Sleepsense technology to the Penticton community. We believe that this cutting-edge solution will not only enhance the safety of senior residents but also improve their overall quality of life.”

The implementation of Sleepsense technology at Haven Hill is expected to be completed in the next few weeks. This exciting development marks a significant stride towards providing a safer and more comfortable environment for the residents of Haven Hill.

Toch Sleepsense Technology Piloted in Retirement Home Can Improve Health and Safety of residents, Study Finds

By | Toch Sleepsense
Bruyere Tochtech & LifeSuppyBIO

We have exciting news to share!! This news release from OBIO (Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization) will be of interest to you as it draws attention to the valuable impact Toch Sleepsense can have for long term care and retirement homes. The results are based on a 5-month independent, pilot study focused on the validity and value of the Sleepsense technology to the senior care industry.

Highlights:

  • Over a period of 5 months researchers from Bruyere, AGE-WELL SAM3 National Innovation Hub and Carleton University validated the technology’s accuracy in an objective laboratory setting. The evaluation was extended to a real life environment at The Courtyards on Eagleson, a retirement community operated by All Seniors Care Living Centres.
  • The evaluation found that using Sleepsense reduces the need for hourly checks on all residents’ rooms as Sleepsense is successful in monitoring high-risk residents getting out of bed and effectively alerting staff.
  • Not only did this technology support resident safety, researchers saw real examples of Sleepsense supporting resident health. The available data on sleep cycles that Sleepsense captured allowed researchers to recommend medication adjustments and monitor changes to the resident’s sleep patterns.
  • This made-in-Canada solution will help to improve the care and safety of residents in long term care settings.

Full press release

For more information on Toch Sleepsense

Tochtech makes it to the Finals!

By | Toch Sleepsense

Tochtech is thrilled to announce that Toch Sleepsense is one of three innovation submissions that has made it to the LeadingAge California’s Innovation Showcase final round.  Through the Innovation Showcase, LeadingAge California awards problem-based technology companies, consultants, provider organizations or others who can demonstrate true innovation in care, housing and services for older adults. This challenge encourages ideas that include evidenced-informed technologies, new approaches to caregiving, life enrichment approaches, enhanced safety and security, and improving quality of life. 

“We are delighted that our Sleepsense submission has made it into the finals and the judges recognize the value that Sleepsense offers in improving quality of life for seniors while supporting caregivers in their roles. Innovation Showcase is also a great opportunity for us to raise the profile of this innovative solution Tochtech has developed” Jessica Yang, CEO Tochtech Technologies

A goal of the Innovation Showcase is highlight innovative products and services that are transformative and promising. The Innovation Showcase will be held during the LeadingAge California Annual Conference & Expo, May 1 – 3 in Monterey, California.

Toch Sleepsense: Tochtech’s award-winning, non-wearable, non-contact  bed-exit and sleep tracker designed to allow care providers to monitor safety of patients/residents while asleep. The sleep recording and analysis features offer valuable insights in achieving improved sleep quality. Toch Sleepsense is placed under the frame of the bed and detects body movement and vital signs. For more information please visit www.tochsleepsense.com

Tochtech Connecting and Showcasing

By | Toch Sleepsense, Tochtech | No Comments

March has seen Tochtech Technologies on the road showcasing our products and connecting with new clients. We have been busy participating in trade shows, conferences and trade missions to bring our products to new clients, partners and communities. We have been delighted with the response we have received and look forward on working with our new partners and potential clients to expand our reach. We are confident our new clients will benefit from our innovative solutions such as Sleepsense.

In mid March, CEO and Co-Founder Jessica Yang joined an esteemed cohort of Canadian women entrepreneurs on a trade mission in the UK, led by Minister Ng. The trip was a great opportunity to further expand our business in the UK elder care market. Highlights of the trip included networking with existing and potential partners and visiting the Digital Rewire Conference, Cambridge Genome Campus and the Royal Papworth Hospital. Partnership were established and cemented not only with those in the UK but with other participants of the trade mission.

March also saw Tochtech showcase our innovation at the Rehab Equipment Expo (REE) held in Richmond, BC. Last in March we were also at the 2023 Together We Care Convention (TWCC) held at the Congress Centre in Toronto. Our products continue to impress those who see how they can benefit seniors and their caregivers.

Implementing the best technology in LTC and Retirement Living, and connecting with communities and businesses continues to be a top priority for Tochtech Technologies. Over the next few months we will also be at the:

  • 2023 OHCA Spring Expo in Salem, OR on April 20 – 21, 2023
  • Taking Care of Business Conference by BC Care Providers on May 29 – 30, 2023
  • Florida International Medical Expo on June 20 – 23, 2023
    If you are attending any of these upcoming events, please be sure to stop by and meet us.

Tochtech in the News

By | Uncategorized | No Comments

The Hamilton Village Care Centre will be the first long-term care facility within Vancouver Coast Health to implement the Sleepsense alarm onto residents’ beds.

Tochtech’s Sleepsense will send notifications to healthcare workers whenever a resident gets out of bed, has not returned to bed or has a medical emergency while in bed. Sleepsense bed exit alerts are sent to smartphones or other integrated nurse call systems used by Hamilton Village Care Centre. Additionally, the sensor will collect sleep quality data, such as heart and breathing rate, allowing caregivers to adjust care plans or intervene and avert potential medical emergencies.

Jessica Yang, CEO of Tochtech Technologies, said that the aging population needs quality sleep to recharge their physical and mental health for the next day.
“Sleep can tell a lot,” Yang said, “having the report can help the caregivers plan accordingly and help the resident to settle down.”

The sensors are placed under the bed frame, so will feel less invasive to the residents’ privacy. Yet, it can detect a wide range of body movements and vital signs without disrupting sleep, regardless of where the sleeper is positioned.

“You can drop sesame seeds into the bed, and it can sense the vibration and the change of weight,” Yang said.

Melissa Bawtinheimer, general manager of Hamilton Village Care Centre, said that Sleepsense’s pilot phase has yielded much positive feedback, and she is excited to proceed with the installation in early February.

“The ability to analyze the sleep data without the staff standing over the residents to see if they’re asleep, really does give us a leg up in terms of supporting their overall health quality,” Bawtinheimer said.

Before having Sleepsense, the Hamilton Village Care Centre couldn’t accurately evaluate the residents’ sleep quality, making pinpointing the reason behind constant fatigue more tricky.
“They potentially could be at greater risk for fall, or something medically going on that’s new that we weren’t aware of,” Bawtinheimer said, stating that having the sleep data available can make the caregivers more proactive and support the residents’ quality of life.

The Hamilton Village Care Centre will install up to 65 units, covering half of the residence and more when the centre receives additional EquipCare Funding.The centre’s caregivers will be trained to familiarize themselves with the system as it is scheduled to go live in early March.

The residents’ family members will also be able to access the sleep data through Sleepsense’s online portal.

Tochtech’s Sleepsense has won the 2020 AGE-WELL competition and is planning to become more flexible for hospital and private residents.

Link to original article

Tochtech’s “Next Generation Bed Alarm” Technology Implemented by Trellis Seniors 

By | Toch Sleepsense | No Comments

Trellis Seniors investment in Toch Sleepsense enables personalized and improved quality of care for long term care residents

Tochtech Technologies is delighted to announce an agreement with Trellis Seniors to equip its Hamilton Village Care Centre with Toch Sleepsense, Tochtech’s award winning sleep sensor and bed-exit technology. Trellis’ decision to install Sleepsense at its Hamilton Village Care Centre is the first phase of its investment in Sleepsense. 

“We are excited to be moving forward with the Sleepsense installation as we have been able to experience first-hand the benefits of Sleepsense for residents and for the care team during the trial period.” said Melissa Bawtinheimer, General Manager, Hamilton Village Care Centre.

Sleepsense enables care staff to be automatically notified when a senior gets out of bed, has not returned to bed or in the event of a medical emergency while in bed. Sleepsense bed exit alerts will be integrated with the nurse call as well as other systems used by Hamilton Village Care Centre. Additionally, sleep quality data of each resident captured will enable care givers to adjust care plans and add interventions to address sleep issues. 

“We are delighted by the decision of Trellis Seniors to invest in the technology and are pleased to have been able to prove the value of Sleepsense to the leadership team and the care staff during the pilot” said Jessica Yang, CEO of Tochtech.  

Ongoing investments in the technology will allow Trellis to maintain its commitment of continually improving quality of care for residents and supporting the care team.  “We sincerely appreciate BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) and the EquipCare BC Program as it enables innovative care solutions, like Sleepsense, to be possible and improve quality of life for both residents and staff.” said Mary McDougall, President of Trellis Seniors. “This is more important than ever as increasing healthcare demands and needs continue to stretch the system.”  

Installation of Sleepsense at the Hamilton Village Care Centre, a long term care residence will commence in in early February 2023. Trellis Seniors’ investment in Sleepsense technology follows investments in 2022 by Langley Lodge, BC, Canada, Australian Unity, Australia and an increasing number of long term care centres in Canada, Australia, UK and Japan that have committed to this first of its kind technology. To find out more about Sleepsense, please visit, www.tochsleepsense.com

About Trellis: Trellis Seniors Services Ltd. is a management services company that focuses on ‘creating joy in life and aging…by caring, connecting and celebrating’. We provide a wide array of services including operational leadership, processes and systems to guide decisions and operate the homes. We pursue evidence-based best practice and we are driven to be recognized as a high quality organization. We work in an exclusive arrangement with our clients. Trellis Seniors Services currently operates Hamilton Village in Richmond, BC, Gemstone in Kamloops, BC, Creekstone in North Vancouver, BC and Silverstone in Sechelt, BC (to open late 2023).  For more information, visit https://trellisseniors.ca/

About Tochtech Technologies: Founded in 2014, Tochtech Technologies is a digital healthcare company whose mission is to build smart, cost effective senior care solutions that offer caregivers peace-of-mind while enabling seniors to live healthier and safer lives. Tochtech’s philosophy centres around the use of technology to eliminate the risk and sense of disconnect for seniors, especially those living independently. Tochtech has developed first in-class solutions in the areas of stove safety, voice integrated personal aides and a risk predictive smart care platform. Using voice integration, AI and proprietary algorithms, these products enable caregivers to provide proactive, personalized care to extend older adults’ ability to live a healthy and longer life.

About EquipCare BC: The renewed $8 million program is operating for one year to bring vital infection control as well as safety and quality of life items to publicly funded long-term care and assisted living operators. BCCPA was awarded the $8 million grant by B.C.’s Ministry of Health to develop and manage the province-wide program. Through the previous $10 million EquipCare BC program that ran from April 2020 to March 2022, operators purchased over three million new items, including infection prevention and control, medical screening and respiratory devices, beds and mattresses, overbed tables, shower chairs and tubs, mobility equipment, lighting and visual aids, sensory rooms, music therapy, and ergonomic furniture. 

Media Contact: Vessa Samson, Director of Marketing, Tochtech Technologies  vessa.samson@tochtech.com