All Posts By

Rubi

Jan 12
0

Moving away from task-based care to personalized care produces improved quality of care and life, and happier residents 

By | Sleepsense, Toch Sleepsense, Tochtech | No Comments

Toch Sleepsense supports personalized care, improved quality of care and staff efficiencies so higher value tasks become a focus.  

A November 2022 CBC article1 reports on how the new CareTO program that radically changes how care is delivered in long term care offers clear evidence of improved quality of care and happier residents. The objective of the CareTO pilot is to find ways to improve quality of care and life for residents in long term care. Lakeshore Lodge, one of the participants in the pilot has moved away from task-based care and is focused on personalized care which has proven to be a great success as described in the CBC article. 

While some aspects of care such as food and room décor maybe relatively easy to personalize, other critical care aspects such as improving sleep quality or reducing risk of falls can be difficult to implement. Tochtech’s award winning bed exit and sleep sensor is an ideal solution that is currently being used in an increasing number of long term care homes to support resident-centered care and reduce task-based care. Sleepsense supports personalized care in the following ways: 

  • Never before available resident sleep data enables care providers the ability to truly understand residents’ mood and  behaviors, and adjust medication and care based on need 
  • The virtual rounds-check feature provides up to the minute resident status without depending solely on physical round checks. This frees up care staff time to focus on high value, resident-focused tasks 
  • Promotes improved quality of care resulting in reduced resident falls and responsive behaviour

“The sleep data and information Sleepsense is able to provide on our residents’ sleep patterns is so valuable and information we have never previously had. This information helps us better understand some of the health and sleep challenges our residents are experiencing and will offer new insights in how we can better serve and care for them” said Lisa Samms-Maxwell, Director of Care at Langley Lodge, a long term care residence in British Columbia. 

Please visit Toch Sleepsense to find out more about this award-winning innovation. 

1 November, 2022 CBC article This long term care come radically changed the way it operates. Residents say it’s working. 

Dec 20
0

Wrapping up the Year: Expansion & Evidence

By | Tochtech | No Comments
2022 can be summed up as a year of Expansion & Evidence! Tochtech has achieved significant client acquisition partnerships with Langley Lodge, BC, Canada, Australian Unity Retirement Community in Australia, with Sleepsense deployed to over 30 seniors homes globally. We have also been working on a number of promising pilot projects in Alberta, the UK and Asia. December also saw Jessica Yang, CEO of Tochtech participating in a the Asia Pacific Foundation’s 2nd Women-only Business Mission to Japan sponsored by the Government of Canada. The trip has already significantly advanced our expansion into the Japanese market.

Tochtech has expanded our business partnership through Sleepsense product integration with Point Click Care and a number of major nurse call systems. We continue to serve and connect with the seniors’ communities through our membership with BC Care Providers Association, Ontario Long Term Care Association and LeadingAge CA. In addition to market and partnership expansion the other aspect, we have been putting much focus on is, data driven evidence supporting Sleepsense. This work is being done in partnership with a number of research organizations as well as recording of positive data coming from our clients’ experience. We are excited to be sharing this data in the new year!

The following are some select 2022 highlights:

The installation of Sleepsense at Langley Lodge’s 139-bed long term care residence commenced in April and we are proud to report that residents, staff and management are thrilled with how well the system is working. The system has successfully improved quality of care and reduced falls at Langley Lodge. Resident sleep quality data is being used as feedback to adjust care plans and add interventions to address.
As a key partner to Maximus Canada’s seniors@homeprogram, Tochtech has successfully delivered our Vericare, remote ADL monitoring system to the first 50 seniors in the Calgary area to support independent, safer and healthier living. Early results for this significant project are promising with possible plans to further build on this.
As a successful recipient of the OBIO EAHN application that provides $250k funding support, we have been working with Bruyere health organization, AGE-WELL SAM3, Carleton University and All Seniors Care to thoroughly evaluate Sleepsense in both laboratory and real life healthcare settings. The project will provide robust cases and scientific evidence on the benefits of Sleepsense in the areas of staff efficiency and care quality improvements. The preliminary results have been showcased by Dr. Bruce Wallace at the AGE-WELL conference in Regina.
2023 will see us build on our successes of 2022 as we continue to advance our technology to support the unique challenges the senior care industry faces. Finally, Tochech wishes all our clients, partners and supporters, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your support throughout the year!!
Oct 13
0

Tochtech makes Startup Canada Top 10 Finalist

By | Toch Sleepsense, Tochtech | No Comments

Tochtech is excited to announce that we one of the Top 10 Finalists in Startup Canada’s Global Pitch Competition for 2022. This is an amazing achievement having competed with 100 competitive semi- finalists earlier this year for a coveted spot in the top 10.

The next stage of the competition will be the Grand Finale to held in Ottawa next week where the top 10 finalists will deliver an in-person pitch to win $30,000 (1st place), $15,000 (2nd place) and $10,000 (3rd place). We congratulate all finalists, we know how much it has taken to get here. To find out more about the finalists and Startup Canada Global Pitch Competition please click https://www.startupcan.ca/2022-startup-global-pitch-competition-finalists-special-prize-winners/

The Startup Canada Global program connects entrepreneurs like Tochtech that want to build globally competitive businesses with a network of support, resources and partners.

Wish us the best of luck in Ottawa next week.

Sep 28
0

Jessica Yang, CEO, selected for 2022 Women-Only Business Mission to Japan

By | Toch Sleepsense | No Comments


Tochtech is thrilled to announce that Jessica Yang, CEO at Tochtech has been selected as a delegate for the Second Canadian Women-only Business Mission to Japan, December 5-9, 2022.

Jessica is delighted to be joining an amazing cohort of Canadian women entrepreneurs embarking on the next step in their company’s internationalization journey. “This is a great opportunity to meet and network with some inspiring women entrepreneurs and at the same time showcase our technology to the Japanese market. Tochtech products which focus on seniors and safety, is ideal for the aging Japanese population. I am humbled by this wonderful opportunity, and want to congratulate my fellow delegates” said Yang.

Jessica Yang, CEO Tochtech

With strong support from the public and private sectors, Asia Pacific Foundation (APF) Canada will lead the Second Canadian Women-only Business Mission to Japan (In-person). Under the theme Living Cleaner, Living Longer, this mission will focus on healthcare and clean technologies to spotlight the innovations Canadian women entrepreneurs bring to these sectors.

Sep 19
0

We Need Your Vote

By | Toch Sleepsense | No Comments

If you have not already voted, please visit http://ow.ly/NZgI50Krp4K and vote for Tochtech Technologies. Voting closes on Wednesday Sept 21st. 

Your vote will help support Tochtech win the UPS People Prize Award @Startup Canada’s #StartupGlobal Pitch Competition 2020. This is an opportunity for us to win $5,000 and a spot in the Grand Finale where we can win from a prize pool of $75,000 to grow our business! We are thrilled to have been selected as semi-finalists.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Sep 07
0

Tochtech partnership collaboration project to deliver optimum healthcare results for seniors using Sleepsense technology

By | Sleepsense, Toch Sleepsense | No Comments

Tochtech Technologies is thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration project with Bruyere Continuing Care in Ottawa to validate Tochtech’s Sleepsense technology for use in complex care. This collaboration project has been facilitated and funded by the Ontario BioScience Innovation Organization’s (OBIO’s) Early Adopter Health Network Program that identifies Canadian companies with innovative health technologies that are ready for adoption by end users.

The goal of this Tochtech-Bruyere project is to provide better resident outcomes in complex care, using Tochtech’s Sleepsense bed sensor technology. More specifically, the project aims to assess the technology’s ability to provide staff with real-time information about the bed existing activities of  residents at risk of falls or residents wandering during the night shift. The use of Sleepsense would be a significant improvement over current care methods. “Nighttime bed exits by care home residents affected by cognitive impairment is a significant challenge for staff at long term care organizations because of the risk of falls or wandering which can lead to injury to themselves or other residents. In addition, sleep disruption further increases risk of injury the next day” noted Dr. Bruce Wallace Executive Director of the AGE-WELL National Innovation Hub on Sensors and Analytics to Monitor Memory and Mobility (SAM3), who is also leading this project. 

“The project will see our Sleepsense technology be put through a rigorous evaluation process; in a lab/simulated setting, compared to other existing market products as well as benefits in a real life setting. We are however confident with the Sleepsense will be able to prove its effectiveness.  Staff will receive real time alerts directly to their cell phones or nurse call devices when a resident exits the bed, or has not returned to bed. Staff can then more effectively and promptly support residents that have exited the bed reducing the risks of possible falls or a disruptive event. The Sleepsense solution we offer is like no other on the market” said Jessica Yang, CEO of Tochtech. 

This project started in summer of 2022, with the test site located at The Courtyards on Eagleson, a seniors’ residence center that is owned and operated by All Seniors Care Living Centres. The project is expected to run for 8 months.

To find out more about Sleepsense please visit www.tochsleepsense.com

About:

Ontario Bioscience innovation Organization (OBIO)is a not-for-profit, membership based organization engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of Ontario’s human health science companies positioning Ontario as a leader in the international marketplace. OBIO® advances this goal through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia, patients and government.

Bruyere Continuing Care

Bruyère plays a unique role in the Ontario region’s health care system providing specialized hospital care, primary care, long-term care, and assisted and independent living for seniors. Visit https://www.bruyere.org/en/about-bruyere

All Seniors Care Living Centres (ASC)

All Seniors Care is an established company in the world of seniors care, from one of the oldest, most respected and accomplished family names in the field. The creation of All Seniors Care has come through dedication of an executive team experienced in managing the largest seniors company in Canada. Based on our industry-leading experience, strong family values and commitment to superior communities, we are steadfast in proving everyday: “Where Caring Is Our Number One Concern.” For more information visit https://www.allseniorscare.com/

Aug 24
0

Tochtech Technologies joins LeadingAge member network in expanding the world of possibilities for aging

By | Toch Sleepsense | No Comments

Tochtech is thrilled to be welcomed as a member of LeadingAge, the trusted voice for aging. Our LeadingAgeCA membership ensures Tochtech along with a network of leading non-profit aging services providers and other mission-driven organizations work to support, enable and empower seniors to live fully as they age. There has never been a better time to expand the world of possibilities for aging. Through our membership with LeadingAgeCA, Tochtech plans to collaborate with other members and share our technology and innovation in supporting healthy aging. 

“Our membership with LeadingAge, adds to our commitment and passion in using innovation to help seniors and senior care providers enable healthy aging”, said Jessica Yang, CEO of Tochtech. “We will be building on our partnership efforts over the next few months as we look to further expand our reach” she added.

Toch Sleepsense is the headline feature in LeadingAgeCa recent article New Technologies Support Quality Care During Staffing Challenges. 

About LeadingAge.CA: Founded in 1961, LeadingAge California is the state’s leading advocate for quality, non-profit senior living and care. The association’s advocacy, educational programs and public relations help its members best serve the needs of the state’s older adults. LeadingAge California represents nearly 700 non-profit providers of senior living and care, as well as business services providers. For more please visit: https://www.leadingageca.org

May 26
0

Struggling with your teen’s sleep problems?

By | Sleepsense | No Comments

It is a myth that only that only older adults struggle with getting a good night’s sleep. Studies have shown that 7 out of 10 high school students are not getting the recommended amount of sleep.  

In her article What parents should know about their teens’ sleep problems that appears in Psychology Today, Dr. Colleen Carney, Associate Professor and Director of the Sleep and Depression Laboratory at Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada, and creator of the highly effective doze app, offers parents an explanation on how the biological changes in teens affect sleep. Her blog also provides valuable tips on what parents can do to help their teens.

 

Through partnership with Dr. Carney, Tochtech is proud to be making continued improvement on Dozeapp, supporting teens for achieving better sleep.

doze mobile app is be available on the App Store and Google Play 

Watch the following video to learn more about doze 

Apr 27
0

2021 census data shows increased pressure on Canada’s healthcare and long term care systems – what can we do?

By | Toch Sleepsense | No Comments

The latest Canadian census data from 2021 shows seniors over the age of 85 are among the fastest growing age groups in the country. The number of people over 85 more than doubled since the 2001 census, and is expected to triple by 2046. This will put increased pressure on Canada’s healthcare and long term care systems, and the already shrinking pool of caregivers.

What alternatives are there available?

The following blog was written by Barbara Kirby, (CPCA) Certified Professional Consultant on Aging, Coach and Navigator of SeniorAdvocate.ca on successfully using an alternative support system for seniors aging in their own homes

Alternative Support System for Seniors Aging in their own Homes
By Barbara Kirby

At the beginning of the Corona Virus pandemic in early 2020, I started receiving calls from seniors and their families asking how they could stay home safely rather than moving into assisted living or long-term care?

What immediately came to mind is one of my favorite tools to support the elderly living at home independently, a motion censored monitoring system app. This is an app that gives adult children the opportunity to check if their parents are ok at any time of the day, or night giving them immediate peace of mind. At the same time, it provides a sense of autonomy for seniors who might be somewhat vulnerable to the risks of living alone.

The company, Tochtech Technologies, is a Vancouver-based digital health company using combinations of motion sensor technology, voice integration, and AI. They provide solutions to enable seniors to maintain independence at home while offering families, caregivers, or executive managers like me peace of mind. Every morning I check to ensure my client is following their usual routine. Please note that this does not take the place of caregiver/companion support but may enhance how support is coordinated.

Tochtech’s Vericare platform uses motion sensors and AI to track a broad range of my client’s Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), showering, meal preparation, activities around the home, and social interactions. This helps develop an activity and behavior profile unique to my client. Notifications and alerts sent to my cell phone allow me to check for potential falls, the front door being left open, or unusual amounts of time showing no movement in one place, such as the kitchen, living room, bedroom, or bathroom.

Toch Sleepsense can alert us to movements in and out of bed, unusual or undetected heartbeats, or changes in breathing and sleep quality.

Toch Smarturns™ – intelligent knobs for the stove are another tool used. This eliminates the worry of the stove being left unattended for longer than usual, as you will receive an alert. You can make a quick call to mom or dad to ask them to check that the stove is turned off if they are finished using it. This ensures safe cooking. Or you can leave your voice message on the TochTech voice activated system. “Hi Mom, make sure the stove is turned off.”

Reports can show changes in daily or weekly routines as leading indicators when keeping an eye out for an elder’s wellbeing. The charting will indicate more sedentary behaviour over a week or month , alerting you to consider hiring a walking companion. Food is still in the fridge from a week ago; you can see this was not just lack of interest in a particular food, but they are not opening the fridge. Is it time to call in a companion to help with meals?

Vericare has been extremely helpful for me as I witnessed one client’s nighttime habits change suddenly, getting out of bed multiple times at night, moving in and out of the bathroom and wandering in her home. This helped confirm what we suspected as her demeanor started to change as well, becoming uncharacteristically confrontational. She was showing signs of a possible urinary tract infection, now we could get her tested and on to medication if needed.

I had another situation where the system indicated a client had gone into her living room, an unusual place for her to be at that time of the day. There was no movement for over an hour, and I received an alert. I had the neighbour run over and she found my client on the floor, not hurt but unable to get up. We called the paramedics for a lift assist. She wears a fall alert fob around her neck but doesn’t like to push the button as she would rather try to get herself up. This was a soft fall, having sat on a low foot stool to light the fire. She had not been successful at getting up, and the fall was not picked up by the fob to alert paramedics. This happened about 2pm and as I was arriving at 6pm she would have remained on the floor the entire time and she may have been hurt.

Vericare has helped in unusual ways a well. The humidity monitor would indicate when the client was having a shower, this was coming on more often than the twice a week my client was showering. We discovered that every time the laundry was done there would be and excessive amount of humidity in the bathroom as if someone were showering. We had to replace the vent and fan and remind the caregivers to turn on the additional fan in the laundry room to prevent further moisture collection and damage to the fan in the bathroom.

My clients say they appreciate the security of the Vericare System, which in turn enables them to remain in their homes longer and gives families and managers such as myself peace of mind. There are no cameras or microphones; all you need is a good Wi-Fi connection. I was surprised at the reasonable costs for the Tochtech system. Go to SeniorsAdvocate.CA for a unique discount code on any Tochtech Products.

….with care, integrity, and heart in mind for you.

Barbara J. Kirby, (CPCA) Certified Professional Consultant on Aging, Coach and Navigator 604-767-4994

Disclosure: SeniorAdvocate.CA may receive payment from time to time when these products are purchased through this website. Any proceeds go to cover the costs of providing free consults for low-income seniors and their families.

Feb 04
0

Langley Lodge experiences the benefits of Toch Sleepsense bed sensor technology

By | Sleepsense | No Comments

Langley Lodge, located in Langley, BC and a cornerstone of the Langley community since 1974, is one of the increasing number of seniors’ homes looking to innovative technologies like Toch Sleepsense to enhance the safety and wellbeing of their residents.

Langley Lodge is running a pilot program to trial Tochtech’s award-winning Sleepsense bed sensor technology.  Offering publicly funded as well as private long-term care services to 139 residents, Langley Lodge management is thrilled to be piloting the Sleepsense bed sensor.  “We are always looking for innovative technologies to enhance the safety and health and wellness of our residents. The sleep data and information Sleepsense is able to provide on our residents’ sleep patterns is so valuable and information we have never previously had. This information helps us better understand some of the health and sleep challenges our residents are experiencing and will offer new insights in how we can better serve and care for them” said Lisa Samms-Maxwell, Director of Care at Langley Lodge.

Placed under the frame of the bed, Sleepsense is able to detect body movement, in and out of bed status and vital signs (heart and breathing rate). Real time alerts are then sent directly to caregivers’ smartphones or a nurse call system when a health or safety risk is identified. Sleepsense ensures care staff are constantly updated on the status of residents without having to physically check on them, and alerted on residents most in need of assistance. This new technology offers residents increased safety, especially high risk residents in Assisted Living and Long Term Care. Toch Sleepsense was the recent winner the 2020 AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge Competition. The Toch Sleepsense trial program were also launched at Fleetwood Place, Elim Village, Laurel Place and Chalmers Lodge seniors residences in BC.

Senior living providers interested in participating in the Sleepsense pilot program can contact Tochtech at 1-800-360-1286 or info@tochtech.com

For more information on Sleepsense please watch our video and read the following article.