May 02
0

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

Apr 25
0

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

Apr 04
0

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.
Mar 03
0

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

Feb 07
0

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

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.