The Conversation for Providers

  1. Conversation
  2. Planning
  3. Funding
  4. Implementation
  5. Measurement

Conversation

The Conversation

The conversation is a collaboration between providers, case managers, families, and individuals to explore how using technology can increase independence and safety of the individual supported.

Not only does the addition of technology supports provide increased independence for those receiving care, but is also beneficial (and will become necessary in the future) in optimizing staff resources by extending care worker reach. Through technology implementation, the level of care provided is maintained, or possibly improved, while managing limited staff resources.

Keys to a successful conversation

Know your audience

  • What do you already know about the person and how this will appeal to them?
  • What does the person want? Is this different than what the team wants?
  • What is their “techy” knowledge and ability?
  • What areas of the person’s life do they strive to be more independent in?
  • What community preferences do they have–what is important to them?

Start with the person not the technology

  • Do they want to move to or remain in their own home?
  • How can technology help meet needs previously handled solely by direct care staff, and what does the transition look like?
  • What are caregivers currently doing that may be supplemented by technology?

Be honest about limitations and risk

  • What will the technology do versus what will it not do?
  • What are the chances of a system going down?
  • How quick are the response times?
  • What happens in emergency situations?
  • What concerns and fears does the person(s) and/or caregiver(s) have regarding the use of technology as a support option?

Conversation Starters

While state legislation requires providers to hold conversations regarding technology, it is essential to remember that each conversation is guided by the unique conditions surrounding each individual and their care team. The ultimate goal is to have an open, person-centered discussion surrounding potential technology uses that provide better access and more independence. Solutions may be used to either enhance or reduce the services people are currently receiving, or be used in conjunction with existing services.

Many service providers and technology service vendors employ “assessment” tools to begin and guide conversations. Using questions such as those above and others refined to align with their specific conversation needs, they are able to more finely tune outcomes and recommend options. Though not required by regulators, these tools may act as useful guides when beginning the conversation phase. View examples of assessments.

Next Steps

If you have additional question about starting the conversation, ask one of our Mentors. Once initial conversations have been had with all stakeholders, the next step can begin by creating a plan tailored to the individual.

Begin planning

Resources

Asking the right questions

Assessments for remote monitoring—and technology in general—help teams ask the right questions to identify goals and outcomes technology may assist with. Most technology service vendors and many service providers have their own assessment process to help fine tune outcomes and recommend specific tool options.

Required Technology Discussions

New legislation goes into effect on August 1, 2017, requiring technology supports be discussed as part of all 45-day planning meetings for people with disabilities. These meetings establish the needs of the individual receiving services, their personal goals, and the supportive services necessary to meet these objectives.

Assistive Technology Assessment and Flow Chart

The DHS Olmstead Plan outlines several key goals that must be accomplished to ensure people with disabilities are living, learning, working, and enjoying life in the most integrated setting possible.

Remote Supports : 10 common questions every family should ask

Remote support technology comes in many forms.

Technology 101: The Conversation

The first video training course, “Technology 101: The Conversation,” guides providers, support staff, case managers, and families through the steps necessary to have thoughtful, shared conversations regarding the addition and use of technology in care plans.

Remote monitoring starts with a conversation

An exploration of technology support options began when a group of men with developmental disabilities expressed their desires for increased privacy and independence.

Remote Monitoring Technology Assessment

This assessment was created by the State of Ohio to specifically assist in the process of including remote monitoring technology as part of an individual’s care plan.

Person Centered Technology Assessment

This document was created to support initial conversations related to using technology supports for people served by Hammer Residences, Inc. Hammer staff utilize this document after an initial general consultation and is intended to describe the individual’s functional skills and abilities concerning the need for technology as a support as well as outline possible solutions and future outcome documentation.