The latest in a scheduled series of Smart Home “Connected Independence” demonstrations being conducted in Cox markets this year rolled up record participation as Cox Las Vegas on April 5 showcased a new era in digital living focused on older adults and their desire to “age in place.”
Teaming up with Los Angeles-based homebuilder KB Home, the Las Vegas team installed and demonstrated over 50 smart devices in a single-story model home at the Desert Mesa community under development in North Las Vegas. The daylong event attracted at least 100 news media, local and state government agencies, and political and business leaders, as well as Cox boundary partners.
As the technology drumbeat continues for “Smart Communities,” the timing couldn’t be better for Connected Independence as nearly 120 million Americans will be 65 or older by 2020. And 90 percent, according to AARP, want to remain in their own home. This is possible via Cox technologies and growing remote health monitoring capabilities.
The demonstration centerpiece: A live patient-to-physician remote video chat and consultation. Doug Rowe, senior telehealth territory manager for Trapollo, a Cox health technology company, said: “80 percent of those who have a virtual visit with their caregiver prefer that going forward.”
Visitors also experienced integrated automation features from Cox Homelife and Cox Contour in addition to connected devices ranging from telehealth to nutrition, shopping, and personal care – all powered by Cox high-speed internet and Panoramic Wi-Fi.
The room sensor that indicated an occupant had fallen and immediately notified designated contacts impressed Wanda Tacey, a retired U.S. Air Force Nurse Lt. Colonel, with more than 30 years’ experience – mostly in homecare.
“That’s one of the biggest concerns of people as they age or become infirm,” Wanda said, citing the example of a caregiver – not the patient – who had fallen and couldn’t get up to call anyone. She also liked the telemedicine face-to-face human interaction with patients wearing a sensor that records blood pressure, for example, which notifies medical staff if something is awry so they can respond immediately.
Also attending were Jan and Sam Palermo, a couple living in the Sun City Anthem retirement community, who are expanding their home to accommodate a caretaker to live there if necessary.
“One of most exciting things we’ve seen here today is the interactive healthcare aspect. That is exciting,” Jan said. “I’m impressed with what Cox can do in our new addition. A lot of items here can be incorporated in that.”
Among the elected officials who stopped in were Nevada Congressman Kihuen, Nevada State Senator Moises Denis, North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee and North Las Vegas Councilwomen Pamela A. Goynes-Brown.
Click here to read an account of the event in the Las Vegas Sun.
