Panasonic enters telehealth, debuts On4Today

[grow_thumb image=”https://telecareaware.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Panasonic-on4today.jpg” thumb_width=”175″ /]Panasonic’s new Health and Wellness Solutions group has tossed their cap into the socialization ring with tablet-based On4Today. The Wi-Fi connected tablet is targeted to senior housing communities to assist residents, especially those with cognitive impairment, in staying connected and managing their daily activities. Launched this week at the LeadingAge annual meeting of non-profit housing and long-term care providers in Nashville (IAHSA internationally), the tablet features a calendar, provides reminders, receives messages and lets the user view photos, videos and video chat. It does not, at present, do any clinical monitoring. This Editor received a preview at the Aging 2.0/New York meeting in New York earlier this month showcasing Jewish Home Lifecare and Panasonic. The main presentation was primarily on the results of their now-concluded two-year Pathways to Health pilot using Panasonic’s SmartCare Home Gateway telehealth platform which converts a home television and simplified controller into a remote care monitor for managers to track vital signs, query patients and present educational content. Pilot results tracking CHF and diabetes were highly positive with a 43-44 percent reduction in both rehospitalization and ED visits, 97 percent medication adherence and 97 percent patient satisfaction with their self-management. Panasonic On4Today release, Jewish Home Lifecare release  Hat tip to Jerry Kolosky and Steve Feeley of Panasonic