Meet Chirp, the wall-mounted sensor aiding in aging at home As technology continues to advance, we are discovering new ways to improve our quality of life. One area that has seen significant progress in recent years is the development of technology to help seniors age at home safely. The HealthTech Home Project supports seniors aging in place through the integration of innovative health technology. This collaborative project between Health Cities and The Brenda Strafford Foundation focuses on providing older adults with technology that meets their current needs with a focus on prevention, cognition, and mobility. After an incredible response to the Expression of Interest, the guidance of our Innovation Council and direct input from the current tenant helped us select our first company to implement in the HealthTech Home: Ontario-based Chirp. Meet Chirp Chirp helps caregivers remotely monitor and support older adults. Their products offer a more convenient and dignified approach to home monitoring by using privacy-preserving sensors; no wearables, buttons to push, or devices to charge. If the user needs help, they can simply use their voice. Caregivers get peace of mind through real-time notifications and weekly activity reporting sent to their smartphone. Some of Chirp’s key features include: Comprehensive monitoring Voice-based medical alert Two-way voice calling Privacy-safe ambient monitoring "Older adults want everyday life at home to be safer, more convenient, and more social without compromising privacy and dignity. We are thrilled to participate in the HealthTech Home project, where Chirp receives valuable feedback and contributes to technology guidelines to support aging in place." Justin Schorn CEO of Chirp The Benefits of Technology for Older Adults Technology is becoming more important in supporting seniors who wish to age at home and in their communities. Here are some of the key benefits for older adults: Social connection: Seniors can stay connected with family and friends, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Safety: Assistive technology, such as fall detectors and emergency response systems, can help seniors stay safe and receive help quickly in case of an emergency. Health monitoring: Devices can be used to monitor vital signs and track medication schedules, helping seniors stay healthy and independent. Convenience: Smart home technology, such as voice-activated assistants and automated lighting and temperature control, can make everyday tasks easier and more convenient for seniors.Cost savings: Implementing technology can safely and effectively bring down costs and delay access to continuing care while also helping to ease the burden on the healthcare system. The implementation of Chirp provides an extra layer of safety and security, peace of mind for family members, and allows them to maintain their independence at home. This is just one example of how technology can help people age in their community safely. We are excited to see how this technology works for the tenant and look forward to continuing this work.