How Did The Arc Overcame The Fear Of Technology Use

September 21, 2022

"We decided to implement remote care, especially for our folks to help them easily connect online together and individually. We saw the benefits in need of less staff while providing greater independence, more privacy, and less loneliness to them. And we managed to succeed. How? Get inspired by our story," shares Rob Malone, Executive Director, The Arc Prince George's County.

Goals The Arc Prince George's County wanted to achieve

Avoid the fear of technology
Remove barriers in online communication

Reduce daily dependence on care staff
Provide effective remote DDA care support

Leveraging technology to expand independence

"When the world drastically changed due to the pandemic, we were trying to find ways to keep people connected online, as quickly, and as easily as possible. So, we tried Zoom, FaceTime, and other online tools but we found barriers while getting people online. For all of them, the process was too complicated," explains Rob Malone.

„Oscar Senior helps us to easily connect one-to-one or in groups and bring people into virtual learning without the hassle of setting up a meeting or sending links. It is very easy to use, it‘s similar to a phone. The software also allows us to monitor the device’s status whether it’s on active or low battery,“ says Ryan Ramnarine, Systems Implementation Specialist, The Arc.

Results

Overcame the fear of technology use
Everyone can easily connect online together and individually

Less staff is needed, which saves money
Greater independence, more privacy, and less loneliness thanks to online support

Lucie Chlubna, Chief Marketing Officer pointed out that together, we boosted individuals’ confidence and helped them overcome the fear of not being knowledgeable about the technology.

"Our folks can easily operate the app without initial issues and they appreciate the independence and privacy. Also, it helped them better fight loneliness," says Rob Malone.

How Did The Arc Accomplish the Goals

Before the pandemic, we needed at least 2-3 staff to provide daily support to our people. Now, after we implemented Oscar Senior, not all of them need that kind of support anymore. They are more independent, using drop-in support. If they need help with something, they just push a button and someone from The Arc will answer. The staff doesn’t need to be in their private space as often so there is much more freedom in terms of how they’re living. When they are cooking a meal, they can tune somebody in and say ‚Hey, I need some help with the recipe can you walk me through it‘. We basically leverage technology to expand our independence.

— Rob Malone, Executive Director, The Arc Prince George's County —

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