As we enter 2021, CAST is releasing a new guide on tech support and training to help you empower your residents to connect with others. CAST also identified a way to help members streamline and automate the process of pre-registering and pre-consenting their staff and/or residents for the COVID-19 vaccine. CAST has provided guidance and recommendations for federal policies on leveraging new technologies for chronic disease management and on consumer-directed data exchange. And CAST has joined ACL’s Commit to Connect initiative. New broadband funding and trends in senior care technology are also kicking off the new year. Read on!

CAST Releases New Guide on Resident Tech Support

CAST has just released its newest tool, a Resident/Client Technology Support and Training Guide. Use it to provide programs that empower your residents/clients to use technology tools and connect with others. Doing so will improve older adults’ mental and physical health. The guide includes a white paper, an interactive guide, and four case studies. Read a summary of the guide’s contents.

It is the latest CAST Resource, which helps aging services understand the different support, training, and business models available.

How to Automate Vaccination Pre-registration and Pre-filling of Consent Forms

Prior to vaccination clinics, many LeadingAge and CAST members have been overwhelmed trying to pre-register hundreds of residents and employees with pharmacies, including pharmacies partnering with aging services providers.

Completing the consent forms can be labor intensive. However, this process can be automated and streamlined to save providers significant time, even for members who do not have electronic health record systems. Check out this interview with Brandon Claps, CIO of Loretto, to learn how to use this Microsoft Mail Merge solution. 

CAST Recommends OASH Make Telehealth Flexibilities Permanent

On behalf of CAST, I have given the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) advice on how to best leverage new technologies to address chronic disease management in underserved populations of older adults. In response to the OASH Request for Information, I recommended these approaches:

• Make key pandemic-related telehealth provisions a permanent part of the Medicare program,
• Provide adequate reimbursement to aging services providers, and
• Invest in broadband and health IT. 

CAST Advises ONC on Consumer Use of Apps and APIs

CAST Senior Director Scott Code and I were recently interviewed as domain experts to guide an Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) effort to understand consumer-directed data exchange.

We, along with eight other organizations, named several components that are needed to sustain consumers’ interest in and use of health IT, including portals and apps.

CAST Is Part of ACL “Commit to Connect” Partnership

LeadingAge CAST is part of the Commit to Connect initiative, which uses technology and other strategies to combat social isolation and loneliness in all communities. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads this public-private partnership.

CAST has shared resources for its aging and disability networks, including the LeadingAge Pandemic Playbook and the LeadingAge CAST Social Connectedness and Engagement Technology Tool.

Stimulus Bill Includes $7 Billion for Broadband

I am excited to see that the new stimulus bill includes $7 billion for broadband initiatives, including funding to provide broadband for low-income families during the pandemic. The appropriations provide funding and grants for Tribal broadband programs, telehealth, and rural broadband deployment, among other priorities. 

3 Trends in Senior Care Technology

As the new year kicks off, Forbes has shared “Three Trends In Senior Care That Offer Opportunities For Health Tech Companies.” The 2021 predictions reflect the growing need for user-friendly, thoughtful tools that keep older adults independent and support family caregivers.

CAST Member News

Please join me in congratulating CAST members for well deserved media coverage, generosity, and leading additional capital infusion.

Contact Me

If you have any questions, information, or news to share with CAST, or if I can be of assistance in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am always happy to help!