The Collision Conference brought some of the biggest names in tech, marketing, AI, and healthtech to Toronto to talk about where we are headed, and showcase innovative startups. We were on the lookout for what's new in elder care, and these 4 startups stood out.

ElderPRIME

ElderPRIME helps aging adults and their families accurately track and communicate health needs and record, retain and securely share doctors' instructions to improve health outcomes, reduce diagnostic error, and prolong seniors' independence. Rob Parker, ElderPRIME Co-Founder & CEO, showed us a demo. We especially liked the ability for family members to add notes (if given permission). This can be especially helpful in a scenario where a loved one mentioned an issue or pain over the phone, but may not note it themselved on ElderPRIME. That family member can add the note so it's in the app the next time their loved one visits the doctor.

Petalz Mosaic

Petalz Mosaic is a private social media platform that aims to combat loneliness and build family unity. Basic plans begin at $19.99 and include a POD with 5 members. Anything shared on Petalz can only be seen by other members of your POD. This means families can feel comfortable to share images more freely than on traditional social media networks. The daily messaging feature, which is similar to an Instagram Story, is a popular feature to share a short daily video with your loved ones. Petalz Mosaic had been designed to run on Apple and most Android devices. However, Petalz Mosaic also offers an option to purchase a pre-configured device for $299.00 CAD.

Whimble

Whimble connects seniors and people with disabilities with on-demand support, so that no matter when unexpected issues arise, you can get the assistance you need to get back to what matters. Currently, Whimble is exclusive to Ottawa, but you can join their waitlist if you want to see Whimble near you.

Emma, the founder of Whimble, told us care is $35/hour, and it can be arranged the same day – even with just a couple of hours of notice! Caregivers on Whimble must submit a vulnerable sector check via local police services, provide a minimum of 2 references who can speak to their relevant work experience, and undergo a live interview process to review their skills and qualifications.

ConSoul Inc

ConSoul aims to provide caregivers with the support and resources they need to prioritize their well-being and prevent burnout. ConSoul helps those caring for people with chronic, terminal or elderly illnesses to plan for what's next, connect with family and friends, and narrate their journey.

ConSoul was born from the shared belief that everyone should have access to tools that support their individual health journeys and bring them closer to those who want to support and rally around them.

Long-term care projects that still haven't broken ground, a new Minister of Long-Term Care, a call for comment on the role of resident support personnel, and 15,000 new caregivers from abroad. It's June 7, 2024, this is the week in elder care news.

Four Windsor-Essex long-term care projects still haven't broken ground

CBC is reporting that construction on 4 long-term care homes in the Windors-Essex area that was supposed to begin sometime over the last 2 years still hasn't begun. These 4 projects represent 200 news beds, and 504 upgraded beds, that were part of the plan to add 30,000 new beds by 2028. Advocates and community members say these delays are frustrating and show that seniors aren't a priority.

The 2022 announcement promised that the following four homes would receive upgrades:

• Banwell Gardens Care Centre: 192 upgraded care beds. Construction was supposed to begin summer 2022.
• Berkshire Care Centre: 11 new and 181 upgraded beds in a new facility. Construction was expected to begin summer 2023.
• Chateau Park Long-Term Care Home: 101 new and 59 upgraded beds in a new facility. The home will move from Windsor to Amherstburg. Construction was expected to start fall 2023.
• Regency Park Long-Term Care Home: replaced by a brand-new building with 88 new and 72 upgraded beds. Construction was supposed to start winter 2023.

CLICK HERE for the full story.

Natalia Kusendova-Bashta is the new Minister of Long-Term Care

Natalia Kusendova-Bashta is taking over as the Minister of Long-Term Care. Since March 28, Natalia has been Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. Stan Cho, the outgoing Minister of Long-Term Care, is taking over the role of Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, with responsibility for OLG.

Global News coverd the entire cabinet reshuffle HERE.

Have your say on the formalization of the role of resident support personnel in long-term care

You have until June 15, 2024 to reply to the call for comment regarding formalizing the role of resident support personnel in long-term care. You can read our dedicated blog to this story HERE.

Canada to provide permanent residence to 15,000 caregivers

Canada has announced two programs to attract 15,000 new caregivers to move here to work with the promise of permanent residence. Through these new pilot programs, candidates interested in working in Canada’s home care sector will be eligible to apply if they meet the following criteria:

• Attain a minimum of level 4 based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
• Hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma
• Have recent and relevant work experience
• Receive an offer for a full-time home care job

You can find the details HERE.

Trudeau says housing needs to retain its value to protect people's retirement, Long-term care nurses get a raise, the NDP calls for an amendment to stop retirement home evictions. It's Friday May 31, 2024, this is the week in elder care news.

Trudeau says housing needs to retain value for peoples' retirement

Prime Minister Trudeau commented on the Globe and Mails City Space Podcast, “Housing needs to retain its value…It’s a huge part of people’s potential for retirement and future nest egg.” Many Canadians view their homes as their single largest asset and as a way to support their retirement, but this makes it more challenging for renters and Canadians looking to purchase their first home.

You can listen to the podcast HERE.
You can read the full story HERE.

Ontario long-term care nurses get a raise

Nurses in Ontario long-term care homes are getting a much deserved raise! A recent arbitration decision grants members of the Ontario Nurses’ Association a pay raise of approximately 11.5% over two years. The top rate for nurses will increase $5.82 to $54.60 over 2 years.

Learn more HERE.

NDP call for amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act to prevent the eviction of Ontario retirement home residents

The Ontario NDP are calling for changes to amend the Residential Tenancies Act to prevent the eviction of Ontario retirement home residents. The demand comes in the wake of the eviction of more than 200 residents of Heritage Glen Retirement Residence in Mississauga. Chartwell says it has helped more than 170 Heritage Glen residents find alternative accommodations as part of an assistance package, but some residents and their families say the eviction has turned their life upside down.

Find the full story HERE.

A new approach to caring for seniors with dementia, Community Paramedicine helping seniors stay out of the hospital, and a new class of PSW graduates. It's May 24, 2024, this is the week in elder care news.

A new approach to long-term care for seniors with dementia

A new long-term care home has opened in Châteauguay, Quebec, that is using a 'small household' model to care for residents. Each of the 10 small households have 12 residents that share a large communal space and kitchen, which makes it welcoming for family and friends to visit, and even cook a meal together. Families say it feels welcoming, and they notice their loved ones feel cared for – not pushed aside. 46 long-term care homes like this have been planned for Quebec.

Find the full story HERE.

Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program is helping keep seniors out of the hospital

Sudbury’s community services committee says the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program has reduced emergency department visits by 24%. Last year Community Paramedicine attended to 975 calls, and of those calls there were 700 instances where residents were able to avoid going to the hospital. The program is helping keep seniors out of the hospital who don't need to be there, and saving the healthcare system money.

HERE is a link to the full story.

165 new PSWs graduate from Fanshawe College

Fanshawe College said it graduated 165 students in the winter term. Many of the new PSWs will be working in retirement homes and long-term care, and we want to take a moment to celebrate them, and wish them a long and fulfilling career.

Read more HERE.

GERIMEDRISK expands across Ontario, a Peterborough long-term care home is forced to halt admissions, and Leacock Lodge residents got a special performance. It's Friday May 17, 2024 this is the week in Elder Care News.

GERIMEDRISK expands across Ontario

GERIMEDRISK received $4.1 million in Provincial funding to expand from Kitchener to all of Ontario. GERIMEDRISK connects health-care professionals with geriatric specialists to work collaboratively to address the needs of patients. GERIMEDRISK also helps prevent overlap of medication that could give an adverse reaction and send seniors to hospital.

Find the full story HERE.

St. Joseph’s at Fleming forced to suspend admissions

New resident admissions have been suspended at Peterborough’s St. Joseph’s at Fleming long-term care. Brad Robinson, director of Ontario's long-term care inspections branch, issued the suspension on new resident admissions based on his belief there is a risk of harm to the health and well-being of the home’s residents, or anyone who might be admitted as a resident.

Find the full story HERE.
Find the 118-page inspection report HERE.

Leacock Retirement Lodge get a special performance

Leacock Retirement Lodge was rocking as Rick Stephenson and the Orillia Concert Band performed hits made famous by Frank Sinatra. The band and Stephenson presented back-to-back performances at the St. Paul's Centre in Orillia over the weekend, but recognized some residents aren't able to travel to concert venues, so they brought the show to them! "The smiles on the residents' faces as the band and Rick performed made playing the third day in a row worth every second," said a band official.

Find the full story HERE.