Veterans Home Care Nets Gold with SmartCompanion

Veterans Home Care CEO David Laiderman demonstrates SmartCompanion technology.

This article by Foster Stubbs was originally published in McKnight’s Home Care Newsletter November 9, 2022

In the wake of staff shortages and increased demand from a growing aging population, Veterans Home Care, based in St. Louis, wanted to find a way to maintain quality care despite challenging circumstances. To combat this, it created SmartCompanion, a technology intended to improve the patient experience. For its efforts, Veterans Home Care received Gold in the Keep It Super Simple (KISS) category in the Home Care track of the 2022 McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards.

SmartCompanion replaces outdated medical alert devices with an advanced voice-activated, Alexa-powered medical alert system, and offers hands-free phone calls, video calls, virtual assistance and entertainment. It enhances home care and reduces older adult isolation. The Companion has also increased Veteran Home Care’s reach to include more potential clients; this market now can include any disabled adult regardless of age, income or veteran status. A user survey found that 100% use it daily or weekly, and 100% say the system makes them feel safer at home, especially when alone.

“This is a big win for Veterans Home Care,” senior marketing communications director Janet Jennewein said. “While our flagship VetAssist Program has been around nearly 20 years, our SmartCompanion technology was only launched two years ago. We see it as a validation that we’re moving in the right direction by bringing AI and IoT to seniors. Our SmartCompanion system continues to resonate with home care providers, senior living administrators and families who understand the power of Alexa to keep seniors less isolated, more empowered and engaged. Older adults and families have peace of mind with a 24/7 urgent response center on stand-by.”