Being an innovator

Strategic Directions CELEBRATE AND LEARN FROM THE BEST Being an Innovator

SMARTTech

Northwood, the Nova Scotia Health Authority, and national and international partners have been awarded funding through AGE-WELL, Canada’s Technology and Aging Network, to advance research on SMART assistive technology and person-centred care solutions in continuing care. Northwood itself has received $648,055 from the SLTC Innovation Program to support equipment purchase, IT support, and our Rehab Team.

Using off the shelf devices and the breakthrough Emitto technology, the research explores how to enable older people aging with complex mobility needs to live with greater independence and dignity.

This project is intended to examine and pave the way for a better model of care for our residents who have significant physical disabilities.

Using this technology helps residents of all ages live more independantly while also offering support to the care staff. SCREENING KIOSKS

In April 2021, the RimotHEALTH Screening Kiosks were deployed to Northwood sites to assist our screeners, and to validate visitors and employees at our main building entrypoints. With a thermal camera to read body temperatures and automated questionnaire for people entering our buildings, the system also includes a cellular link to facilitate remote web and smartphone monitoring for all locations. This provides our site care team with real-time data insights for informed decision-making and site entry. Northwood also has the ability to request verification of Proof of Vaccination (POV) by using the Provincial supplied QR codes for visitors to scan to ensure the safety of our residents.

These kiosks are located at both our Halifax and Bedford locations. The kiosks ask all screening questions, keeping minimal contact by using foot pedals rather than on-screen touchpoints to answer the questions.

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY

INTOUCH ON-THE-MOVE

Northwood Intouch has launched their newest device Intouch On-The-MOVE

Mobile help buttons have been seeing an increase in popularity. To meet community interest and the needs of our clients, we found a device that can be used both at home and away.

The newest button combines the base unit and help button in one, so that clients can take it with them wherever they go. Using cellular service, the button can be used anywhere in Canada, giving more flexibility for those more active seniors.

virtual research Symposium

In June of 2020, we were scheduled to celebrate our 10th Anniversary of this event. Unfortunately, due to COVID, the event was postponed for 2020 and 2021. We have, however, in conjunction with the support of our Research Advisory Committee, made the decision to offer a virtual Symposium on Friday, June 17, 2022.

Northwood teamed up with pheedloop, an online event management company. Using the pheedloop event management software, we will be able to celebrate our 10th and first full online Research Symposium, including speaker sessions, an online forum, virtual booths, and much more.