Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance

In this episode of Raising Tech, Amber Bardon is joined by Sandro Cilurzo of Helpany and Miranda Troyer from United Zion to explore a new approach to fall prevention in senior living. They discuss how radar-based, privacy-first technology is helping communities shift from reacting to falls to proactively identifying risk before incidents occur. Miranda shares insights from implementation, including resident and staff reception, workflow changes, and the importance of balancing safety with independence. The conversation highlights how thoughtful technology adoption can improve care outcomes while preserving dignity and reducing staff burden. Learn more about Helpany on their website or click here. Case Study: Fellowship Square Mesa Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

In this episode of Raising Tech Resident Exclusives, Nora from Mary’s Woods walks through the fundamentals of email and shares practical tips for staying organized using Microsoft Outlook. From understanding how email actually works behind the scenes to setting up folders and rules, this episode is designed to simplify everyday tech for residents. www.parasolalliance.com/residentswww.parasolalliance.com/techathome Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Matt sits down with Katie Grant, President of U.S. Operations at Teton, for a really thoughtful conversation about what it actually means to bring AI into senior living in a way that works. Katie brings a unique perspective to the table, with over 20 years as a nurse and experience across just about every corner of senior care. That background really shapes how she thinks about technology. Not as something flashy or “innovative for the sake of innovation,” but as a tool to make life easier for caregivers and safer for residents. A standout moment is the discussion around privacy. Katie is very clear that for Teton, privacy is the foundation. Instead of focusing on “computer vision,” she frames it as ambient monitoring that looks for patterns and safety signals without identifying individuals or recording their lives. That clarity is key when building trust with residents, families, and staff. Resources: Sagora Pilot StoryLinkedIn.LinkedInwebsiteAbout Teton: Teton is a healthcare technology company that uses AI and privacy-first monitoring to help senior living communities detect risks earlier and improve resident care. Their platform analyzes patterns like movement, sleep, and behavior to surface meaningful insights Instead of adding more systems, Teton integrates into existing workflows, helping teams respond faster, document more accurately, and ultimately shift from reactive car.e to proactive, preventative support. Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

This episode of Raising Tech dives into what it actually looks like to select and implement a document management system across an entire organization. Amber is joined by Madelyn Giroux from Bluestem Communities and Ashley Jackson & Kelly McCormick from Modified Logic to break down the full journey from RFP to real-world results. They unpack: If you’re thinking about a new system or just want to avoid common mistakes, this episode is packed with practical advice from both the client and implementation side. At the end of the day, it’s all about this: technology should make your processes easier, not just digital. Learn more about Bluestem Communities on their website. Learn more about Modified Logic on their website. Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

In this episode, Michael Lynn explores Apple Intelligence and how it enhances your everyday experience across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Learn how built-in AI tools can help you write, organize, create, and even interact with the world through your camera. Key Takeaways Watch the Demo Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGMhQkHCjxo Listen & Connect Visit raisingtechpodcast.com and follow Raising Tech Podcast on social media for more episodes. Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Amber Bardon sits down with Ray Benegas, VP of IT and CISO at Presbyterian Living, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a strong technology culture in senior living. Ray shares how staying closely connected to residents, staff, and leadership helps his team move beyond reactive IT support and become a true strategic partner to the organization. Amber and Ray explore why technology cannot be treated as just infrastructure anymore. From business systems and project planning to innovation governance and cybersecurity, they discuss the importance of creating a strong foundation before chasing the latest trends. They also talk through the realities of technical debt, modernization, resident expectations, roadmapping, and the challenge of balancing exciting innovation with the less glamorous but essential work of maintaining core systems. You can connect with Ray on LinkedIn. Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Host Matt Reiners is joined by Josh Sach, Founder and CEO of Meela, and David Finkelstein, CIO of RiverSpring Living, to discuss how AI companion technology is transforming senior living. Josh shares the personal story that inspired him to create Meela, a voice-based AI companion accessible through any phone that provides conversation, emotional support, and practical assistance for older adults. Designed to help address social isolation and the growing care gap, Meela offers 24/7 engagement while encouraging healthy habits and human connection. David explains how RiverSpring Living piloted Meela across multiple levels of care and conducted a clinical study that showed measurable reductions in anxiety, loneliness, and depression among participating residents. He also discusses how AI can serve as a workforce multiplier, supporting staff by identifying resident concerns and improving communication. Together, they explore the balance between human care and AI assistance, the importance of thoughtful implementation, and how companion AI may play a critical role in the future of aging services. Learn more about RiverSpring Living's technology mission on their website. Discover more about Meela on their website. Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Matt sits down with David Lafferty, Chief Information Officer of the Riverwoods Group, the largest not-for-profit CCRC network in Northern New England. With a background spanning Fortune 100 companies, manufacturing, distribution, and healthcare, David brings a systems-first mindset to senior living innovation. Together, they unpack what it really means to “do innovation right” in senior living. From eliminating shiny object syndrome to building durable, measurable technology strategies, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for operators, IT leaders, and executives alike. Resources mentioned: Composure Sound Blanket Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Host Matt Reiners chats with Matthew Edgerton, founder of Cogensus, a cognitive health SaaS platform designed for older adults. Cogensus is reshaping how we support cognitive wellness, combining AI companionship, provider analytics, and family connectivity into one empathetic and powerful ecosystem. What You'll Learn: augmentCogensusCogensus is now open for pilot programs ahead of their commercial launch in April 2026. If you’re a senior living provider looking to enrich care, ease family stress, and empower your staff, reach out to explore a custom pilot. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your tech + senior living insights. Learn more about Cogensus on their website. Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

In this episode, James walks you through the ins and outs of finding, using, and printing recipes online safely and efficiently. If recipe websites feel cluttered or confusing, or if printing turns into a mess of extra pages and ads, this session is for you. What You’ll Learn: Learn more about Tech@Home on our website. Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Amber and Matt are back with a big update for 2026. In this episode of Raising Tech, they unpack what’s really happening with AI in senior living and why so many communities are still struggling to apply it in a meaningful way. The conversation covers the realities operators are facing today: fragmented systems, untrusted data, shadow AI usage, and pressure from boards and leadership to “do something with AI” without a clear plan. Matt and Amber dive into why AI isn’t a magic fix on its own, how poor data and disconnected software limit its impact, and what needs to change for AI to actually work in senior living environments. They also announce Parasol Alliance’s newest service: the AI Readiness Assessment and Roadmap. Modeled after Parasol’s proven technology assessments and strategic roadmaps, this new offering helps organizations understand where they are today, where AI can realistically fit, and how to move forward with confidence. Resources & Next Steps: Interested in learning more about the AI Readiness Assessment or adding it to your existing technology assessment? LinkedInLimited spots are available, with special options for current Parasol clients and early adopters. Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

In this episode of Raising Tech, host Matt Reiners sits down with longtime friend and tech-for-good visionary Stefano Selorio, founder and CEO of Carevocacy. They discuss Stefano's journey as a caregiver-turned-entrepreneur, the origins of Carevocacy, and how their latest innovation, Apo AI, is revolutionizing digital health literacy for older adults. You’ll hear how Carevocacy has served over 23,000 older adults and why making tech accessible through simple tools like SMS can create powerful change. Stefano also dives into the pilot partnership with Parasol Alliance’s Tech@Home program, revealing early data and heartwarming insights into how residents are embracing AI, from fixing printers to asking deep life questions at 3 AM. What You’ll Learn: Resources Mentioned: www.carevocacy.com Stefano Selorio Parasol Alliance Resident Support https://www.mcknightsseniorliving.com/news/ai-pilot-will-put-personal-tech-coach-in-senior-living-residents-pockets/ Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

In this month’s Resident Exclusive Tutorial, Tyler Jameson explores how technology is transforming the way we preserve and share personal histories through digital memory books. Whether you're creating a heartfelt gift or documenting a life story, these modern scrapbooks let you mix photos, videos, stories, and audio for a truly personalized keepsake. Tyler shares tips, top platforms, and ideas to help you get started with your own digital memory book. What You'll Learn: Links to Mentioned Platforms: NewlywordsStoryWorthKith & KinMeminto Stories Learn more about Tech@Home on our website. Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

In this episode of Raising Tech, Matt sits down with Inspiren’s Brian Geyser and Michael Wang, two clinician innovators aiming to transform senior living with a fully integrated, AI-driven care platform. Brian shares his path from nurse practitioner to industry innovation leader, while Mike walks through his powerful journey from Green Beret to bedside clinician to founder. Together, they break down why senior living still struggles with tech adoption, how to make AI truly useful for caregivers, and the critical role of co-innovation in building tools that actually work. They also dig into Inspiren’s vision for ambient, predictive technology, from better documentation and workflow to a future where falls become genuinely rare. A quick, insightful look at where senior living tech is headed next. Learn more about Inspiren on their website. Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

In this heartfelt and visionary episode of Raising Tech, Matt Reiners welcomes his longtime friend and VR trailblazer, Kyle Rand, CEO and Co-founder of Rendever. From ice cream-fueled volunteer days to industry-shaping innovations, Kyle shares his deeply personal journey into senior living and how Rendever is redefining aging with virtual reality. They dive into: powerful researchWhether you're a technologist, operator, or just someone who cares about aging with dignity, this conversation will leave you inspired. Links & Resources: RendeverLinkedInDementia Empathy TrainingRendeverFit Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

In this episode, Alex Reckard, technician with the Parasol Alliance Tech@Home program, gives a practical, easy-to-follow walkthrough of the Apple Health app. Designed with senior users in mind, this episode explores how the app tracks vital wellness metrics like activity, sleep, heart rate, mindfulness, and more. Alex also breaks down the powerful integration between iPhone, Apple Watch, and third-party apps making health tracking more accessible, personal, and even fun. What You'll Learn: Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

In this episode of Raising Tech, host Matt Reiners welcomes Tanner Zoromski, Chief Revenue Officer and SEO Director at Pantelope, for an insightful dive into the ever-evolving world of organic marketing, search, and SEO in the age of AI. From watershed SEO updates to how large language models (LLMs) are reshaping search behaviors, Tanner explains why speed, relevance, and structured content matter more than ever. If your community is struggling to stay competitive online, this episode is your roadmap. Pantelope is a digital marketing consulting and strategy firm who specializes in the senior living industry. Learn more about how they help senior living communities on their website. Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

In this critical episode of Raising Tech, host Amber Bardon is joined by two of Parasol Alliance’s finest: Sean Sheldrake and Jake Wigfield-Gorka. Together, they dive into what an MSSP (Managed Security Services Provider) is and why it really matters for senior living communities. From phishing attacks to insurance compliance, this episode sheds light on how threats are evolving faster than ever and why relying solely on traditional IT services may no longer be enough. You’ll also hear what tools and strategies are essential for protecting your staff, residents, and operations from the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. Learn more about our MSSP services on our website. Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Resident Technology Assistant Michael Lynn breaks down the pros, cons, and practical uses of today’s most popular smart home devices: Amazon Alexa and Google Nest. Whether you’re considering a smart assistant for yourself or helping a loved one get started, this episode is a clear, jargon-free guide to what each platform offers and how to decide which is right for your needs. Topics Covered: Amazon Alexa DevicesGoogle Smart DevicesSmart Home IntegrationorDevice CompatibilityReal-World Applications Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Host Amber Bardon sits down with Steve Mika, the commercial lead for Data & AI at Fresche Solutions, a Microsoft-focused data and AI consulting firm. Together, they break down the current and future state of AI in senior living, focusing on realistic, strategic implementation that can drive outcomes. Steve dives deep into how senior living operators can move beyond buzzwords to build sustainable AI initiatives backed by clean data, sound governance, and a modern architecture using tools like Microsoft Fabric and Azure AI Foundry. Contact: Steve Mika LinkedIn & Fresche Solutions Resources Mentioned: The Guide to AI in Senior Living Find us online: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn