Griswold, established by the late Jean Griswold in 1982, is a prominent home care company with a strong presence in 32 states and over 170 locations.
Through its “Live Assured” commitment, Griswold enables adults to maintain their quality of life, even in the face of advanced age, illness, or post-surgery recovery. Its services encompass companion care, home services, personal care, and respite care.
According to the company’s website, Griswold has taken the advancements of AI and incorporated them into its mission to “support clients’ unique needs with respect, empathy, and dedicated attention” by focusing on “personal care, homemaking, and companionship, as well as support for those with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.”
The Dallas Express spoke with Lisa Hall, the owner of Griswold Homecare for Plano, who has recently launched 24/7 AI care using Sensi AI.
Hall described Sensi AI as supplemental care, “providing care when our caregiver is not there or has stepped into another room to prepare a meal … it’s an extra set of ears.”
When asked to explain Sensi AI, Hall said it was “sound-based virtual care” that looks like a “Glade plug-in” that plugs directly into the wall. Three Sensi AI units are installed inside the residence of participating seniors: “one in the bedroom, bathroom, and main living area.”
Sensi AI “listens for patterns of sounds” and customizes to the residence the longer the tool is in use, “detecting, predicting, and preventing” possible areas of concern for seniors.
“We’ve already seen amazing things come from Sensi AI, and we have only been using it for about a month,” added Hall.
“If you call out for help, we will be notified immediately,” said Hall, adding that sounds such as a fire alarm or keywords like “medicine” will also trigger a notification.
Sensi AI also “detects the soundwaves of a fall,” added Hall, stating that these “high-level alerts” go straight to her 24/7. She immediately calls the senior once an alert is received. If the senior does not pick up, Hall calls the police and then the designated individual on the senior’s list of emergency contacts.
Hall also receives reports from Sensi AI that show the number and type of incidents. These reports are shared with the senior and, if applicable, the senior’s family.
Such data can be predictive in nature, as an increase in the number of falls could suggest “a possible inner ear issue or balance issue … if they’re getting up more times at night to go to the restroom, there could be a UTI coming on … we try to head things off.”
“We use Sensi AI to predict before problems happen so we can get ahead of it. As opposed to being reactive, we are being proactive,” said Hall.
Another positive for seniors using Sensi AI is that the administration fee for the tool is substantially less than the cost of having a caregiver in the home 24/7. Additionally, Sensi AI is more effective and advanced than relying on a life alert or phone for help, as it may not always be possible to push a button or make a phone call.
“It can really be the difference between life and death,” said Hall. She said Sensi AI “is transforming care and is a great tool for us.”
Hall admitted she was a little leery when Sensi AI was rolled out, as she did not know if seniors would embrace the tool. In a very short time, not only was Sensi AI accepted, but it was also welcomed.
Hall stressed that she does not actually hear what is being said or what sounds Sensi AI collects.
“I don’t hear anything. We are never listening in. Everything goes into a computer and is analyzed, and I receive the high-level alerts” notifying her of the type of incident,” said Hall.
“Many seniors are alone for extended periods of time, and family is often not nearby,” explained Hall. The added safety measures Sensi AI provides help seniors live with greater peace of mind, knowing that someone will be there if they need them.
Hall is passionate about her role. She said she loves helping seniors live in their homes while providing community members with high-quality, affordable home care.
For more information about Griswold, visit www.griswoldcare.com or call 215-402-0200.