Missouri uses technology to provide virtual care support services – Missourinet

Missouri uses a remote support system to help some people with disabilities live on their own. Doing so saves the state Department of Mental Health some money by helping the Missourians remain independent, while it also helps the state through staffing shortages.

Myke Bates, CEO of Springfield-based Hearo Technologies, said its system can help with things like turning lights on and off, sensors, audio and video calls, as well as medication reminders.

“Technology has been identified as being a way that more services can be provided in a drastic kind of way,” he told Missourinet. “For example, where one person would monitor only one person inside their home, remotely they can do so with up to 12 or even upwards of 16 individuals.”

Hearo provides the tech. Missouri provides the care.

He said the technology is beneficial for higher-functioning patients who need help here and there, but not around-the-clock care.

“We take a number of smart home tools, light bulbs, motion detectors, temperature sensors, all the above and we bring that into one cohesive hub that then is utilized by remote support professionals at care provider agencies,” said Bates.

According to Bates, the system is user friendly. It is customized for each patient and works for a variety of populations.

“Ranging from mom and dad using it to keeping tabs a little bit more and be a bit more aware of what’s going on with kids in their home, to kids using it for their elderly parents. Like there’s a lot of different ways this could be utilized,” said Bates. “Specifically, where we have started our offerings is in the intellectual and developmentally disabled space.”

The technology can also be customized for the hearing and visually impaired.

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