Whatever human or social service sector you are involved with; in-home, community-based or facility-based; whatever population you are serving; whatever services you are providing, more and more consumers, families, staff members and allied professionals are expecting connectivity as part of your basic service capability.

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In this mobile, digital, Facebook, Linked-in world, it comes as no surprise that consumers expect 24/7 access and connectivity to meaningful and trustworthy information resources, professionals, providers, and services. 

When providers and services relate to physical / behavioral / mental health or social service needs for themselves or their loved ones, consumers expect to be an integral part of the client - family - provider team; with the ability to exchange personal insights and preferences for the collaborative planning, implementation, monitoring, and adjustment of said person-centered and person-directed services. 

The challenge for small to mid-size providers to incorporate technology-enabled connectivity is often in direct proportion to their budgetary constraints; and in this economic downturn, that challenge has become greater than ever. 

With input from forward-thinking service providers and creative thinking from some dedicated technology companies, the following are some highly cost-effective solutions that your organization can consider.

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• PrecisionCare®, a leading software solutions provider for the human services community, suggests a multi-agency collaborative approach as a cost effective way for agencies to use and be trained on Precision Care’s web-based case record management and incident management solutions;  a great idea for associations to enact as a powerful member benefit for their agencies.

• For meaningful market differentiation,  National Care Connection recommends offering cients and families not currently being served an agency-branded, secure personalized service guide and interactive information exchange (CareGiver360) on the agency or association website.

• Given the expense of in-person group training, OmniLearn suggests their Learner Support System for on-line training and mobile Guided Practice Activities delivered to email, pager, cell phone or PDA. The system is designed to provide convenient learning to all in just 2 minutes per day.

Don’t assume that technology solutions have to cost an arm and a leg and are completely out of your range. Web-based solutions offer cost-effective solutions without the need to purchase software.

Do give yourself the opportunity to explore technology possibilities.  Feel free to contact FuturAge for an informal chat about your needs and realities.  We would be delighted to suggest some options for your consideration.

Click on image to e-mail Jackie Pinkowitz,                      Managing Partner