Pete is smiling in front of a window at his computer desk

Pete

Pete is a busy guy with lots of friends and volunteer work. For more than twenty years, he has lived in his apartment, and Annette, his community connections coach, has supported him for just as long. When the COVID pandemic hit, like many, Pete found himself unable to engage in the things he enjoyed in his community, so he and Annette began to consider how technology could help. First on the list was finding a way for Pete to connect through virtual meetings. Pete upgraded his computer to one with a speaker and camera. “I can now take classes online,” he explains. Pete especially enjoys a Cultural Exploration class where he visits different countries virtually. The new computer offered Pete so many new opportunities that, with the help of an enabling tech specialist, he and Annette continued to explore ways tech could enhance Pete’s life.

Pete looks to the camera and uses his remote to open his front door

Opening his front door and managing the key was a struggle for Pete. He usually left his door unlocked for ease of access. The installation of an automatic door opener solved the problem. Pete can now open and lock his door using a remote. He can let visitors in without even going to the door. A personal emergency response system (PERS) was the answer after Pete fell out of his wheelchair and had no way to access help. Now at the push of a button, Pete can contact a 24-hour call center for assistance, giving him and Annette peace of mind. “I always have somebody on the other end of the line,” Pete says. Annette adds, “He is very independent, and I saw how helpless he was when he could not reach me.” What’s on the tech horizon for Pete? Smart light bulbs and smart plugs!

A Help button is installed next to Pete's bed for easy access
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