Shows
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance101. Wall-less Dementia Care with Sue Verdegem and Evon BergeyHost Amber Bardon welcomes two incredible leaders in senior living innovation: Sue Verdegem, CEO of United Zion Retirement Community, and Evon Bergey, COO of Landis Communities. Together, they explore the groundbreaking concept of Wall-less Dementia Care: a care model that eliminates traditional locked dementia units in favor of inclusive, autonomy-driven dementia care.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What Wall-less Dementia Care means – Why United Zion never adopted locked dementia units and how Landis is transitioning away from them. Balancing autonomy & safety – How to addr...2025-07-2427 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance100. A Conversation with AIOur 100th episode! In this forward-thinking episode of Raising Tech, host Matt Reiners sits down with a unique guest, AI itself to explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the senior living industry. Together, they cover how AI is enhancing daily life for residents, reducing staff burnout, and helping operators make smarter decisions with unified data and predictive tools.Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to approach AI implementation thoughtfully and ethically. Whether you're solving a specific operational challenge or exploring long-term innovation, this episode offers practical insights, real-world use cases, and...2025-07-1010 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance98. Mary Furlong on the Future of Aging and Innovation in Senior LivingMatt Reiners sits down with Mary Furlong, a pioneer in the longevity and aging tech space. Mary shares her inspiring journey from writing a book to founding multiple companies and raising over $300 million to improve the lives of older adults. They explore how aging is becoming a hotspot for venture investment, discuss major demographic shifts, and highlight where real innovation is needed in senior living.Mary also offers invaluable advice to entrepreneurs in the longevity space, stressing the importance of use-case clarity, customer insight, and long-term commitment. She emphasizes that aging adults need a compelling vision for...2025-06-1930 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance97. Pacemakers Dance Team- Living Proof That Age Is Just a NumberIn this uplifting and high-energy episode, host Amber Bardon welcomes the dynamic and inspiring Pacemakers Dance Team, a senior dance troupe breaking barriers and shaking up aging stereotypes one dance step at a time. Ranging in age from 60 to 86, these talented performers use hip hop, jazz, and tap to inspire audiences and redefine what it means to grow older with style and vitality.From flash mobs in airports to standing ovations at baseball stadiums, the Pacemakers are dancing into hearts around the world. Now, they’re sharing how it all started, what keeps them moving, and why da...2025-06-0543 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance95. Doing the Most with the Least with Mike HughesIn this episode of Raising Tech, Matt Reiners chats with Mike Hughes, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation and Innovation Officer at United Church Homes, about reimagining senior living through innovation. Mike shares his journey from AARP and healthcare tech into senior living, emphasizing the importance of a human-centered approach and his belief in “doing the most with the least.” He introduces their Entrepreneur in Residence program, where innovators live in communities to deeply understand resident needs and design practical solutions.The conversation also covers AI’s growing role in senior care, United Church Homes' shift...2025-05-2935 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance94. The Truth About AI in Senior Living with George NetscherIn this episode of Raising Tech, host Matt Reiners is joined by George Netscher, CEO of SafelyYou, the leading ambient care platform using AI to transform senior care. George shares his journey from top-tier AI research labs to launching a mission-driven company rooted in his family’s personal story. From fall detection to staffing analytics, hear how SafelyYou is redefining what's possible in senior living through ethical, outcomes-driven artificial intelligence.What You’ll Learn:George’s unique background in AI and how it inspired SafelyYouWhat AI really means in senior livingHow SafelyYou is helping commun...2025-05-1531 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance93. Real Talk with Senior Living Female CEOsIn this deeply inspiring and candid conversation, host Amber Bardon sits down with three powerhouse CEOs—Nicole Gann, Sue Verdegem, and Sondra Norder—for an honest dialogue about what it really means to be a woman in leadership. From accidental paths to the C-suite, to the very real challenges faced in male-dominated environments, this episode is filled with heartfelt reflections, strategic wisdom, and empowering encouragement. This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every woman CEO is a rich story of persistence, self-discovery, and trailblazing resilience. Whether you’re a woman in leadership now or just beginning your pa...2025-05-0149 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance91. Enhancing Family Communication in Senior Living with How's Mom & TLC ManagementIn this episode of Raising Tech, host Matt Reiners sits down with two trailblazers improving care communication in senior living: Nick Snyder of TLC Management and Justen Spirk of How’s Mom.Together, they unpack how their partnership is giving time back to caregivers and empowering families with transparent, real-time care updates through digital coordination tools. Tune in to hear how TLC Management and How’s Mom are shaping the future of connected care in senior living and why it's about more than just tech. Learn More:TLC Management: www.tlcmgm...2025-04-1826 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance90. Driving Change and Innovation in Senior Living with Dillon Painter of Priority Life CareIn this episode of Raising Tech, host Matt Reiners sits down with Dillon Painter, Project Manager at Priority Life Care, to explore the nuances of change management and the evolving role of technology in senior living. Dillon shares his journey into the industry, his approach to fostering innovation across multi-generational teams, and how he’s leading transformational change initiatives at Priority Life Care.Dillon offers practical insights on overcoming resistance to change, building strategic communication plans, and using data and AI to elevate care quality and operational efficiency. From identifying "change champions" to leveraging AI for fall pr...2025-04-0325 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance89. The #1 Indicator of Technology Success in Senior Living [Bonus Episode]In this special bonus episode of Amber Matt Chats, Amber and Matt dive into one of the most pressing questions in senior living technology: What is the key indicator of a successful tech implementation in senior living communities?Drawing from Amber’s extensive experience visiting over 80 senior living communities across the U.S. and U.K., she shares the one factor that consistently determines the success of technology adoption: leadership buy-in.Key Takeaways:Leadership Support is Crucial – Without executive-level champions for tech change, meaningful progress is nearly impossible.Th...2025-03-3103 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance88. Keeping Seniors at Home: How Bluestem PACE is Changing CareIn this episode of Raising Tech, host Amber Bardon welcomes Emilie Rains, Executive Director of Bluestem PACE, to discuss the innovative PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) model. Emilie shares insights into how PACE enables seniors aged 55 and better to remain living independently at home while receiving comprehensive medical and supportive care.Key Takeaways:What is PACE? A CMS-regulated program that integrates federal, state, and private provider resources to deliver holistic care for seniors at risk of institutionalization.The Benefits of PACE: Reduces ER visits and hospital readmissions...2025-03-2018 min
Health Hustle Chronicles🚀 Tech, Leadership & Breaking Barriers: Amber Bardon’s Playbook for SuccessIn this powerhouse episode of Health Hustle Chronicles, we sit down with Amber Bardon, the CEO & Founder of Parasol Alliance, a game-changing HealthTech company that’s transforming the senior living industry through cutting-edge technology.Amber shares her blueprint for success, including:💡 How she built a globally ranked IT powerhouse in a competitive industry🔥 The leadership strategies that earned her the title of Best & Brightest CEO in the Nation🏆 Scaling a multi-state, virtual workforce while fostering an award-winning company culture🌍 Why innovation in senior living tech matters now more than everFrom breaking barri...2025-03-1830 minRaising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance87. The Importance of Leadership Driven Technology Culture in Senior Living [Bonus Episode]In this special bonus episode of Raising Tech, hosts Amber Bardon and Matt Reiners discuss Amber's recent article featured in McKnight’s Senior Living, "The Importance of Leadership-Driven Technology Culture in Senior Living"Discover why senior living leaders must spearhead a strong technology culture and how forward-thinking communities can prioritize tech adoption to enhance resident care, streamline operations, and future-proof their services. Amber shares her insights on why a strong technology culture must start at the leadership level and how communities can ensure technology is a priority rather than an afterthought.🔗 Read Amber's McKnight’s Senior...2025-03-1808 min
Lead the People#112: Scale Your Business Without Leaving Your People Behind with Amber BardonAmber Bardon is the Founder & powerhouse CEO of Parasol Alliance, a full-service managed technology provider that dominates the senior living industry. Under her leadership, Parasol Alliance has become a game-changer, consistently ranked among the Top 501 Managed IT Service Providers in the World for six consecutive years including an incredible #4 global ranking in 2022! Amber’s vision and relentless drive have built an award-winning culture across a multi-state, virtual workforce, earning her the prestigious title of Best & Brightest CEO in the Nation in 2024. She’s not just leading a company, she’s redefining what’s possible in tech and senior living.
To...2025-03-1327 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance86. MemoMate- AI-Powered Storytelling & Satisfaction in Senior LivingHost Amber Bardon welcomes Raphael Rubens, Founder & CEO of MemoMate, an AI-powered platform enhancing resident and staff satisfaction in senior living. Inspired by his grandmother’s need to document her life story, Raphael developed MemoMate to capture life stories, streamline surveys, and reduce admin burdens for communities.He shares insights from living in a senior community, how AI-driven phone surveys improve engagement, and the future of AI in compliance, well-being, and predictive analytics.Learn more at memomate.app or by emailing Raphael: raphael@memomate.app2025-03-0624 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance85. Resident Exclusive Miniseries- Battery Technology and ChargingA full demonstration is available on our website. In this episode, James Peck, Resident Support Manager at Parasol Alliance, talks about something we all deal with—battery life.Ever feel like your phone dies way too fast? Or maybe your laptop can’t survive an hour without being plugged in? That’s because batteries wear out over time, but the good news is, you can slow it down!In this exclusive, we’ll cover:🔋 Why batteries degrade and how to check their health⚡ Charging habits that actually help (and common myths b...2025-03-0117 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance84. The Power of Intergenerational Connections with Foster GrandparentIn this episode of Raising Tech, host Amber Bardon welcomes Danielle Lyons, Program Director of the Fort Wayne Foster Grandparent Program, sponsored by Lutheran Life Villages. Danielle explains how the program connects volunteers aged 55 and older with children in need, providing mentorship, friendship, and academic support. Volunteers assist in schools, childcare centers, and after-school programs, fostering intergenerational relationships that benefit both seniors and children.Danielle highlights the emotional impact of the program, noting how many children who have lost parents or grandparents find comfort and stability through these relationships. She also shares the program’s historical roots, wh...2025-02-2014 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance83. Kristen Parsons Redefines Aging in PlaceIn this episode of Raising Tech, host Amber Bardon welcomes Kristen Parsons, Executive Director of Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond in Newfoundland, Canada. Kristen shares how her communities have transformed senior living by becoming some of the most tech-enabled communities in the region.Highlights of the conversation include:Kristen’s Journey: From registered nurse to executive director, and her mission to ensure seniors can age in place with dignity and independence.Revolutionizing Senior Care Models: How Tiffany Village adopted innovative technologies like AMBA to create personalized care plans and enhance staff effi...2025-02-0637 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance82. Three Easy Ways to Use AI for Senior Living [Bonus Episode Sponsored by HeartLegacy]Today's special bonus episode features a prerecorded webinar proudly sponsored by HeartLegacy. Join host Christie Freeze as she welcomes industry experts Amber Bardon and Matt Reiners from Parasol Alliance for an engaging discussion on the role of AI in senior living. They explore the foundational mindset needed for successful AI integration, practical applications, and three easy ways to leverage AI in senior living. Plus, every mention of 'AI' contributed to a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.Tune in for insights, innovation, and a little fun along the way! To find more...2025-01-3129 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance78. Exploring the Future of AgeTech with Sarah ThomasIn this episode, Matt Reiners chats with Sarah Thomas, a leader in AgeTech, occupational therapist, keynote speaker, and venture partner. Sarah takes us through her fascinating journey from working hands-on in healthcare to becoming a global innovator in senior living technology.They dig into how AI is changing the game, why aligning tech with real-world needs is key, and how fostering a culture of innovation can make a huge difference. Sarah also breaks down the big trends shaping AgeTech, like tools for financial health, independent living, better caregiving, and healthier lifestyles, and what’s...2025-01-1036 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance77. 2024 in Review- Highlights, Insights, and What’s Next for Tech in Senior LivingThis special episode is hosted by Amber Bardon and Matt Reiners, who reflect on 2024's highlights and share excitement for the future. They discuss the podcast’s growth, including the launch of the resident-focused mini-series, which brings technology education to older adults. They highlight popular episodes, such as those exploring AI, robotics, and partnerships that showcase innovative solutions in senior living.Amber and Matt dive into industry trends, emphasizing the importance of leadership alignment and process-focused problem-solving for technology adoption in senior living. They share personal milestones, including Matt’s mid-year transition to Para...2025-01-0129 min
Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance76. Resident Exclusive Miniseries- Email Organization in OutlookA full demonstration is available on our website. In this episode, Jason Prado, a Tech@Home technician, shares practical tips and techniques for efficiently managing and organizing your Outlook email inbox. The discussion covers features like sorting, filtering, pins, flags, archives, groups, and folders.Highlights include:Sorting and Filtering: Learn to prioritize emails based on criteria like date, sender, importance, and more, distinguishing between sorting (rearranging) and filtering (viewing specific subsets).Pins and Flags: Use pins to keep important emails at the top of your inbox and flags t...2025-01-0121 min
Senior Housing InvestorsFostering a Tech-Savvy Culture in Senior Communities - Parasol AllianceIn this engaging episode, Amber Bardon, CEO of Parasol Alliance, shares invaluable insights on how technology can serve as a powerful competitive differentiator in senior living communities. She discusses the importance of strategic assessments, fostering a positive tech culture, and the need for robust systems to adapt to the changing landscape of senior living requests and challenges.• Technology as a competitive differentiator in senior living • Amber Bardon's journey in the senior living tech industry • Parasol Alliance's mission to transform community operations • Addressing challenges with strategic technology assessments • Importance of fostering a culture that embraces t...2024-12-3031 min