“I think it’s definitely a noble cause that RCare has. I can definitely see how this product would help a vulnerable part of the population. It feels good knowing this will help keep those people safe.”
WEBSTER, N.Y. (PRWEB) August 24, 2020
RCare, Inc., maker of nurse call and monitoring solutions, is collaborating with Alfred University to test its new geo-fencing system, GEO. Integrated with RCare’s nurse call system platforms, GEO is designed for residents in memory care. Less restrictive than a locked ward, the system allows residents greater independence and autonomy, automatically sending an alert to caregivers if a resident moves outside of defined safe areas.
But COVID-19 created challenges for the company’s product release. “During the pandemic, RCare needed a creative but effective solution for beta testing our new products,” said Nick Garofoli, Director of Operations and Technology at RCare. “We were ready to test GEO, but a beta with one of our communities wasn’t an option during the pandemic.” Garofoli, a 2009 graduate of Alfred University and recipient of the school’s Marlin Miller Outstanding Senior Award, received an email from University President Mark Zupan seeking proposals for student internships, and immediately saw the possibilities.
RCare worked with Alfred to create a unique student internship opportunity. They hired Aanu Adeloye, a senior at Alfred who is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Physics, and minoring in Mathematics. His job was to work closely with RCare to reproduce on campus the situations that a resident would experience in a community. Because of the pandemic, Adeloye had found himself unable to return to his home in Nigeria for the summer. When the opportunity to work with RCare came up he jumped at it. “I think it’s definitely a noble cause that RCare has. I can definitely see how this product would help a vulnerable part of the population. It feels good knowing this will help keep those people safe.”
Alfred University has a long history of partnering with area companies, which Garofoli says has been beneficial for the students and for the companies. David Gottfried, Alfred University’s Deputy Director of Business Development agrees. “We do a lot with industry at Alfred. We place a great deal of importance on giving students the experience of solving meaningful challenges for a company. It provides our students with opportunities to get hands-on experiences in projects that could help them in their future careers.”
“Internships and co-ops are a vital component of Alfred University’s learning and future success for students at Alfred University,” according to Jodi Bailey, Alfred University’s Director of Marketing. She said that last year 71 students participated in an internship. “Students find them extremely helpful in defining career goals as well as identifying personal strengths they have in the workplace, and providing them with better preparedness for the world of work.”
With GEO, senior communities can define customized geographical “safe zones” for residents who need them. Caregivers receive an alert if the resident moves outside the safe area. The system is ideal for residents who need extra monitoring, without locked doors or the embarrassment of sirens or alarms. It is scheduled for release later this year.
About RCare
RCare is a global provider of nurse call and personal emergency response systems for the entire spectrum of eldercare and senior living. Our components integrate into a variety of healthcare communication systems to create efficient and verifiable responses to medical emergencies. RCare works together with distribution partners to build individualized, flexible and seamless systems to enhance both caregiving and resident quality of life. Contact info@rcareinc.com or call 585-671-4144.
About Alfred University
Founded in 1836, Alfred University has a long-standing reputation for excellence. An outstanding record of academic achievement and numerous campus activities combine to create an enriching and satisfying college experience emphasizing applied and experiential learning. More than 1,600 undergraduate and 300 graduate students choose from over 50 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Comprised of the College of Business, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, School of Art & Design, Inamori School of Engineering and Performing Arts Division, Alfred University has developed a rich and diverse set of curricular offerings, structured without barriers so that students can mix and match programs to help them meet their educational goals. Alfred University’s research and outreach programs provide an important complement to the University’s academic offerings. These programs range from scientific research and product development, to community and business support, to the development of new art forms. http://www.alfred.edu
