Revera and PointerWare team up to help seniors connect with family and friends
May 2009 — In today’s world, sending emails and surfing the web are everyday occurrences for most. Yet, many seniors are being left out of that loop, intimidated by ever-changing technology they feel is too complicated and difficult to use.
Revera, the owner and operator of more than 100 retirement residences across Canada and PointerWare Innovations Ltd. plan to change that. The two companies have teamed together to provide an innovative new computer platform that will provide Revera’s senior population with an easy-to-use way to operate their computers and get connected with family and friends.
PointerWare recently completed testing on a new software platform created exclusively for seniors. PointerWare software runs directly on top of Windows and provides seniors with easy access to email, photos, games and the Internet. Among its many senior-friendly features is PointerWare’s touch screen monitor with large buttons, use of photos to identify email recipients, and optional voice message emails for users with vision impairment and mobility challenges.
Revera recently introduced the PointerWare technology in 10 of its retirement residences across Canada.
“With more than 100 retirement residences nationwide, we see the technology gap that exists among some of our residents who retired long after computers became a standard in the working world. We are very interested and excited in the possibilities the platform creates for our seniors,” says Patrick Boult, Revera’s Vice-President of Marketing.
To coincide with the launch of PointerWare technology, local media are invited to Revera residences for a demonstration of the senior-friendly technology. Residents will explain how it has provided the opportunity to now use computers and functions like email and the internet. Demonstrations can be arranged by calling Dianna Eakins at 905.333.4208.
Hazel Brunt is one such senior whose life has been changed with the new technology. Until recently, the 83-year old had never used a computer, ATM or VCR. As a beta tester for PointerWare, however, Hazel quickly adapted to the technology’s easy-to-use features and has been emailing and voice mailing her grandchildren from Vancouver all the way to Japan on a personal computer she maintains herself.
Hazel’s story was featured recently on the fall premiere of Dragon’s Den, when PointerWare (formerly SoftShell Computers Inc.) presented to the series’ venture capitalist panel, to favourable reviews.
“We used to teach our seniors how to use hotmail, but with PointerWare’s senior-friendly features, I think it will quickly become the standard for those who want to get connected,” says Sara O’Neill, Recreation Manager at Windermere on the Mount Retirement Residence in London, Ontario. “With features like voice-activated email and the touch-screen, PointerWare offers an excellent way for seniors to keep in touch and share photos with distant friends and family.”
PointerWare Innovations Ltd. is a Canadian software company with representation across North America. Its founders, Raul Rupsingh and Stephen Beath, were inspired by personal experience with their own families to create PointerWare. To learn more about PointerWare, visit www.pointerware.com.
Revera Inc. offers retirement accommodations and services to suit individual tastes; from hotel-style seniors’ residences to long-term care to personal home health care. Its mission is to enhance lives with choices in community living, warm hospitality and compassionate care. With more than 100 residences across Canada, Revera has long been a leader in retirement living by providing first-class accommodations, amenities and services to Canadian Seniors. Learn more about Revera at www.reveraliving.com
For more information, contact:
Dianna Eakins,
Eakins Communications
905.333.4208
