KORE is helping Minnesota-based GrandPad connect seniors with loved ones and caregivers at the touch of a button.

Part of KORE’s IoT for Good initiative, the services help older adults to age in place, which the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention defines as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently and comfortably”. A key piece of aging in place is connecting seniors to family and caregivers simply and affordably, which is where KORE’s relationship with GrandPad comes in.

Powered by KORE’s IoT connectivity, GrandPad is an easy-to-use communication device allowing seniors to connect to caregivers and family members by making video calls, sending voice messages and viewing media. GrandPad is designed for older adults with little to no computer experience who have resisted conventional modern technology and may have diminishing eyesight, motor skills, hearing or cognition.

“As technology pioneers, it’s our duty to use advancements in the field to help our aging population,” said Romil Bahl, KORE CEO. “Technological progress isn’t really progress unless it’s helping us live fuller, longer lives. KORE’s IoT for Good initiative aims to accomplish just that.”

The keys to GrandPad’s success are simplicity, security and reliability, which work together to enable independence, said GrandPad CEO Scott Lien.

“When a senior taps the help button on their GrandPad, our member experience agents are there to answer questions or resolve any issue as quickly as possible,” Lien said. “The goal is for our seniors to have the utmost confidence that our product will help when they need it. This allows them to live comfortably and independently.”

As lifespans continue to increase, the number of adults over 60 requiring long-term care will more than triple over the next three decades, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), making access to technology such as GrandPad more important.

KORE’s APIs remotely handle the SIM card activation. This eliminates the need for users to navigate complex wifi setup procedures, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The platform also played a role in powering GrandPad’s management dashboards. GrandPad is being used to connect more than 1.7 million seniors with families, friends and caregivers and KORE has allowed the customer service and technical teams to monitor data usage effectively, ensuring smooth operations and better support.