Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance
Raising Tech is your guide to understanding the role technology plays in your community, where to invest to transform culture, and how to bring your team and residents along the journey. Tune in to explore the latest tech trends, dive into hot topics, and hear from industry experts, community leaders, and innovative vendors shaping the senior living tech landscape. Each episode is packed with practical insights and real-world stories to help you spark change and level up your community’s tech game. You can find full demonstrations on our website of our Raising Tech Resident Exclusive Miniseries: www.parasolalliance.com/residents/ Powered by Parasol Alliance, The Strategic Planning & Full-Service IT Partner Exclusively serving Senior Living Communities.
Episodes
In this critical episode of Raising Tech, host Amber Bardon is joined by two of Parasol Alliance’s finest: Sean Sheldrake and Jake Wigfield-Gorka. Together, they dive into what an MSSP (Managed Security Services Provider) is and why it really matters for senior living communities.
From phishing attacks to insurance compliance, this episode sheds light on how threats are evolving faster than ever and why relying solely on traditional...
Resident Technology Assistant Michael Lynn breaks down the pros, cons, and practical uses of today’s most popular smart home devices: Amazon Alexa and Google Nest.
Whether you’re considering a smart assistant for yourself or helping a loved one get started, this episode is a clear, jargon-free guide to what each platform offers and how to decide which is right for your needs.
Topics Covered:
- Amazon Alexa Devices
- Echo Dot: V...
Host Amber Bardon sits down with Steve Mika, the commercial lead for Data & AI at Fresche Solutions, a Microsoft-focused data and AI consulting firm. Together, they break down the current and future state of AI in senior living, focusing on realistic, strategic implementation that can drive outcomes.
Steve dives deep into how senior living operators can move beyond buzzwords to build sustainable AI initiatives backed by clean da...
Matt Reiners sits down with Heather Tussing, President of The Aspenwood Company, to explore how innovation, strategy, and a people-first approach are shaping the future of senior living. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Heather shares lessons learned, evolving technology trends, and how Aspenwood is thoughtfully embracing tech while staying true to its mission.
Argentum Article: The Value of Assisted Living
In this practical and informative episode, Tech@Home technician James Peck walks listeners through everything they need to know about backing up and managing files on their smartphones and other devices. From cloud storage to flash drives, James outlines simple, user-friendly methods to keep your digital memories safe and your devices running smoothly.
Topics Covered:
- Why Storage Matters:
Learn how full storage can affect sy...
In this episode of Raising Tech, host Matt Reiners talks with the legendary Kitboga, a cybersecurity crusader and content creator known for baiting and exposing online scammers. With over 3.74 million YouTube subscribers and more than a billion views across platforms, Kitboga shares how he transforms tech knowledge into entertaining education.
From fake tech support calls to impersonated Venmo accounts, Kitboga reveals how scammers ...
In this episode, Amber Bardon welcomes Casey Allen from SeniorLytics to explore how real-time analytics is transforming decision-making in senior living. Casey shares the origin story of SeniorLytics, explains their “analytics as a service” model, dives into core integrations, reveals top use-cases and success stories, and offers a measured perspective on where AI fits into the analytics landscape.
Top Takeaways
- Industry Focus Ma...
James Peck walks you through the basics of using Google Maps. Whether you're new to smartphones or just haven’t explored the app before, James covers everything from how to download it on your device to searching for local businesses, getting driving or walking directions, and using Street View for a 3D look at your destination.
He also shares helpful tips on customizing your map view, checking alternate routes, and understandi...
Host 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 C...
Our 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 unders...
In this Resident Exclusives episode, Jason Prado walks you through everything you need to know about upgrading to Windows 11. Whether you're unsure if your device is eligible or you’re wondering what makes Windows 11 different, this episode covers it all.
🧠 What You’ll Learn:
- Why upgrading to Windows 11 matters (Hint: Windows 10 support ends October 14, 2025)
- What’s new in Windows 11 – design, performance, security, and Micr...
Matt 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 invaluab...
In 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...
In this tech tutorial episode, Michael Lynn walks you through everything you need to know about using Uber. From downloading the app to booking your first ride, Michael covers it all in a clear and friendly way. He also shares pro tips for safety, setting up payment, and why linking your phone number can make your experience smoother.
What You’ll Learn:
- What Uber is and how it works
- How to download and install the Uber app on any ...
In 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 Ent...
In 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, ou...
In 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.
Thi...
In this resident exclusives episode, James Peck walks you through the alarming rise of financial scams—especially those that target older adults. You’ll learn how scammers are using social engineering, spoofed phone numbers, and even AI-generated voices to exploit trust and urgency.
James breaks down the top three scam types hitting communities hardest:
- Bank impersonation calls
- “Family emergency” voice scams
- Tech support refund sca...
In 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 f...
In 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 practica...
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