Raising Tech, powered by Parasol Alliance

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:

1. Bank impersonation calls
2. “Family emergency” voice scams
3. 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...

In this episode, we dive into the world of cell phones and VoIP landline phones with Michael Lynn, Resident Technology Support Analyst at Parasol Alliance. Whether you're considering a new phone or exploring VoIP options, this episode breaks down everything you need to know!

Michael covers the pros and cons of iPhones, Android phones, and Jitterbug phones—helping you decide which one best suits your needs. Plus, he shares exper...

In 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 integrat...

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, an...

Host 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, ...

A 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 bat...

In 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 rela...