Manson is CEO of BeClose, a newly started company based in Reston that allows caregivers to remotely monitor an elderly or disabled person — offering an alternative to assisted living and nursing homes.
How does BeClose work?
We install wireless sensors in a house, and caregivers can log on and know what is going on in the house and whether something is wrong — like if it’s 9:30 a.m. and Mom isn’t out of bed yet. Caregivers can also monitor how activities in the house have changed over time. The program keeps track of routines and notifies caregivers of changes — if, for example, bedtime has backed up over a couple hours.
Who uses BeClose?
We have caregivers across the U.S. — everywhere from Hawaii to Virginia. Customers have primarily been family members. Typically one child is the lead caregiver — the child that feels most responsible. We are now seeing more social workers buying the system for elderly people who don’t have family members.
What inspired you to start BeClose?
My background is in Internet media. … I’ve been looking at aging technology solutions for a while, and when my dad got sick, he was in Boston and I was in Virginia. It was really tough, and there is so much technology out there that makes it easier.
What’s next?
We are launching a video product in a few weeks so caregivers can actually view what is going on inside a house, rather than just monitor activities.
How do people deal with the “Big Brother” aspect of the technology?
It’s interesting — that aspect hasn’t been as big of a problem for us as the uncomfortable conversation you must have with your family member that they may not be safe on their own anymore. But research shows the elderly would much rather have monitoring technology than go into a facility. – Hayley Peterson
