Providing solutions for the shortage of direct care workers is a work in process. But an exciting new option exists that leverages technology so that some Direct Care Worker /Direct Support Professional (DCW/DSP) tasks can be performed remotely, making it possible for the individuals they support to have increased access to services.
Lunden Home in Kentwood is Michigan’s first “smart home” designed to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) live as independently as possible. MOKA Corp., an organization dedicated to greater physical and social inclusion for those with I/DD, operates the home, which is outfitted with a variety of sensors and devices to create an ecosystem that is customized to the needs, abilities, and goals of the residents.
“With remote staff that support a smart home, a person has access to support 24 hours a day, without having them present in the home at all times,” said Emily Betz, director of programs at MOKA. “The smart home model also allows people to increase their autonomy when they would otherwise depend on a DCW/DSP to complete tasks.”
The appliances and voice assistants available improve the quality of life and hygiene habits for residents and the peace of mind for families and caregivers. Biometric door locks remove barriers for those struggling with dexterity and fine-motor skills, and smart appliances reduce daily chores for workers.
A medication dispenser can be programmed to remind an individual when it is time to take the medication and distributes the correct dosage. If the person does not take the medication, an individualized response plan can be implemented by the remote support staff.
The MOKA Corporation unveiled the home on Oct.17, which was made possible in part due to a grant awarded to MOKA by Michigan State University’s IMPART Alliance.
“IMPART has been able to support projects like this through a grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services using American Rescue Act Plan/Home and Community Based Services Project funds”, explained Clare Luz, IMPART Alliance director. “It has been exciting to be part of making MOKA’s vision to pilot a smart home a reality and to know that this innovative model has huge potential to address the DCW shortage while also promoting dignity and independence for those receiving support.”
Tracey Hamlet, executive director at MOKA, anticipates that once the pilot program reaches scale, it will reduce long-term care costs by having one DCW/DSP support up to 15 people, as opposed to usually supporting 2-4 people.
This pilot program includes the cost of property, technology, and technology infrastructure, training and certification of DSPs and leaders in program evaluation, and other costs that are often part of innovation and change.
A fundraiser for MOKA’s second smart home project is scheduled for April 17, 2025, at John Ball Zoo’s Bissell Tree House in Grand Rapids.