News and Insights – INS LifeGuard & INS CareCall, Australia and New Zealand – The INS Group

The new 4G LifeGuard SmartWatch V2

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 14:36:00 GMT

Version 2 of our LifeGuard SmartWatch also features a modern, new look and uses 4G technology. It can measure heart rate* and even steps taken/pace.

Measurements can be recorded and sent to a nurse in our Emergency Response Centre or to the family for monitoring and follow-up.

It also has the ability to monitor a full suite of TGA-approved, wireless TeleHealth devices.

Two-way audio ensures that when an alarm is triggered, we can speak to the user and provide assistance, even if they are unable to respond. We can also set an appointment or medication reminders, and the SmartWatch will notify the user at the scheduled time.

For a full list of features and benefits, call 1800 636 226 for more information or visit our store .

* Intended for use as a fitness/wellness device. The sensors are not clinical-grade or TGA approved and not intended to be used for medical assessment.

Introducing 4G LifeGuard SmartTracker

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 14:30:00 GMT

The LifeGuard SmartTracker has always helped people to remain living independently, free to go about their normal daily activities, knowing they can contact us for support at any time with the simple press of a button.

But now it’s even better!

The new, improved LifeGuard SmartTracker still incorporates fall detection but has a sleek new look and now takes advantage of 4G technology.

It now features Bluetooth 5.0 and A-GPS support – assisted GPS works using a network of satellites to quickly identify your location faster than conventional GPS, so help can arrive faster.

Family and carers can even set up a Geofence alert that triggers if the device enters or exits a specified area – very useful, for example, where users may have dementia and be at risk of wandering.

For more information, view the flyer below, visit our store or call 1800 636 226.

With so many new products on the market, why use INS LifeGuard?

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 14:26:00 GMT

Almost every week, we are seeing new alarm monitoring products entering the Australian market. Many of these are using cheap, imported and unlicensed technologies. Further, they do not meet Australian Standards (AS4607) either in the technologies used or the services being offered.

It is important to understand the differences between these products and services and those offered by leading medical alarm providers in Australia, such as INS LifeGuard. Indeed, before choosing any supplier of these services, you should see if they meet the INS LifeGuard standard:

Health Experience – INS is a pioneering community health care provider, in operation since 1984. Our call centre is staffed by highly qualified and experienced nurses and other healthcare providers.
As one of the oldest care providers in Australia, we have had substantial experience in providing health care services in the community, as well as eHealth, TeleHealth and accompanying assistive technologies.
Our total-care approach is proactive and ensures clients receive a comprehensive service.
We encourage clients to let us know when they are unwell so our healthcare staff can regularly check on them. Better we manage the situation than wait for an emergency!
Following an event, we track the client through the health system until they are back at home and ask them to send through a test alarm for reassurance.
We offer a free Chat Line and Medical Information Service – clients can call us at any time of the day or night for reassurance, health information or support.
Our next-generation SmartHome Medical Alarm Systems with integrated virtual care services and technologies are available Australia-wide and throughout New Zealand.
We provide a service that not only meets but actually exceeds Australian Standards, offers quality and cost-effectiveness, and may assist your organisation in Quality Standard endorsement.
We are members of the industry representative body Personal Emergency Response Services Ltd (PERSL) and, through our executive team, very active in developing industry standards.

Limitations of non-monitored alarms

The emerging trend is for care providers to supply non-monitored personal alarms to their clients. This means when an alarm is triggered, the unit calls family and friends rather than a professionally trained emergency operator.

They may also send text messages to responders and display the user’s location in Google Maps. On the surface, this may seem like an attractive, cost-saving proposition, but there are important safety considerations.

Non-monitored alarm systems depend on the availability of family and friends who may be busy at work, taking other calls, or unable to respond for other reasons. Telecommunication networks cannot guarantee the delivery of text messages and may experience very long delays during periods of network congestion.

Additionally, if there’s no voice contact, then 000 may not treat the call as a genuine emergency, and they may be unable to retrieve the GPS location from the text messages. Entrusting INS LifeGuard to handle your medical alarms and monitoring means that a professionally trained healthcare professional is always available. We’ll attempt to make voice contact, determine the nature of the emergency, and provide reassurance that help is on the way.

If an ambulance is required, we’ll pass on all relevant details, including their location and even medical information that could save a life.

Call 1800 636 040 or visit the INS LifeGuard website to find out more.

GP and Psychology Services

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 06:44:00 GMT

Recent changes to Medicare have seen TeleHealth funding for remote GP consults restricted to patients that have had a face-to-face service with a GP in the last 12 months.

The announcement highlighted that from 20th July, TeleHealth GP providers would be required to have had a continuous relationship with a patient in order for the TeleHealth Service to be eligible for a Medicare rebate.

This has resulted in INS LifeGuard looking to revamp its existing offering right now. Claude Rafin, Managing Director of The INS Group, noted, “Whilst we are more than happy to continue to provide the service, we are looking for input to how best to continue. We’d like to talk to village operators interested in a special GP and/or psychology TeleHealth Service for their residents, and any community care managers who think it might be of benefit or as an NDIS Provider , NDIS clients this can assist.”

Claude can be contacted on 1800 636 226.

Does it Really Matter Who Responds to Alarms? Judge for Yourself

Sat, 20 Jun 2020 14:23:00 GMT

The importance of having our Emergency Response Centre staffed by healthcare professionals was demonstrated by this recent example. We believe this highlights why the level of service and the care provided by INS LifeGuard is industry-leading.

A client triggered an alarm at 9:23 PM advising our nurse that he wasn’t sure whether he’d taken his post-dinner insulin. Tim, one of our registered nurses, received the alarm. The client was asymptomatic, with a blood glucose level (BGL) of 14.7. He was adamant he did not want an ambulance called.
Tim advised the client not to take any insulin at this time and assured him that we’d call him back later to check on him. Tim called the client back approximately an hour later. His BGL was now 15.7, and he remained asymptomatic.

Tim consulted with another nurse, Bev, and they agreed on the following plan:

The plan was carried out as agreed, and at the midnight call, the client remained asymptomatic. His BGL was within his normal range. As such, we were able to successfully manage the client remotely and avoid an ambulance call-out.

This is just one example of how having healthcare professionals respond to personal emergency alarms allows us to provide a superior level of service. Our staff worked together as a team to ensure the very best outcome for our client, who was very happy with the care provided by our nurses.

To find out more call 1800 636 040 or visit our website .

Honouring our Veterans on Anzac Day

Sat, 20 Jun 2020 14:21:00 GMT

With all the stress of COVID-19-induced isolation and loneliness – combined with the added pain of not being able to honour our veterans with the usual Anzac Day ceremonies, our wonderful staff came up with the idea of reaching out to our veterans via telephone.

Throughout Anzac Day, our nurses on call took the time to call our veteran clients just to say hello and thank them for their service. We had many emotional, happy and, in some cases, thought-provoking conversations on what became an extremely positive and productive day.

We were delighted to be able to reach out to them on this very special day, especially given that many of them are isolated right now.

Additional Free Client Services

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 13:56:00 GMT

INS, working with its partner Vodafone, will also be providing two months of free phone calls* between village managers and staff to residents’ SmartHome devices when done via the LifeGuard SmartCarer App.

In fact, we’ll provide free phone calls* between clients, family, carers and village managers who use our new LifeGuard SmartCarer App in an effort to help the vulnerable stay in touch during this crisis.

Those clients who download the SmartMobile App will be able to also enjoy free video‡ calling with family, carers and village staff whom the client has authorised to interact with them via the new LifeGuard SmartCarer App. Importantly, there is no complicated setup required and no need for any third-party apps.

* Free calls (audio or video) dependent upon the units being equipped with our Vodafone SIMs.
‡ Video calls to the SmartMobile or SmartHome Mate will be possible from around the 12th of May.
Video calls to the SmartHome IP Dialler and SmartWatch are still in development.

Launch of the INS LifeGuardian Connect® App

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 13:25:00 GMT

We have also brought forward the beta launch of our much anticipated INS LifeGuardian Connect® app.

This app allows family, carers and village staff to interact with the LifeGuard SmartHome IPD , SmartMobile App , SmartHome Mate or LifeGuard SmartWatch .

Family and carers will be able to receive alerts of alarms and critical events, as well as set Geofence areas† that alert them when the user enters or leaves those areas — particularly useful if they’re worried about them leaving home during the current crisis.

They will also be able to monitor any vital signs the client records via the free TeleHealth Service , as well as send messages, make telephone or video‡ calls, and more. In fact, INS will also offer two months of free phone calls between the SmartHome, SmartMobile App, or SmartHome Mate and the new INS LifeGuardian Connect® app.

For more information, Call 1800 636 040 or visit our website . INS LifeGuard anticipates we’ll release the beta version of the INS LifeGuardian Connect® app on the 28th of April 2020. It will be available for download from the Google Play Store [and the iOS version now available from the App Store].

† Geofence works only with mobile alarms; users must have a device with them and powered on.
‡ Video calls to the SmartMobile or SmartHome Mate will be possible from around the 12th of May.
Video calls to the SmartHome IP Dialler and SmartWatch are still in development.

FREE Medical Monitoring and Support Services via SmartMobile App

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 13:23:00 GMT

By mid-day Friday, 24th April 2020, we’re aiming to release the free LifeGuard SmartMobile App, which anyone can download to their compatible* smartphone or tablet, putting a medical alarm system in the palm of their hand. Once registered, they will receive two months free monitoring through the mobile app via INS LifeGuard’s Emergency Response Centre — even those who are not currently clients!

That means village residents and at-risk persons in the community who don’t currently have a personal response system available can quickly and easily access 24/7 medical monitoring by healthcare professionals, as well as LifeGuard’s other clinical and social support services.

The SmartMobile App has many of the same features as our Australian-designed and internationally patented SmartHome IP Dialler in-home medical alarm system. For those who already have the IPD, the SmartMobile App extends the functionality to their Android mobile device. When paired with the new LifeGuard SmartCarer App outlined below, the family will even be able to interact with the client through their SmartHome, SmartMobile, SmartWatch or SmartHome Mate alarm systems.

Anyone can take advantage of these offers, whether or not they are current clients, simply by downloading and registering the free LifeGuard SmartMobile App from the Google Play Store to their compatible* device. No other physical hardware is required. This service provides an added layer of security, knowing you can speak to healthcare professionals at any time of the day or night with the press of a button, whilst also providing links to family and care providers.

Download the app from the Google Play Store here (we anticipate it will be available from mid-day Friday 24th April).
* Minimum Android 4.4 and 5″ screen. [iOS version now available.]

To find out more call 1800 636 040 visit SmartCarer App here .

INS to Launch FREE Medical Monitoring Services in Response to COVID-19

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 13:20:00 GMT

We’ve also fast-tracked the SmartMobile App and our new LifeGuard SmartCarer App to help vulnerable people and their families during the current Coronavirus Crisis.

The coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for all, especially for those who are medically vulnerable and for older persons that may now feel cut off from family and friends, carers, or village staff. Whilst social distancing measures are critical to helping protect such people from contracting the virus, they can also have the unintended consequence of isolating them from those they love and rely upon, which can also be harmful.

INS was looking for ways we could do more to help — not only for our current clients but any vulnerable people in the community at a time when family, friends, carers and village staff may not be able to check on them directly. We came up with some free offers outlined below that we believe will help provide security and peace of mind.

As you may know, INS LifeGuard is a leading provider of Emergency Response, Medical Alarms and TeleHealth systems to the retirement village sector in Australia – and one that exclusively employs healthcare professionals to respond to alarms. Our unique product and service offering combined world-class healthcare expertise with unsurpassed technological capabilities.

We’ve urgently worked to bring forward the launch of some new services to assist the community at this critical time and will also commence rolling out additional community support services. To find out more call 1800 636 040 or visit our website https://www.inslifeguard.com.au/

Other Ways INS will Support the Community During COVID-19

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 14:19:00 GMT

LifeGuard’s free Chat Line and Medical Information Line services are being ramped up to deal with the increasing influx of calls from affected clients and their families.

INS is increasing stock of the LifeGuard SmartWatch , a great choice for those who don’t have a mobile or in-home alarm system.

The LifeGuard SmartWatch has many of the same features and functionality as the SmartMobile Alarm System in an easy-to-use watch. You can view our promo video for the LifeGuard SmartWatch here .

INS is also looking to provide TeleHealth / remote virtual consultations via audio/video calls with a GP, psychologist or nurse via the SmartHome Ecosystem in an effort to further increase the support options available for those who are vulnerable at this critical time.

To find out more call 1800 636 040 or visit our website .

Important Message from the Managing Director

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:07:00 GMT

How The INS Group is preparing for the COVID-19 virus outbreak

As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has grown to pandemic levels, I wanted to reach out to share with you the steps we are taking to ensure we continue to serve you during these uncertain times and to provide some peace of mind.

Drawing on over 30 years of experience in assisting clients during what are often urgent and challenging situations, we want to assure you that our foremost concerns are for the health and safety of our vulnerable clients, as well as protecting our staff who provide those critical Emergency Response Services.

Our strategies are focused on three core elements:

1. Supporting our clients

We are constantly updating our strategies to support our clients, particularly those at enhanced risk, such as the elderly or those with chronic conditions.

Currently, we are assessing and providing concerned clients with the latest updates and support when they contact us. Until now, our primary role has included providing reassurance, and in many cases, simply listening where needed.

We are also currently evaluating whether there are any other things we can do to assist our clients, particularly leveraging our SmartHome Ecosystem.

2. The wellbeing of our staff

We have been gradually implementing additional precautionary measures within INS LifeGuard’s Emergency Response Centres.

Our focus is to prevent, limit, or delay any infection of staff and the potential of infection spread. These measures are in line with NSW Health guidelines.

3. Continuity of our Services

We believe it is inevitable that, like all businesses, we will at some point be affected, even with preventative measures in place. Overseas experience and Australian modelling indicate this to be the case.

We anticipate that our operations may at some point be affected, particularly if the clinical staff should become ill or be required to self-isolate under quarantine at home. Should that happen, it will be critically important that we prioritise our Emergency Response Services over all other services.

If and when this occurs, we will need to suspend all non-critical functions. We have a plan for this and hope we never need to enact it.

In addition, we are equipping key staff with the ability to work remotely should they become quarantined and unable to attend work.

Given that the highest impact of the virus will be on the elderly and those with chronic or co-morbidity diseases, it is prudent that we put in place temporary measures to mitigate this risk.

We believe the risk to be too high for the village and aged care residents, as well as for our staff, to continue with village presentations or installations as well as any group meetings.

Therefore, effective 18th March, The INS Group will suspend all presentations and all installations for INS LifeGuard and INS CareCall for one month. We will be available for meetings via video conferencing.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the suspension of presentations and installations, and we hope the suspension of other non-critical services will not be required.

However, I wanted to reach out now to advise you of our plans and hopefully reassure you that we are doing our very best to ensure that, should our clients need our critical services, we will be there for them.

Sincerely,
Claude Rafin, Managing Director
The INS Group

Stock Availability

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 13:04:00 GMT

By now, everyone is aware of the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), which is affecting people on a global scale. Despite our attempts to mitigate any risk to our supply chain, it is now apparent that we will be affected.

We’ve made the decision to protect our staff from exposure to this risk and prevent travel during this time, as well as postponing our assembly factory operations. In speaking to our suppliers, they have shared concerns, and some are carrying out similar measures. Further to this, the movement of components has been restricted due to the limitation of flights from affected areas to Australia.

Unfortunately, this means our stock supply will be delayed. We do carry buffer stock and currently hold enough stock to complete business-as-usual transactions for work that has a valid purchase order and an install booking with us. However, beyond this will be tentatively booking required works.

Thank you for your support during this time, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Want to find out more about our medical alert emergency response managed by nurses, medical devices or personal alarm systems for seniors call 1800 636 040 or visit our website .

Holiday Donation to the Homeless Hub

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 13:00:00 GMT

Pictured from The INS Group are Claude Rafin, Managing Director, and Brendan Rafin, Logistics Supervisor, with the Christmas donations collected from INS staff for the Wollongong Homeless Hub .

The organisation is a one-stop-shop for homelessness resources, helping bridge the gap from homelessness to home for those in our community.

Donations are given out to families and individuals who access their service and make a real difference in their day-to-day lives, providing much-needed essentials during times of need.

We’d like to thank all the staff who donated to this wonderful cause.

Medical Supplies Organised for Affected Wildlife During the Bushfire Crisis

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 12:53:00 GMT

Watching the recent bushfire crisis unfold was devastating for all Australians.

The impact it had on people’s lives was terrible, and the environmental damage was truly hard to comprehend.

One of our team leaders, Ben, and his wife Kelly, both nurses, decided to do something to help.

Ben said, “Knowing people were raising money was great, but there was no immediate relief for all the wildlife affected. So Kelly reached out to friends and previous employers for any assistance with wound and burn care products. A couple of boxes soon turned into five pallets of supplies. She then contacted a few organisations that received no funding and were taking in animals without the equipment or knowledge to properly care for them.”

“We had no way of getting the products to the people that needed them, so we asked Claude and Josh Rafin of The INS Group whether we could borrow the work van. They were more than happy to help out, so we loaded up the van and distributed the products to the affected areas.”

“In doing so, we witnessed the devastation first-hand, including orphaned and injured wildlife. We met with teams of vet nurses from New Zealand and Germany, who were also assisting. Kelly’s knowledge proved invaluable, as this is not something your local vet deals with on a daily basis. The generosity shown has been incredibly heart-warming. Another six pallets arrived, sent directly from a wound care company in Germany after their CEO saw Kelly’s post, which was shared extensively on social media. In total, over 20 pallets of products were collected and distributed to the affected areas.”

During this terrible crisis, everyday Australians pitched in to help and/or donated generously. Thanks, Ben and Kelly, for your efforts to help our precious wildlife.

Bushfire Crisis

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 12:52:00 GMT

What can one say?

I think the whole nation has been shocked by what has been occurring this summer. Just about anyone you speak to has or knows someone who has been affected in some way.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected, and our gratitude also goes to the thousands of firies and emergency personnel who have worked tirelessly to protect the community.

I would also like to thank and congratulate my hardworking INS LifeGuard team, who at times felt overwhelmed with the sheer scope of the disasters, which were occurring in so many locations across the country.

They were responsible for coordinating evacuations from villages and communities, thousands of welfare checks, coordination between clients, village operators, families and emergency response services. Many staff worked through their holidays to assist, and others just pitched in to ensure that those affected knew we were there for them, passing on advice and reassurance.

I would particularly like to thank Josh Rafin, Operations Manager, and Katarina Rafin, Operations Coordinator, for their coordination of our services during those critical and hectic times. Whilst the immediate danger has since passed, the job of supporting and helping people get back on their feet continues.

Please see the article below on how one of our team leaders and his wife organised and delivered medical supplies to help wildlife in need during the crisis.

Manage Concierge Services With Ease

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 12:38:00 GMT

Just a quick reminder that villages can easily manage Concierge Services through the SmartHome Ecosystem, and using this feature is currently absolutely free.

With this service in place, residents can simply press a button to get assistance arranging a wide variety of services, such as home maintenance, health care and home help services, deliveries, personal shopping, etc.

Service requests and fees can be managed directly in the Manager’s Portal. Requests can be handled by village staff directly or automatically sent to your chosen service providers.

Alternatively, INS LifeGuard can provide an optional white labelled phone answering service whereby the calls can be answered in the name of the operator and dealt with by INS (fees apply).

For more information, click the button below.

Environmental & Sustainability Progress

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 12:32:00 GMT

Solar Power and EV Charging

In our last newsletter, we detailed additions to our environmental sustainability program.

We are pleased to say that the installation of our Solar Power Plant has already been completed, as you can see in the picture above. The results have so far exceeded expectations, with the production of clean energy exceeding 95% of previous consumption. We expect that whilst already impressive, this will continue to increase over time.

The first of our AURA charging stations supplied by Evolution for our EV fleet has also been installed and is already being put to good use, as you can see below.

Josh Rafin, INS Operations Manager, charging a car for Matthew Hystek.

Client and Carer Data

In our last newsletter, we also detailed our commitment to electronically collecting client data, moving away from paper-based client information in the future. Over the next couple of months, our staff will reach out to care providers and village managers to assist with this transition.

The INS Group Successfully Completes New Standards Compliance

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 12:19:00 GMT

Further to the story in our previous newsletter regarding quality standards compliance, INS is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed compliance to additional Australian Standards.

So now we can proudly say we adhere to the following standards:

AS/NZS ISO 9001:2016 Quality management systems – Requirements
AS 4607:1999 Personal Response Systems
AS 5205:2019 Australian Health Contact Centres
Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights, 2008
Australian Privacy Principles Act 1988

And we will shortly also comply with ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Information technology – Security techniques – Information security management systems – Requirements.

As providers of care delivered through our qualified health care professionals , we are committed to continuous improvement and providing exceptional service. This is further evidenced by our investments in compliance with Australian/New Zealand Standards.

Our clinical staff also hold registration for their particular clinical endorsement, such as our nurses being registered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Want to find out more about our INS LifeGuard personal in-home or mobile alarms ? Call 1800 636 040 or visit our website .

BaptistCare’s CareCall Emergency Response Service to Join The INS Group

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 12:17:00 GMT

We are delighted to announce that BaptistCare’s CareCall operation is being incorporated into The INS Group.

CareCall provides a full range of personal safety products and services to help older people live independently and safely in their own homes. Within the next few weeks, BaptistCare CareCall will become INS CareCall, a division of The INS Group.

BaptistCare and The INS Group are delighted with the move, which will result in CareCall’s customers being actively monitored by INS LifeGuard’s Emergency Response Centres. This will mean that CareCall’s customers will immediately have access to the benefits of INS LifeGuard’s unique health services, including 24/7 emergency alarm monitoring by qualified health care professionals, chat lines, health information and support, and access to a host of other products and services available through INS LifeGuard .

The INS Group is committed to building upon CareCall’s reputation and principles to add value to all CareCall customers.

The acquisition of CareCall will allow The INS Group to position INS LifeGuard and INS CareCall to focus on their respective core strengths. INS LifeGuard will be responsible for distribution and services relating to its next-generation LifeGuard SmartHome products, health services and ecosystem. INS CareCall will be the vehicle responsible for the supply of all other hardware, including Chiptech, SmartLink, SmartCaller and the LifeGuard L-Series diallers.

All equipment will be monitored by INS LifeGuard’s Emergency Response Centres, with the same unique qualities which INS LifeGuard has been known for since 1984.

Call 1300 599 532 or visit our website to find out more.

INS LifeGuardian Connect® App Release

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:06:00 GMT

The SmartHome Ecosystem has allowed clients’ families, village managers and carers the unique ability to interact with the client and update their information.

This exclusive feature fits into our vision of coordinated care and supported independent living. The use of our Managers and Client Portals has received much positive acclaim, and we will continue to improve them.

We also aim to release the beta version of our new INS LifeGuardian® Connect app in September. Currently, clients and their families/carers can view and interact with messages to the clients SmartHome via our secure, web-based Client Portal. Village Managers can do so through the Manager’s Portal.

Feedback from managers, carers and families has indicated that many would prefer to use a mobile app rather than a website. As a consequence, we have built an Android App (IOS version in development), which adds extensively to the web portal features. Some of these features include:

Of course, the above features require client consent.

We are really excited about the INS LifeGuardian® Connect app. It brings further benefits to the use of the SmartHome Ecosystem.

This is just the start. Clients who have chosen LifeGuard’s SmartHome range of products will continue to see these types of value-added products and services into the future.

* Future development

Find out more by calling 1800 636 040 or visiting the I NS LifeGuardian® Connect app page on our website.

Environmental & Sustainability Policy Changes Coming Soon

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 11:48:00 GMT

Background

New clients joining our service are asked to complete a paper-based Client Information Form which is then sent to INS LifeGuard and entered into our systems. This confidential information may be used by our triage nurses and also passed on to attending emergency services if required.

As clients personal details regularly change, a new form is typically completed by the client, family or representative. This new form is then sent to INS via either postal mail, email attachment, or fax.

This process takes some time for the information to find its way to INS. Furthermore, this results in tens of thousands of paper-based forms being used each year with the resulting environmental impact.

Our New Electronic Data Collection Policy

Effective from 1st October, INS will be phasing out paper-based Client Information Forms and encouraging the electronic capture of client personal information changes through our secure web-based Client and Manager’s Portals as well as our upcoming LifeGuard SmartCarer App , thereby increasing security whilst reducing the use and impact of paper-based forms.

This will apply where a client has a SmartHome IPD , LifeGuard SmartMobile , LifeGuard SmartWatch or LifeGuard SmartHome Mate system, which all support web and mobile app-based electronic information capture.

From this date, we will accept paper-based client information forms for the initial set-up of a new client only. All subsequent updates to client information will then be made through INS’ secure web portals or the LifeGuard SmartCarer App . This approach ensures critical information can be lodged in near-real-time, avoids negatively impacting the environment, and reduces potential privacy issues.

Clients who have non -SmartHome products will need to continue using paper-based Client Information Forms as only SmartHome products support electronic capture.

We believe the above will result in a better, timelier approach to managing client updates. Updates can be performed by clients, their families or representatives (with client consent) using our secure, free Client Portal and LifeGuard SmartCarer App .

We ask for your support in implementing the above through the education of your residents and families.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call 1800 636 226.

Investing in the Future

Our Emergency Response Centre and headquarters is a large consumer of power. As we grow, our power requirements are growing as well. As an Emergency Response Centre, we require uninterrupted, continuous, quality power. Therefore we have mains lead-in, with high-grade UPS as well as a hospital-grade, automated generator. We also have a secondary spare generator on site.

As a responsible family-owned business, we are making further investments and commitments in addition to our current extensive environmental policy.

We are investing in the installation of high capacity Solar Power Generation to our headquarters. This large investment will see us generating over 90% of our own power and ultimately be non-reliant upon coal and grid power.

Furthermore, we are setting a very ambitious target to transition 25% of our current motor vehicle fleet to be fully or hybrid electric vehicles by 2022, with 50% transitioned by 2030. These vehicles would be powered by green energy generated via our own generated solar power.

To assist our employees and customers with moving to EV green energy use, we will also have charging infrastructure installed, which they can use to power their own vehicles.

We are also cutting down on the volume of paper waste generated. We currently generate lots of paper waste through our collection of client information and documentation. We anticipate the above-mentioned electronic data collection policy will reduce paper use by over 75%. Clients, Family and Carers will have the ability to update their information electronically via a variety of mediums from web portals to mobile apps.

To find out more about our services for retirement villages , medical alarms for seniors , medical safety pendant s, home medical alarm s or nurse on call services call 1800 636 040 or visit INS LifeGuard to find out more.

Quality and Standards Truly Do Matter

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 11:38:00 GMT

We are extremely proud of what we do and how we provide our services. Many of our competitors will speak of their adherence to a standard, for instance, AS4607, which relates to Personal Response Systems.

We have never been satisfied with meeting those standards alone, which are nearly 20 years old. We believe we and our staff should aspire to much more. This is why we don’t just meet AS4607, but we also currently adhere to the following additional standards:

And we will also shortly comply with ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Information technology – Security techniques – Information security management systems – Requirements .

On completion, our Standards references will include:

As providers of care delivered through our qualified health care professionals, we are committed to continuous improvement and providing exceptional service.

This is further evidenced by our investments in compliance with Australian/New Zealand Standards.

Our clinical staff also hold registration for their particular clinical endorsement, such as our nurses being registered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

INSider Newsletter Archive

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 04:33:00 GMT

Click to view our newsletter archive for media releases and updates on our products and services. To subscribe and stay up-to-date on the very latest developments, please use the sign-up box found in the lower right corner of any page on this website, or on our Facebook page .

If you would like more information about our independent living products and services call 1800 636 040 or visit INS LifeGuard to find out more.

Thank Goodness for Nurses!

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 01:06:00 GMT

On April 10th, Mrs SB did not want to go to the hospital, but her husband pressed her emergency call button, sending an alarm to one of the INS LifeGuard nurses who are stationed 24/7 to receive duress calls from retirement village residents.

The INS nurse on call professionally assessed the situation and determined that Mrs SB required emergency intervention. She was very resistant to this. However, the nurse spent time convincing and coaching her to agree for INS to arrange the ambulance as soon as possible.

The INS nurse helped ensure a rapid ambulance response, passing on her observations and Mrs SB’s medical information.

This proved critical as Mrs SB had a massive heart attack while ambulance officers were in attendance, and they spent an hour stabilising her before transferring her to ICU.

Mrs SB is now back in her village home recovering. The attending officers commented that the outcome would have been very different had they not been in attendance.

No other village emergency system has committed to providing highly qualified and experienced nurses and other health care professionals, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which is why INS is the first choice for over 30,000 retirement village residents throughout Australia and New Zealand.

An Australian company with over 30 years of village experience, INS will support you to build the optimum medical alarm system with emergency support which your residents will deeply value.

Excerpt from a story first shared in The Weekly SOURCE, July 31, 2019, Edition 645 .

INS is at the RVA NZ Conference

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 01:42:00 GMT

Hello from Brisbane! We’re here at the RVA NZ Conference from 1-3 July, Stand 8. Stop by and say hello — Claude, Jo and Rodney would love to have a chat.

https:// conference.rvanz.org.nz/ site/events/conference/ 2019/

Claude Rafin, Jo Bourke and Rodney Lewton representing INS LifeGuard at the RVA NZ Conference in Brisbane (1-3 July 2019).

With over 30 years of experience, and servicing more than 30,000 independent living units across Australia, we’ve evolved our SmartHome Ecosystem to include 4G technology , features and services that can not only save lives and improve health outcomes but can also future-proof your village.

Our SmartHome Ecosystem can also provide extras such as:

TeleHealth Services – free service, or professional monitoring and review by an RN
Personal Communication Hub – providing residents with telephone and internet services, and audio/video calling with family via our free LifeGuardian Connect app
Home Automation & Security – automatically turn power points and lights on/off, or lock or unlock your doors; monitoring PIR beams and security cameras
Virtual GP Consultations – schedule virtual face-to-face consultations with a GP*
Complete Village Concierge Service – broadcast information, evacuation alerts, concierge services and fee management, update village procedures and protocols
Mobile Alarm Systems – so residents can take their alarm with them wherever they go

Call 1800 636 226 or visit our retirement village first call medical alarms page to find out more.

INS is at the Leaders Summit

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 23:01:00 GMT

INS is a proud sponsor of the Leaders Summit, the Village and Care sectors’ peak strategic meeting for senior executives. We are attending this year’s summit, held 21-22 March at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney. If you’re planning to attend, we invite you to stop by and say hello, and have a look at our new products. Our booth is in the foyer just outside the grand ballroom, so you can’t miss us!

Claude Rafin, Managing Director of The INS Group, will also be chairing a break-out session on Thursday at 2:45 pm.

Jo Bourke, Business Development Manager, and Trevor Burson, Business Projects Manager, representing INS LifeGuard at this year’s Leaders Summit.

Today’s village residents expect the very latest and best in-home 4G emergency response technology available. Their families expect even more. They expect a duty of care and ease of communication. They want to know their loved ones are protected by the best technology available, and they want assurance that when their loved ones press the HELP button, they’re getting the best, most qualified response possible.

Our Emergency Response Centre is staffed by highly qualified, experienced nurses and other healthcare professionals – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We know of no other company that can make that claim.

Call 1800 636 040 or visit INS LifeGuard to find out more.

INS was a delegate at the 4th World Health Organisation Global Forum on Medical Devices

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 11:16:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard was a delegate at the 4th WHO Global Forum on Medical Devices , held 13-15 December 2018 in India.

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, along with the World Health Organisation, welcomed participants and delegates to the event, held at AMTZ-Kalam Convention Centre, Visakhapatnam.

The purpose of this forum is to disseminate and share information on medical devices and to improve access to safe, effective, innovative, accessible, affordable, and appropriate medical devices.

Representing the INS Group were Claude Rafin, Managing Director; Carolina Rafin, Clinical Director; and Brendan Rafin, Logistics and Operations Deputy Manager.

They joined delegates from around the world to discuss new technologies in the field of medtech. “It was a wonderful experience and a privilege to have been invited,” Claude said.

Over 1500 people attended the event. INS had the privilege of being the only delegate from Australia in our field.

For more information, visit https://www.who.int/health-topics/medical-devices .

L-R: Brendan Rafin (Logistics and Operations Deputy Manager), Claude Rafin (Managing Director), and Carolina Rafin (Clinical Director) of The INS Group, pictured with delegates from India.

Changes allow clients to record vital signs without requiring our optional TeleHealth Service

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 06:35:00 GMT

Until now, the addition of our optional TeleHealth Service was required to be able to record and view vital sign measurements using any of our alarm systems. Whilst this ability would be a great benefit to many of our clients, some simply cannot afford to add the TeleHealth Service option.

As a result of client feedback, and our desire to continually improve the health and wellbeing of our clients, we have made significant changes to our TeleHealth and vital sign offerings.

Our LifeGuard SmartMobile or SmartMobile App and the LifeGuard SmartHome Mate will now allow clients to record their vital signs — either wirelessly using our approved range of monitors (e.g. blood pressure, blood sugar levels, pulse, temperature, weight, and ECG) or manually using their existing equipment.

The data will be stored and can be accessed at any time via our free Client Web Portal. An electronic report can then be shared with the client’s treating physician or others if required.

This new feature will be offered free as part of our LifeGuard SmartMobile or SmartMobile App and LifeGuard SmartHome Mate platforms.

Of course, clients who wish to use LifeGuard’s professional TeleHealth Service, which includes monitoring of the readings, reviews, and video consults with an RN, GP reporting and more, can still choose to take up that optional service.

Call 1800 636 040 or visit INS LifeGuard to find out more.

INS Hosted a Delegation from Thailand

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 23:27:00 GMT

INS hosted a visiting delegation from Thailand on Friday, 13th July 2018.

The group, known as Universal Design Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, included over 30 Thai government representatives, professors, developers, marketers and others who were interested in Independent Living in Australia and the adoption of technology within retirement villages and aged care .

INS arranged for the presentation to be held at Baldwin Care, Seabeach Gardens, Mona Vale. Paul Burkett, CEO of Baldwin, also presented and took the group for a walk around the village.

We received tremendous feedback, with quite a few delegates commenting that the presentation was immensely interesting and worthwhile.

A number of leads were generated, and the group kindly provided these photos from the event.

Members of the Thai Delegation with Claude Rafin, Managing Director of The INS Group (centre) and Paul Burkett, CEO of Baldwin Care (right).

Claude Rafin, Managing Director of The INS Group, gives a presentation on our LifeGuard SmartHome System.

Our Aged Care Nurse Call Solution has been a great success!

Thu, 24 May 2018 10:34:00 GMT

During 2017, the INS Group released its new SmartHome Nurse Call Ecosystem to a number of Arvida New Zealand sites as part of beta trials. These trials saw INS install new generation, low cost, wireless nurse call systems into a number of aged care sites in New Zealand.

The system saw a fundamental shift in the technology provided so that it supported on-site staff and reflected current care practices.
Apart from the ability to monitor bedside and wearable patient sensors as well as alarm buttons monitored via bedside SmartHome units, the system also included mobile handsets for staff to call and speak to the resident from wherever the carer was in the facility, take care notes, provide automatic logging and attendance, escalations, and more.

The system also allowed audio and video communication from the bedside. This ensured that appropriate prioritisation of responses occurred. Automatic collection of vital signs and other data at the bedside was just part of the innovation delivered. We are happy to say that Arvida has embraced the new technology, and further roll-outs to other facilities are now occurring.

The new SmartHome Aged Care Nurse Call system is now also available within Australia. If you have a co-located site and are thinking of replacing an outdated system, we encourage you to compare our new solution.

For more information on LifeGuard’s Nurse Call solution, call 1800 636 226 if you’d like a custom proposal created for your organisation.

The INS Transition Scheme has ended

Thu, 24 May 2018 10:30:00 GMT

Over the course of about 18 months, INS replaced some 15,000 older medical alarms across Australia, which may not have been compatible with the NBN, with our next generation SmartHome IPD systems . This was an enormous challenge for all our team.

The main challenge was to ensure we visited any clients potentially impacted and replaced their equipment before they connected to the NBN. Further challenges included maintaining our high standards in installation practices, ensuring adequate client engagement, and dealing with locations with inadequate mobile network coverage. In some cases, this required multiple visits.

I am delighted to say that even with the challenges we faced, we have achieved over a 96% satisfaction rating from our client feedback surveys. Whilst one might be satisfied with such a result, we always aspire to do better.

Of the 4% remaining, a major proportion of those were due to coverage issues across the 3G mobile network. Some six months ago, we released a cost-effective 4G/LTE version of the SmartHome IPD (V2) to reduce issues with 3G connectivity. We also developed a replacement module to upgrade existing 3G SmartHome units.

To our knowledge, the SmartHome IPD is the only medical alarm capable of a 4G/LTE connection in the market. The introduction of the SmartHome 4G medical equipment has been seen as a big improvement in network connectivity and quality.

Find out more by calling 1800 636 040 or visiting the INS LifeGuard website.

INS LifeGuard is pleased to be a Finalist for Innovation in the National Retirement Living Awards 2017

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 05:31:00 GMT

The Retirement Living Council recognises high achievement across the entire breadth of the retirement living sector, incorporating design, innovation, refurbishment and sales & marketing.

The annual awards will recognise the excellence of companies that are seeking to provide senior Australians with the quality experience they are seeking in their retirement years.

INS LifeGuard is pleased to have been chosen as a Finalist in the category of Retirement Living Innovation. The Retirement Living Awards will be held on Monday, 27th November 2017, at the Sheraton Grand Mirage on the Gold Coast beginning at 7:00 pm.

Tickets to the National Retirement Living Awards can be purchased separately or as part of full conference registration for the National Retirement Living Summit.

For more information, visit www.retirementlivingawards.com.au .

To find out more about retirement living services and products call 1800 636 040 or visit INS LifeGuard's Retirement Villages page.

Mobile Alarm Systems

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 22:52:00 GMT

We offer three unique types of Mobile Personal Alarm Systems – so there’s sure to be one that suits you. Remain independent; free to go wherever you like, and do the things you love, without causing your loved ones to worry with a Mobile Alarm System from INS LifeGuard. With the press of a button, you’re in contact with an experienced nurse – wherever you are. That’s unique to INS LifeGuard!

Unlike systems that depend on a friend or family member being available when you need help, our systems send an alarm through to a nurse in our 24/7 Emergency Response Centre – so help is always available. The nurse can speak with you via speakerphone and assess the situation. The built-in GPS locator ensures we’ll be able to locate you in an emergency and send help at once – even if you’re not able to respond.

LifeGuard SmartMobile App

Simply download our app for your existing Android compatible phone and you’ve got all the features of our standard emergency alarm system even when you’re not at home. For a limited time new LifeGuard Mobile customers can get a one month free trial, as well as reduced establishment and monthly monitoring fees (for the first 12 months). From just $8 per month, you can feel safe and secure knowing you can take your alarm system with you wherever you go.

LifeGuard SmartTracker

Available 1st December, this device is perfect for seniors who like to be independent and active, and is also useful for child safety. It is a stylish pendant that works using the same cellular phone technology as a mobile phone, but without the complicated features. Simply press a button to send an alarm to a nurse in our 24/7 Emergency Response Centre. It also functions as a fall detector, and has a docking station for easy charging.

LifeGuard SafetyWatch

The very latest in wearable technology. More than just a watch, this device is also a mobile alarm, GPS tracker/locator, and even functions as a mobile phone.

Click the button below to download a flyer for more information on our mobile alarm systems.

4G/LTE is Now Available!

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 05:41:00 GMT

We’re excited to announce that 4G/LTE is now available on the LifeGuard SmartHome system. We have invested heavily to make this happen – to our knowledge this is the first 4G/LTE offering in the medical monitoring market across M2M SIMs. It’s particularly significant as 4G/LTE promises better speeds and penetration into buildings. The additional network speed will be useful for conducting video consultations and other TeleHealth services , whilst 4G/LTE can also assist in getting signals into buildings where 3G cannot.

INS LifeGuard will continue to lead and innovate, bringing you the very best mix of medical alarm 4G technologies and services.

Claude Rafin presenting to key leaders in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 08:28:00 GMT

On the 20th of November, Claude Rafin, Managing Director of The INS Group , will be presenting to key government and business leaders in Kuala Lumpur.

Claude will be discussing how INS innovated the delivery of community care services, as well as the implementation of its technologies into aged care facilities and independent living sites across Malaysia.

Evacuation Alerts via the IPD are a Real Game-Changer!

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 07:38:00 GMT

Feedback from village managers has indicated they’re very appreciative of the additional features available in the Manager’s Portal – in particular, issuing automated evacuation alerts and evacuation drills .

Staff no longer have to call each individual resident, which was not only limiting but very time-consuming. Issuing evacuation alerts via the Manager’s Portal has been a real time-saver. In addition to sending alerts quickly, village managers can also track who has received the notification and whether they’ve indicated they’re able to respond. This system has already been used on a number of occasions successfully.

We’re pleased that this has been very useful and will continue to develop new features and improvements based on feedback from our clients going forward.

Looking to find out more? Call 1800 636 040 or visit the INS LifeGuard website here .

Claude Rafin represents at Australian Business Week in India (ABWI)

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 06:31:00 GMT

Claude and Carolina Rafin took part in the second ABWI, which took place in India from 28 August to 1 September 2017.

They accompanied the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Claude said, “I had the privilege of visiting new Delhi and Bangalore, India, for the ABWI to foster trade and innovation within life sciences and health care, together with some 100 other Australian business leaders (20 of whom were in the life sciences stream). Amongst many site visits, I was struck by the sheer enormity of the task of providing health care to the vast population of India and how their top hospital administrators and government are making such a huge difference.

“I met the inspirational Dr Devi Prasad Shetty of Narayana Health Care Group. Dr Shetty is a cardiac surgeon who established what is now a multi-city hospital group providing high quality, low-cost surgeries. As one example, with one hospital alone they conduct 60 odd complex heart surgeries per day. Dr Shetty, through innovation, has reduced the cost of these surgeries by over 50% without affecting quality and health outcomes. His group are doing some amazing work.

“I also had the pleasure of visiting Tata Elxsi in Bangalore. Tata Group is a worldwide phenomenon, having interests in steel, transport, health, the arts, engineering, innovation and design, housing and much more. I visited their innovation campus and saw several of their cutting edge innovations in artificial intelligence, motor vehicle driving automation, CGI and much more.

“INS is currently collaborating with some Indian organisations. A number of presentations and discussions were had with the Indian government and businesses to facilitate partnership opportunities. Stay tuned for some really exciting news.

“I trust you enjoy reading the newsletter. You will find below some really exciting new services and technology releases. In particular, our new SmartHome ecosystem continues to evolve and add valuable ageing-in-place functions. I thank you for your continuing support of our group.”

Click here to see more pictures of the ABWI event.

Over 1,500 people attended the event, and INS had the privilege of being the only delegate from Australia in our field.

Looking to find out more about our service and products? Call 1800 636 040 or visit the INS LifeGuard website here .

Single Largest Roll-Out of TeleHealth Enabled Systems in Australia*

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 02:28:00 GMT

About 18 months ago, INS LifeGuard started rolling out our newest converged Personal Medical Alarm / TeleHealth systems known as the LifeGuard SmartHome IP Dialler throughout Australia.

Since then, we’ve installed these new systems in about 20,000 private homes and independent living units, replacing their old analogue alarm systems. Customer Satisfaction Surveys indicate a 96% overall satisfaction rate with the transition to date.

We’re excited to announce that soon Community Care Providers will also be able to provide their own TeleHealth, Remote Care and Concierge services directly to their CDC and NDIS clients via the SmartHome systems that are now already in place.

Previously, these services needed to be provided by INS LifeGuard’s clinicians via our Emergency Response Centre or required expensive, additional hardware. The fact that this service will leverage existing LifeGuard SmartHome IP Diallers in clients’ homes also means no additional hardware or network connection costs may be required to provide TeleHealth services. This potentially will save providers thousands of dollars and make TeleHealth both affordable and mainstream.

We’ve received positive feedback from Village Managers and Care Providers on some of the exciting new embedded features of this new system, such as the Managers and Client web portals.

For example, the Client Portal empowers clients to control their personal information held by INS LifeGuard, and the Manager’s Portal allows village managers and community care providers to:

There are more innovations to come, so watch this space!

Looking to find out more? Call 1800 636 040 or visit the INS LifeGuard retirement village page here.

Alarm Systems for Aged and High Care Facilities

Sat, 27 May 2017 05:26:00 GMT

We are delighted to announce that INS will begin supplying our technologies to aged and high care facilities across Australia and New Zealand starting in a few months.

We’re currently in negotiations for the first such installation of our LifeGuard SmartHome technology in an aged care facility in New Zealand and will be working closely with their staff to ensure the system provides many unique benefits.

The LifeGuard SmartHome system for aged and high care is a comprehensive system that includes our new LifeGuard SmartHome IP Diallers , personal transmitters and fall sensors , call points for en suites, and over-door or hallway monitors to alert staff to a patient requiring their attention.

Facility staff can be supplied with handsets that allows them to conduct audio/video patient calls from their current location and triage and prioritise any events prior to responding. They can even read and write notes on the handset, record vital signs and write bedside notes, as well as initiating a “nurse assist” alarm to seek assistance from other staff.

If interested in learning more, call us on 1800 636 226 (AU) or 09 281 4075 (NZ). Or visit the INS LifeGuard website .

Manager Portal Enhancements

Fri, 26 May 2017 08:02:00 GMT

We’ve made further improvements and added new features to the Manager’s Portal, including:

We’ve had some really good feedback regarding this portal, including this kind comment:

“You have always been the forerunner in your industry, and I see you still continue in that vein. The work that goes into staying at the top of the game in innovation and standards is immense, and I wish you and your whole team continued success as you roll out the changes to benefit our residents and their families.” — Susan Malone, Managing Director, IM Group

We appreciate feedback from those using the Manager’s Portal and will continue to make improvements to ensure we’re providing the features and benefits you need.

For further information, click the button below to view a flyer on the Manager’s Portal.

To view a flyer on the Client’s Portal, click the button below.

The LifeGuard Manager’s Portal allows village and community care managers to update the information held by INS LifeGuard, broadcast information to residents/clients, send evacuation alerts, generate reports, and so much more.

Call 1800 636 040 or visit INS LifeGuard to find out more.

LifeGuard SmartHome Concierge

Fri, 26 May 2017 05:22:00 GMT

Future-Proof your village

Today’s residents in village communities expect the latest in in-home technology. Their families expect more. They expect a duty of care and they expect ease of communications. Operators have to balance these customer expectations with the realities of village management.

INS has over 30 years’ experience, and services more than 30,000 independent living units across Australia. We have evolved the LifeGuard SmartHome Concierge solution to include four main components:

Personal Emergency Support

TeleHealth / Virtual Care Services

Complete Village / Care Manager Concierge System

Personal Communication Hub

Contact INS for more information on 1800 636 226 (AU) or 09 281 4075 (NZ).

Our World-Class Medical Alarm and TeleHealth System is now available in New Zealand

Thu, 25 May 2017 07:52:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard is a family-owned Australian Health Care Company and a leading provider of Emergency Response, Medical Alarm and TeleHealth systems — the only one that exclusively employs health care professionals to respond to all alarms. And now, we’re excited to be bringing our innovative products and services to New Zealand.

Our new LifeGuard SmartHome IPD is a unique, patented system that can put Personal Emergency Response, TeleHealth, Virtual Nurse or GP Consults, Home Automation, Voice and Internet services, Social Networking and much more right at your fingertips. It consists of a purpose-built computer that wirelessly sends and receives signals to and from various transmitters and assists with monitoring a person’s health, right in their own home.

Since its release, we have continued to add functions, features and improvements over the air whilst also addressing feedback we continue to receive from our valued clients. I am pleased to say that the response to the SmartHome IP Dialler has been amazing, with many new clients coming on board.

The fact that all medical events are handled by qualified nurses is unique to INS LifeGuard, and we feel it’s an important distinction. It means emergency personnel can be engaged quickly if required, and our nurses can not only share personal details but also medical information that could save a life.

If you’d like to know more, please call 1800 636 226 (AU), 09 281 4075 (NZ).

Provide TeleHealth to your clients without buying new equipment or software

Thu, 25 May 2017 05:13:00 GMT

Today’s care recipients are involved in directing their own care and expect more from their healthcare providers. TeleHealth offers significant benefits to healthcare professionals and care recipients alike. TeleHealth services let you connect with clients in their own homes, improve clinical workflows, and triage and prioritise care delivery. Clients can receive more frequent visits/follow-ups and better outcomes because of timelier access to health care professionals.

INS is developing an option for community aged and disability care providers to provide their own TeleHealth / virtual care services via the client’s existing LifeGuard SmartHome IP Dialler. Finally, TeleHealth services can be made available to the masses, moving us away from never-ending pilots.

By leveraging the existing equipment already installed in the client’s home, there is no need for additional equipment, software, education, or worrying about additional mobile or internet connections — it’s already in place! Even if your clients don’t currently have the LifeGuard SmartHome IP Dialler, it can be funded under their current community or disability care packages.

By using TeleHealth services for clinical appointments and consultations, your organisation can enjoy significant savings in care costs, such as travel, while providing even more services under their current care packages. If you’d like more information, call 1800 636 226 (AU), 09 281 4075 (NZ) or visit the INS LifeGuard website .

We’re a Finalist for Innovation of the Year at the 5th Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards held in Singapore

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 07:48:00 GMT

The INS Group is honoured to have been selected as a finalist for the 5th Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards 2017 for the LifeGuard SmartHome IP Dialler .

The first of its kind in the Asia Pacific region, the Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards aim to recognise the best in health and elderly care and to applaud organisations that have displayed innovative contributions to change the way the region’s seniors age and to shape the future of the ageing landscape.

This year, the awards received a total of over 190 entries from Australia, China, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Thailand and The United Kingdom.

To find out more call 1800 636 040 or visit our website: INS LifeGuard .

Short-Term Virtual Care / TeleHealth

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 07:09:00 GMT

For those residents with short-term, chronic conditions or who may have recently come home from the hospital and require monitoring by a nurse, we can now offer our TeleHealth Service on a short-term basis.

On request, we’ll loan your village a set of medical devices that residents can use to collect vital signs. The readings are transmitted to a Nurse in our Emergency Response Centre for monitoring.

The kit includes a Blood Glucose (BSL) Monitor , Blood Pressure Monitor , Ear and Forehead Thermometer , SpO2 Pulse Oximeter (hand-held), and a Weight Scale .

Residents can then request the TeleHealth service — whether for a few weeks or a few months. There is no cost to the village for the loan of the equipment. The resident would pay a small monthly fee for the service.

For more information, call 1800 636 226 or visit the INS LifeGuard website.

Residents’ transmitters will now work in common areas such as community centres

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 04:56:00 GMT

Available Now! Requires our new LifeGuard SmartHome IP Dialler.

Yet another benefit to switching your old analogue equipment over to our new LifeGuard SmartHome IP Dialler (IPD) is that your residents’ personal transmitters (neck pendants, wrist transmitters, or fall sensors) will also work when they are in common areas that have the IPD.

Just like their personal units, the community centre IPD will be able to identify which resident pressed the alarm and display the residents’ personal and medical details to our nurses.

We can speak to the resident (and any others nearby) via the unit’s speakerphone.

The activated transmitters do need to be within range of the Community Centre IPD, and we recommend that village management check coverage and purchase a range extender, if need be, to ensure the best coverage.

Of course, residents can still use any existing call points or transmitters that may already be in the community centres or press the Help button on the unit itself.

To activate this new free feature, simply contact us on 1800 636 040 and request it.

To find out more about the INS LifeGuard personal alarms , medical alarms, pendant alarms and nurse on call services , visit the INS LifeGuard website.

We’re expanding to New Zealand!

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 12:56:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard is pleased to announce we’re opening a branch office in Auckland, New Zealand.

The unique, patented products and services that have made INS the leader in providing Medical Alarm and Virtual Care services to the independent retirement living sector in Australia will be available in New Zealand from March 2017.

At INS, our focus has always been on delivering quality services tailored to our clients’ needs. We develop products and services that enable people to remain living at home for longer whilst helping them manage any chronic health conditions.

We take great pride in the fact that all alarms are handled by qualified nurses — that’s unique to INS LifeGuard.

We’re thrilled to bring those same benefits leading to improved health, independence and greater security and wellbeing to New Zealand residents. With New Zealand medical alarms, New Zealand Personal Alarms and New Zealand Nurse on Call Services.

The Client Portal is Now Available

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 12:54:00 GMT

The new LifeGuard SmartHome Client Portal is now available.

This is a secure intranet site where clients, their carers and/or other authorised parties can log in and update their information, avoiding the need for completing paper-based forms.

In line with Consumer Directed Care, this empowers clients by allowing them to control and update their own information held by INS LifeGuard . They can update personal details, including home and mobile phone numbers, property details (such as security key holder code), GP and Pharmacy details, medical information and more.

Future development will also allow clients to set up their own tasks and reminders as needed and will be linked to the Commonwealth’s electronic My Health Record.

Click the button below to view the flyer. Clients can request access to the portal by calling 1800 636 226.

Message from the Managing Director

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 12:51:00 GMT

Wow, Christmas is almost upon us, and 2017 is fast approaching. Where did 2016 go?

2016 has been an extremely busy year for all of us at INS. I am delighted to say that my extremely talented and dedicated team have once again surpassed all expectations.

The beginning of 2016 saw us release our world-first SmartHome IP Dialler . As we have done many times before, with its release, we again disrupted the whole industry.

The IP Dialler encompasses many included technologies and features, which we are now able to leverage to provide a vast number of additional services to our clients, their caregivers, and village managers. As health care providers, we are really excited to be able to offer these additional services to our clients.

Since its release, we have continued to add functions, features and improvements over the air whilst also addressing feedback we continue to receive from our valued clients.

I am pleased to say that the response to the SmartHome IP Dialler has been amazing, with many new clients coming on board.

Of course, to be a true client-centred technology driving positive health, wellness and security, it is important that we continue to leverage the unique ability of the IP Dialler in acting as a home health gateway. As you will see below, the release of the Village Manager’s Portal and, more recently, the client portal provides a unique ability to interact with clients in their homes – providing information, messages, tasks and reminders, emergency evacuations and much, much more. It also empowers clients with the ability to update their personal and medical details themselves at any time.

We recognise that many clients are struggling financially – for many, the cost of maintaining a telephone line, let alone internet service, is unbearable. So we also released low-cost options for clients to maintain a telephone service as well as an internet browsing service through the SmartHome IP Dialler.

2016 saw us also embark on a massive undertaking to replace most of our current analogue medical alarm units across the country with the new SmartHome IP Dialler under a subsidised scheme.

This has been necessary as the roll-out of the NBN across the country will impact the proper operation (in most cases) of the older analogue technology. The SmartHome IPD overcomes this problem as it can also connect via 3G/GSM network. Indeed it can connect via various technologies, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.

This transitional undertaking has been an enormous task which we are hoping to complete by the end of 2017. Recently the scheme has also been made available to some sites which are currently monitoring their own medical alarms on site. There are terms and conditions involved. However, I recommend that if your village is currently monitoring on-site, talk to us and see if you qualify for inclusion in the scheme.

Of course, we can’t sit on our hands. Innovation never stops with my team at INS. Going into 2017, we have a number of new and exciting products and services being released. Some we can’t yet disclose (sorry), but as you will see below, our range of Wi-Fi doorbells and cameras, as well as smart call point hubs, are all planned for release in early 2017. You will find further details below. Further enhancements such as Voice Activation of the SmartHome IP Dialler and an ability for residents to use their personal pendants within on-site community centres are also in development.

Early 2017 will see us release an optional 3G/GMS/4G/LTE edition of the SmartHome IP Dialler. This will support clients who wish to utilise the SmartHome IPD as an internet browsing hub, using the in-built Wi-Fi to connect other devices in the home for faster browsing. It will also support clients who regularly require video communication with INS via our TeleHealth/Virtual Care Services or in areas where the current 3G network access is limited.

March/April 2017 will also see us commence services in New Zealand with the launch of INS LifeGuard NZ. I am really excited about this as we will no doubt shake up the market as we did in Australia through our unique health, wellness and prevention-based services and exclusive technologies.

All in all, 2017 promises to be a very exciting year. I wish you and all your families a very safe, prosperous and joyous Christmas, and I thank all of our clients for their continued trust and support.

Merry Christmas.

Claude Rafin, Managing Director
The INS Group

LifeGuard SmartHome IPD Roll-Out

Sun, 14 Aug 2016 12:46:00 GMT

Last December, we announced the roll-out of our exciting new converged Medical Alarm and TeleHealth System called the LifeGuard SmartHome IP Dialler (IPD) .

Featuring a dock with a purpose-built tablet and telephone, it still provides the superior quality Emergency Alarm service you’ve come to expect from INS LifeGuard. But now, we can offer exciting additional, optional assistive technologies and services to benefit village and community care residents , as well as management.

Upgrade to the new system with the INS Transition Scheme

We’ve developed the INS Transition Scheme, which will run over a 36 month period and offer eligible clients the opportunity to upgrade their current analogue-based Medical Alarms to our new SmartHome IP Dialler.

There is no cost to upgrade the equipment via this scheme for eligible clients.

With about 2,000 successful transitions completed in the first few months of the scheme, resident surveys returned to date indicate an overall satisfaction rate of 98% . Even if you’re not currently a customer of INS LifeGuard, please don’t hesitate to call us to find out how we can help you.

If you’re already an INS customer, one of our representatives will contact you soon (if they haven’t already) to organise a suitable date and time to discuss eligibility requirements and details of the transition scheme.

As the new devices use a SIM card across our Mobile network provider, our INS representative will also assess network coverage at the village and determine whether your village will require antennas to ensure the highest quality service possible, as well as look at requirements to convert any smoke detectors , call points , community centres and other ancillary devices.

Your residents will then need to be advised of the transition scheme as soon as possible. It is important that you advise INS LifeGuard of the intent to proceed or not proceed as soon as possible.

About two to three weeks before our technicians are in your area, we’ll call you to schedule the transition of your old devices to the new IPD. You can advise the date you would prefer and we will endeavour to meet your request.

As part of the installation process, our technician will spend time showing your residents how the new device works and answer any questions you or they may have. They will leave some paperwork with your residents that needs to be completed and returned to our office, including an updated Client Information Form and Customer Feedback Survey.

Additionally, with our new Client and Manager’s Portals, clients can securely update their details held by INS electronically. Village management can do so as well, with appropriate client/resident consent, avoiding the need for completing paper-based forms.

Once the transition to the LifeGuard SmartHome IPD has occurred, there will be a small monthly cost for the 3G mobile SIM.

We look forward to sharing this exciting offer with you and your residents.

Please call 1800 636 226 for more information or to book your village for the Transition Scheme.

The Manager’s Portal is here; try the Premium Service now for free!

Thu, 04 Aug 2016 12:43:00 GMT

The new LifeGuard SmartHome Manager’s Portal is an innovative, secure intranet site that allows village and community care managers to update the information held by INS LifeGuard , broadcast information to residents/clients , generate reports and so much more.*

We’re so confident you’ll love this service that we’re offering a 6-month free trial. After the trial period, the Premium Service will incur a small annual fee per unit, or you can choose to continue on the free service.

For more information, view or download the information flyer by clicking here. Call 1800 636 226 to start your free trial.

* A Client Portal is also planned to allow clients to update details themselves.

LifeGuard SmartHome IPD Roll-Out

Thu, 04 Aug 2016 01:40:00 GMT

Last December we announced the roll-out of our exciting new converged Medical Alarm and TeleHealth System called the LifeGuard SmartHome IP Dialler (IPD). Featuring a dock with a purpose-built tablet and telephone, it still provides the superior quality Emergency Alarm service you’ve come to expect from INS LifeGuard, but now we can offer exciting additional, optional assistive technologies and services to benefit village and community care residents, as well as management.

What’s different about this new device?

Aside from all the optional services we can now offer, the biggest difference is your residents will no longer require a telephone line for their emergency alarm to work. The LifeGuard SmartHome IPD features a built-in M2M SIM card, so it operates independently from any telephone or broadband service. It can also operate off an existing Ethernet or WiFi connection with the included M2M mobile SIM as a back-up.

To find out more visit the INS LifeGuard website or call 1800 636 040.

INS LifeGuard featured in Weekly SOURCE

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 12:36:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard was pleased to be featured in the Weekly Source, April 7, 2016 (Edition 451).

Southern Cross Care article on INS LifeGuard

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 12:27:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard was delighted to be featured in an article by Retirement Living Units Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) shared by Anne Newman, Administrative Support Officer.

It states, “We selected the LifeGuard system because it uses only qualified or enrolled nurses to monitor calls and quickly assesses each situation, immediately summoning ambulances, fire or police as required.

The INS system installation was successfully transitioned through all but one village from February through to June 2015. Benefits to date include streamlined emergency call procedures, improved turnaround times for ambulances to attend and most importantly, a new level of reassurance for residents.

“While help is being dispatched, the operator remains in constant contact with the caller, continuously monitoring the situation to assess if the situation is becoming more serious. One of our clients, Josephine Zaslowski, a Retirement Living resident from Nordby in West Pennant Hills, found help was just a button call away.”

The full article appears below, including Josephine’s testimonial.

Find out more about INS LifeGuard by visiting our website here or calling 1800 636 040

INS LifeGuard again disrupts the Medical Alarm Industry

Fri, 18 Dec 2015 11:58:00 GMT

Announcing the release of our new converged Medical Alarm, TeleHealth system, and optional Assistive Technologies and Services.

INS LifeGuard is part of The INS Group, a leading Australian Health Services company dedicated to delivering quality care to support people living at home.

Established in 1984, The INS Group provides integrated Health Care and eHealth Services throughout Australia, specialising in:

Our newest Medical Alarm system is still monitored exclusively by experienced nurses and now offers many optional services for ageing-in-place.

Our next generation of patented medical alarm systems is known as the LifeGuard SmartHome IP Dialler (or IPD) . It features a dock with a purpose-built tablet and telephone. So, in addition to the only Medical Alarm system monitored by experienced nurses, we can now offer so many exciting optional services to assist village residents.

These services can be switched on at any time as required and include such things as:

Benefits to Villages and Community Care Organisations

Mobile Alarm Systems

The fact that all alarms are answered by experienced nurses is unique to INS LifeGuard, and it’s an important distinction. Emergency personnel are engaged quickly if required, and the nurses can not only share personal details but also medical information that could save a life.

Over the past few months, INS LifeGuard has been deploying its new technologies and services to various sites around the country with very positive feedback.

Claude Rafin, Managing Director of The INS Group, stated, “The SmartHome IPD has been a long time in development, and we’re very proud of it. Our team has worked hard to develop products and services that enable people to remain living at home for longer whilst helping them manage any chronic health conditions. Importantly the SmartHome IPD can directly replace analogue-based Medical Alarm systems, is fully NBN compatible, and inexpensive, yet still offers clients many additional benefits leading to improved health, independence, and greater security and wellbeing.”

The INS Group is a wholly Australian, family-owned business.

INS LifeGuard featured on Pulse+IT

Tue, 08 Dec 2015 23:26:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard was featured on the Pulse+IT website (eHealth and Health IT Magazine) for our newest converged medical alarm and telehealth platform. You can view the article here, and a copy is provided below as well. We’re also featured in their Directory Listings, and you can view that listing here .

INS LifeGuard again disrupts the Medical Alarm Industry

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 11:50:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard has developed its next generation of patented, converged Medical Alarm and TeleHealth systems.

Known as the LifeGuard SmartHome IP Dialler (or IPD) , it features a dock with a purpose-built tablet and telephone. So we can offer so many exciting optional assistive technologies and services, such as Telephone Service , Internet Browsing, TeleHealth Services , Virtual GP Consultations, My Concierge service, and even Home Automation & Security functions.

Several villages across the country and many individual clients have already had the new system installed with great results.

We have also already connected a number of villages with our managed Voice and Internet services across our network utilising our LifeGuard SmartHome IPD. We have done this across the Villages’ physical cabling where possible, as well as across our hi-grade meshed site-wide Wi-Fi access points.

This has provided village residents with extremely low-cost, yet high-quality Telephone and Internet services, whilst also supplying a high-quality network, with built-in redundancies, suitable for connecting our Medical Alarms to.

The LifeGuard SmartHome IPD also provides the Village Manager or Care Manager with the ability to post important messages to their clients and receive real-time reporting.

Claude Rafin, Managing Director, stated, “The SmartHome IPD has been a long time in development, and we’re very proud of it. Our team has worked hard to develop products and services that enable people to remain living at home for longer whilst helping them manage any chronic health conditions. Importantly, the LifeGuard SmartHome IPD can directly replace analogue-based Medical Alarm systems, is fully NBN compatible, inexpensive, yet still offers clients many additional benefits leading to improved health, independence and greater security and wellbeing.”

The LifeGuard SmartHome IPD features a built-in M2M SIM card, eliminating the need for a home telephone line. It can also operate off an existing Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection with the M2M SIM as a backup. The services can be covered under CDC or NDIS funding assistive technology models, and assistance with case management can be provided through a free online reporting and review portal.

For more information, call 1800 636 226.

IRT City Beach Seniors Retirement and Lifestyle Expo

Sun, 22 Nov 2015 23:27:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard will be at the IRT City Beach Seniors Retirement and Lifestyle Expo at City Beach Function Centre Wollongong on Sunday, February 28 between 10am and 3pm. If you’re planning to attend, we hope you’ll stop and visit us.

INS LifeGuard featured on Pulse+IT

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 11:54:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard was featured on the Pulse+IT website (eHealth and Health IT Magazine) for our newest converged medical alarm and telehealth platform .

INS at the Leaders Summit 2015

Sun, 08 Mar 2015 23:28:00 GMT

INS is a Gold Sponsor of this year’s Leaders Summit, held 19-20 March at the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney.

The Leaders Summit is described as “The meeting of Leaders for the Australasian Village and Aged Care Sectors. Stop by and chat, we’d love to meet you."

For more information on the Leaders Summit, click here .

Your Own Personal Nurse On-Call 24/7

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 11:40:00 GMT

Now those with chronic medical conditions can have their health and wellbeing monitored by a qualified nurse 24/7 right in the comfort of their own home. They can take and record vital signs, which are monitored by nurses in our Emergency Response Centre, and schedule regular virtual nursing reviews and even virtual GP consults using the newest TeleHealth products and services offered by INS LifeGuard .

From simple appointment reminders to complex electronic medical record systems, TeleHealth and eHealth systems have the potential to save lives and improve the quality of life for older people. Many find it difficult to visit a doctor, either because they live in remote areas or have mobility issues that can make travel a challenge.

Our innovative TeleHealth technologies enable people to have their health conditions monitored from home. They can schedule virtual consults with a nurse or even a GP when the need arises. This can lead to improved health outcomes and quality of life.

Importantly, our technologies also address issues of social isolation among older people. Research confirms that being socially isolated can negatively affect both mental and physical health. Older people value and wish to maintain their participation in family, community and social spheres.

For this reason, our TeleHealth technologies, such as the LifeGuard SmartHome , incorporate access to the internet, social media, email, Skype, YouTube, and more so people can stay connected with family and friends, especially those who may be distant. This is important, as chronic loneliness can adversely affect both mental and physical wellbeing.

INS LifeGuard operates Australia-wide providing Personal Response, Medical Alarm and TeleHealth Technologies; Monitoring Services; Life and Escalator Monitoring; and a host of other health-oriented contact centre functions.

INS LifeGuard is part of The INS Group , in operation since 1984. The INS Group has extensive knowledge and capabilities established through community-based health operations. A finalist in the 2009 Integral Energy Illawarra Business Awards in the PROFESSIONAL & COMMERCIAL and INNOVATION categories, INS was awarded a Highly Commendable citation for our technology development.

Please call 1800 636 226 or visit www.inslifeguard.com.au for more information.

First INS SmartVillage site live in NSW

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 11:34:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard has recently completed the implementation of its first SmartVillage site in NSW.

The site is now live, with INS LifeGuard providing medical monitoring as well as managed high-grade Internet and Voice services to residents, the Community Centre and offices.

Deployment of INS LifeGuard’s new converted I.P. SmartHome Medical Alarm system and village grounds Wi-Fi is now planned.

For more information about INS LifeGuard’s SmartVillage technologies or to request a detailed proposal specific to your village, please click here .

LASA National Congress – SA

Mon, 13 Oct 2014 23:32:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard will be attending LASA National Congress , 20th and 21st October (Stand 74), Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide.

Please feel free to stop and visit us – we’d love to meet with you and answer any questions you might have about our products and services.

QLD State OT Conference

Mon, 13 Oct 2014 23:30:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard will be attending QLD State OT Conference , 24th and 25th October (Booth 2), Sheraton Noosa, 14-16 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads.

Please feel free to stop and visit us – we’d love to meet with you and answer any questions you might have about our products and services.

SA State OT Conference

Mon, 13 Oct 2014 23:30:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard will be attending SA State OT Conference , 23rd and 24th October, Crowne Plaza, 16 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide.

Please feel free to stop and visit us – we’d love to meet with you and answer any questions you might have about our products and services

LASA Victoria State Congress

Thu, 29 May 2014 23:32:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard is attending the LASA Victoria State Congress on Thursday 19th to Friday 20th June. Come visit us at stand 8!

(Please note our stand number has recently changed.)

How will NBN and the pending disconnection of the copper network affect your village?

Wed, 07 May 2014 11:28:00 GMT

With the pending disconnection of the copper network, I would like to share a recent news story that was covered at an NBN Co media event at which we presented.

Below is a link to the news item which ran on the WIN Australian News Network on the upcoming disconnection of the copper network, which has now begun in early deployment sites.

The event featured our new LifeGuard SmartHome products , as well as our NBN compatible analogue diallers – both are featured in the video.

INS LifeGuard staff and I have personally worked closely with NBN Co for over two and a half years, and we’ll be assisting in the roll-out of the register mentioned in the above story.

At this time, it is imperative that village operators are aware of how the NBN will affect their villages and residents. Due to our intimate involvement with the NBN, we are happy to provide advice on this important subject to our valued clients.

We have also recently released LifeGuard’s SmartVillage voice and internet service options, which provide villages with a total managed solution and residents within villages with our telephony services, internet and medical alarm packages in a low-cost, secure, managed way.

This can be provided using the village’s current infrastructure, including copper, CAT or fibre cabling, or by utilising our low-cost 3G SIM services, or even site-wide Wi-Fi.

The LifeGuard SmartVillage solution can provide residents with telephone and internet service at a fraction of the normal retail cost – for some as low as around $20 per month per home. This can also provide a potential ongoing revenue stream for the village.

If you would like more information on preparing for and transitioning to the NBN, or LifeGuard SmartHome or SmartVillage solutions, please do not hesitate to email us or give us a call on 1800 636 226.

Sincerely,
Claude Rafin
Managing Director
The INS Group

Wingecarribee Community Services Expo 2013

Tue, 08 Oct 2013 23:33:00 GMT

The INS Group participated in the Wingecarribee Community Services Expo, held 19th September, 2013. Presented by the Wingecarribee Community Services Forum, this Expo allows members of the community the opportunity to liaise with local service providers to learn more about the various services available.

The Expo was held at Mittagong RSL Club. The INS Group was represented by Kelly Turner and Colleen Linger, Coordinators from INS Health Care. They shared information about the various services INS Health Care provides, as well as information about INS LifeGuard, providers of Personal Response Alarms , Medical Alarms and Nurse Call Systems.

Kelly Turner (left) and Colleen Linger, Coordinators with INS Health Care.

INS Exhibited at OT National Conference in SA

Tue, 17 Sep 2013 00:41:00 GMT

The Occupational Therapy Australia conference brings together Occupational Therapists from across the country. This year’s conference was held 24-26 July, 2013.

The INS Group’s products and services were on display at our booth, hosted by Joanne Bourke, Business Development Manager, and our newest converged TeleCare and TeleHealth systems were featured. With INS LifeGuard being a provider for Personal Response Systems for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, there was great interest in our products and services, particularly the new LifeGuard SmartHome which combines a personal response / medical alarm, TeleHealth, home automation and social networking all in one easy-to-use device.

INS Exhibited and Presented at LASA Congress

Tue, 17 Sep 2013 00:40:00 GMT

This year’s LASA Congress, held 5-7 August, 2013, featured new and innovative research and approaches in aged care services , including residential, community care and retirement living. Technology in the aged services industry is advancing rapidly as Australians are living longer and demanding services like never before. The INS Group has developed innovative technologies and services to meet this growing demand.

Our products and services were on display at our booth, hosted by Joanne Bourke, Business Development Manager, and our newest converged TeleCare and TeleHealth systems were featured in a program presented by Claude Rafin, Managing Director of The INS Group.

The LifeGuard SmartHome and the LifeGuard SmartKiosk are unique medical alarm , TeleHealth , home automation and social networking systems. Both provide direct access to qualified nurses who monitor the user’s vital signs, which is especially useful for those with chronic conditions.

INS Sponsors The Pride of the Illawarra Awards

Mon, 16 Sep 2013 23:34:00 GMT

The Pride of the Illawarra Awards were held 9th August, 2013. These awards acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of local Emergency Services personnel from the following officially recognised Emergency Service organisations, and are officially endorsed by all seven of them:

INS was proud to sponsor these awards, which provide an opportunity to thank and give back to those that support our community in its times of greatest need.

Left to right: Dusko Stefanic, Administration Manager; Tammy Henderson, Client Service Manager; Claude Rafin, Managing Director; Janette Seeley, Manager INS LifeGuard; Denise Murray, Registered Nurse; Sheree Bennett, Operations Manager INS Health Care; Carolina Rafin, Clinical Director; Josh Rafin, Logistics and Installation Manager; Naomi Skillen and Kirsty Rafin, Client Service Officers.

ACSA National Conference

Mon, 16 Sep 2013 23:31:00 GMT

10-13 November we’ll be at the ACSA National Conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Stop by and see us at stand number 41 if you’re planning to attend!

Stockland is the third to pilot The INS Group’s new TeleHealth service at their Lourdes Retirement Village in Killara NSW

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:48:00 GMT

The INS Group’s unique, patented TeleHealth system known as the LifeGuard SmartKiosk was launched in May, with the first installation in New South Wales and a second in Victoria.

The LifeGuard SmartKiosk is designed to assist with monitoring the health of individuals, particularly those with medical conditions such as diabetes, COPD, chronic heart failure or unstable blood pressure, in a group setting.

Stockland’s Lourdes Retirement Village in Killara, New South Wales, is the third village to trial the new system, which was installed in their Community Centre on Thursday, 13th June

2013. The team from INS tested the system and educated Deborah Drummond, Village Manager, and other village staff on its use.

There is also a home version called the LifeGuard SmartHome , suitable for private homes and independent living units. Either unit provides an integrated remote monitoring system to enable enhanced living and improve the quality of life for those who are older or who have a disability.

For more information, call 1800 636 226.

INS is grateful for the financial assistance towards the pilots received from the Illawarra Region Innovation and Investment Fund – a joint initiative from AusIndustry, NSW Trade and Investment, and Blue Scope Steel.

The INS Group launches a unique new TeleHealth service with pilot installation at UnitingCare Ageing’s Farmborough Grove Village

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 10:48:00 GMT

The LifeGuard SmartKiosk consists of a purpose-built computer tablet and a custom dock that receives signals from various transmitters and medical devices via Bluetooth and then transmits them to a nurse in our Emergency Response Centre for monitoring.

If any of the vital signs are of concern, our nurses will take action and follow up with the resident. Residents are also offered a monthly Registered Nursing Review, which is conducted remotely via the video conferencing feature. The nurse can also coordinate with the resident’s GP (with the resident’s permission) and share their vital sign history.

UnitingCare Ageing’s Farmborough Grove Village in Unanderra, New South Wales, is the first to pilot the new system, which was installed in the Community Centre on Friday, 10th May 2013.

The team from INS then tested the system and educated village staff on its use. Sharon McLeod, Farmborough Grove’s Village Manager, was very pleased and commented, “This is terrific technology and services.” She advised that the Chairperson and Treasurer of the FGV Residents Committee reviewed the LifeGuard SmartKiosk, and they thought it was a great idea. Some 76 residents who attended the quarterly meeting were informed of the pilot, and many have been eager to participate.

Claude Rafin, Managing Director of The INS Group, demonstrates the LifeGuard SmartKiosk for Sharon McLeod, Farmborough Grove’s Village Manager, and explains the technology behind it.

Carolina Rafin, Clinical Director of The INS Group, demonstrates recording a blood glucose level on the LifeGuard SmartKiosk with Sharon McLeod, Farmborough Grove Village Manager.

The LifeGuard SmartKiosk was designed to be very easy to use, even for those who are not ‘tech savvy’ or may be uncomfortable using computers.

Claude Rafin, Managing Director of The INS Group, said, “The touch-screens are very user-friendly, and we’re confident that within a few days, residents will be quite capable of using the system unaided.”

There is also a home version called the LifeGuard SmartHome , suitable for private homes and independent living units. Either unit puts Personal Response, TeleHealth and Home Automation right at your fingertips:

The INS Group is a leading Australian Health Services Company dedicated to delivering quality care services and technologies to support people living at home. In operation for over 25 years, The INS Group provides integrated health care and eHealth technology and services throughout Australia, specialising in community health care services, medical response systems and services , and eHealth technology.

For more information, call 1800 636 226.

Australian Unity is the second to pilot The INS Group’s new TeleHealth service at their Peninsula Grange Village in Mornington VIC

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 10:28:00 GMT

Australian Unity’s Peninsula Grange Village in Mornington, Victoria, is the second village to trial The INS Group’s new TeleHealth system, installed in their Community Centre on Wednesday, 29th May 2013. The team from INS then tested the system and educated village staff members on its use.

The INS Group first launched their unique, patented TeleHealth system known as the LifeGuard SmartKiosk in May, with the first installation in New South Wales.

Claude Rafin, Managing Director of The INS Group, demonstrates the LifeGuard SmartKiosk for Megan Skwierawski and Karen Burrows of Peninsula Grange Village and explains the technology behind it.

There is also a home version called the LifeGuard SmartHome, suitable for private homes and independent living units. Either unit provides an integrated remote monitoring system to enable enhanced living and improve the quality of life for those who are older or who have a disability.

For more information, call 1800 636 226.

The INS Group launches a unique new TeleHealth service with pilot installation at UnitingCare Ageing's Farmborough Grove Village

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:47:00 GMT

The INS Group has developed a unique, patented TeleHealth system designed to assist with monitoring the health of individuals, particularly those with medical conditions such as diabetes, COPD, chronic heart failure or unstable blood pressure, in a group setting. The LifeGuard SmartKiosk consists of a purpose-built computer tablet and a custom dock that receives signals from various transmitters and medical devices via Bluetooth, and then transmits them to a nurse in our Emergency Response Centre for monitoring.

Residents access the LifeGuard SmartKiosk via an RFID access card that identifies them and ensures their medical data and history is kept secure. Residents can take and record their vital signs daily, and the results are transmitted to INS LifeGuard’s Emergency Response Centre where they are monitored by a Registered Nurse. If any of the vital signs are of concern, our nurses will action and follow-up with the resident. Residents are also offered a monthly Registered Nursing Review, which is conducted remotely via the video conferencing feature. The nurse can also coordinate with the resident’s GP (with the resident’s permission) and share their vital sign history.

UnitingCare Ageing’s Farmborough Grove Village in Unanderra, New South Wales, is the first to pilot the new system, which was installed in the Community Centre on Friday, 10 ^th May, 2013. The team from INS then tested the system and educated village staff on its use. Sharon McLeod, Farmborough Grove’s Village Manager, was very pleased and commented, “This is terrific technology and services.” She advised that theChairperson and Treasurer of the FGV Residents Committee have reviewed the LifeGuard SmartKiosk and they thought it was a great idea. Some 76 residents who attended the quarterly meeting were informed of the pilot and many have been eager to participate.

Claude Rafin, Managing Director of The INS Group, demonstrates the LifeGuard SmartKiosk for Sharon McLeod, Farmborough Grove’s Village Manager, and explains the technology behind it.

Carolina Rafin, Clinical Director of The INS Group, demonstrates recording a blood glucose level on the LifeGuard SmartKiosk with Sharon McLeod, Farmborough Grove Village Manager.

The LifeGuard SmartKiosk was designed to be very easy-to-use, even for those who are not ‘tech savvy’ or who may be uncomfortable using computers. Claude Rafin, Managing Director of The INS Group, said, “The touch-screens are very user-friendly, and we’re confident that within a few days residents will be quite capable of using the system unaided.”

There is also a home version called the LifeGuard SmartHome, suitable for private homes and independent living units. Either unit puts Personal Response, TeleHealth and Home Automation right at your fingertips:

The INS Group is a leading Australian Health Services Company, dedicated to delivering quality care services and technologies to support people living at home. In operation for over 25 years, The INS Group provides integrated health care and eHealth technology and services throughout Australia, specialising in community health care services, medical response systems and services, and eHealth technology. For more information, call 1800 636 226.

INS LifeGuard and a major Retirement Village Operator put the National Broadband Network (NBN) through its Paces

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:21:00 GMT

When a new retirement village development was being planned by a major village management organisation in Victoria, they wanted to ensure they provided their residents with the latest in communication services, including access to the NBN as well as superior TeleCare and Emergency Response services offered through their preferred provider, INS LifeGuard .

There were many technical issues that may have prevented the use of a TeleCare and Emergency Response System in the village , and it was extremely important to the Village Operator to support the residents’ safety and wellbeing.

Fortunately, INS LifeGuard was their preferred provider who, after much planning with NBN Co and Next Gen Networks, successfully tested its equipment and services at the new village location.

Following the testing, Claude Rafin, Managing Director of The INS Group, said, “We are very pleased that the hard work has resulted in the successful testing of the technologies we use over the NBN. As this was the first new village site to test our TeleCare Equipment, I am delighted that the village operators and their residents can now access the many benefits of the NBN whilst still maintaining the vital security of their TeleCare and Emergency Response Systems.”

He added, “Whilst there was much concern in the industry about the NBN’s ability to support Emergency Response and TeleCare technologies, village operators can be confident of providing enhanced services to their residents’ thanks to the work done here. I thank the village management involved, as well as NBN Co and Next Gen, for their assistance.”

National OT Conference

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 01:38:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard will be attending the National OT Conference at Adelaide Convention Centre from 24-26 July, 2013 . Come visit us at stand 48!

Upcoming Events

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 01:39:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard will be exhibiting at the following events:

1-2 November, 2012

OT NSW Forum at Australian Technology Park, Stand 23

9-10 November, 2012

OT VIC State Conference at Grand Hyatt, Stand 6

12-14 November, 2012

The RVA National Conference at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney

Hospitalisation Due to Falls is on the Rise

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 01:39:00 GMT

The number of older Australians hospitalised after a fall is rising, according to a report released 1st June 2012 by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The report, Hospitalisations due to falls in older people , shows there were 78,600 hospitalised injury cases due to falls in people aged 65 years and over in 2008-09. “This was 4,000 more cases than in 2007-08”, AIHW spokesperson, Professor James Harrison, said.

Our General Assessment service can help reduce the risk.

INS offers a General Assessment service aimed at illness and falls prevention , with strategies in place to help prevent or reduce hospital admissions. A comprehensive in-home assessment by a Registered Nurse, experienced in community care, can assist in several ways.

For further information, visit the INS LifeGuard website or call 1800 676 336.

Visit INS at the Daily Living Expo 16-17 May in Melbourne

Tue, 15 May 2012 01:40:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard is an exhibitor at the Daily Living Expo, Australia’s foremost exhibition for rehabilitation and aged care equipment , held 16-17 May 2012 at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne. Come find us at Stand 204, we’d love to meet you!

INS LifeGuard Now a Coordinated Veterans’ Care (CVC) Provider

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:12:00 GMT

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has invited INS Health Care to participate in the Coordinated Veterans’ Care (CVC) Program, which commenced on 1 May 2011. The CVC program intends to reduce preventable hospital admissions and readmissions through better community-based coordination of care.

The Program is for eligible veterans, war widows/widowers and dependents who are gold cardholders with chronic conditions, complex care needs, and who are at risk of hospitalisation. The Program commenced on 1 May 2011.

Through improved community-based care, the Program is intended to improve the health of participants by:

coordinating care in conjunction with their GP
coordinating appointments and feedback with other health professionals involved in the care of the veteran or war widow/er
undertaking home visits and assessments
providing appointment reminders
assisting with medication and treatments
educating and empowering participants to self-manage their conditions
encouraging the most socially isolated to participate in community activities

You can find out more information by visiting the DVA’s website .

INS LifeGuard accepts DVA cards to help eligible veterans, war widowed partners and dependants access personal alarm solutions that can aid them in living safely and independently.

INS LifeGuard service a very important part of operations at Live Life Villages

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:07:00 GMT

Michael Fallon, the Managing Director of Live Life, begins his description of Live Life Villages by observing the fact that they are a bit unique, have a different flavour, and are very happy to be in that position.

“Our villages are not aged care but rather independent living units with supported services options for active lifestyle retirees.” Michael says that this is where they differ from the common perception.

“We provide independent living homes and communities and provide residents with the opportunity to take advantage of the Commonwealth funding for Ageing in Place. We promote initiate by providing support services as the residents may need them,” he explains.

One of the important technologies that they have implemented to make sure that their residents can contact the 24-hour personal emergency services that Live Life provides is the INS LifeGuard system. “This system can alert staff to situations from falls to tap left running,” says [Development Manager] Kent Fallon.

“We have implemented this technology in all of our new build and villages. We are also looking at ways to expand this service to include mobile phones and other devices in a home, but right now, what INS provides for us is a very important part of our operations,” he says.

“The personal emergency call button allows us to monitor residents while they are in their units and at locations around the village. In time, this will be expanded to when residents are out in the broader community.”

Kent says that Live Life is actively working with INS to identify how they can expand this service and develop new ones for their residents. He gives one example of how it is already used as a very smart non-intrusive way in order to passively keep an eye on their residents’ safety.

“Utilising the INS technology that is built into our Maleny units, there is a switch on our hot water tanks that acts as a timer. If the hot water is running for more than 20 minutes, it will send off a signal to the emergency response system, and a phone call is placed to the resident to see if they are in need of assistance,” says Kent.

He says that resident falls are more likely in the bathroom, so systems like this are potentially lifesaving. He also believes this unitive is important as it cuts down the possibility of having to do spot checks and thus maintains the dignity and privacy of the residents in the villages.

Excerpt from the article “Living life after retirement never looked so good” – Business World Australia – March 2011 edition.

To find out more about the INS LifeGuard products and services call 1800 636 040 or visit our website here.

INS LifeGuard assists Village Resident during Home Invasion

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:06:00 GMT

INS LifeGuard provides a very valuable service in the event of any emergency — not just medical emergencies.

As this video shows, one village resident summoned help during a home invasion by pressing the button on her INS LifeGuard emergency pendant's transmitter.

To find out more about INS LifeGuard's products and services call 1800 636 040 or visit the website.

Thank Goodness for Nurses!

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 07:51:00 GMT

After a thorough tender evaluation process, Uniting Care Ageing awarded a contract to INS LifeGuard to install and provide ongoing monitoring for a modern emergency response system.

Keith Merchant, Director of Independent Living and Housing, said, “We selected INS because of the range of value-added clinical support services they offer, their large presence within the industry and their future technology focus.”

He added, “The whole project has been expertly handled by INS thus far. We would certainly recommend INS as a vendor who provides the ongoing responsiveness you need for these types of critical response systems.”

INS LifeGuard Making a Difference at Uniting Care

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 01:41:00 GMT

After a thorough tender evaluation process, Uniting Care Ageing awarded a contract to INS LifeGuard to install and provide ongoing monitoring for a modern emergency response system.

He added, “The whole project has been expertly handled by INS thus far … we would certainly recommend INS as a vendor … who provides the ongoing responsiveness you need for these types of critical response systems.”

Residents of South Australia may be eligible to receive a Personal Alert System from INS LifeGuard at no Cost New Rebate Scheme

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 01:43:00 GMT

The Personal Alert System Rebate Scheme is an initiative of the Government of South Australia designed to benefit frail older South Australians who are at risk of falls or medical emergencies to obtain a personal alert system, allowing them to live independently in their own homes for longer.

The rebate scheme provides a rebate of up to $380 for the purchase and installation of an approved system and up to $250 per year for ongoing monitoring of the system.

Call INS LifeGuard on 1800 636 040 for more information or to check eligibility.

2012 Graduate Registered Nurse Program offered at INS

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 01:43:00 GMT

In 2012, The INS Group will be offering two graduate nurse opportunities. Both graduates will be based out of our Wollongong office but may be required to work at our other locations as needed.

The 12 month program will comprise a supervised placement of six months each in INS LifeGuard's medical monitoring centre and a Community care placement.