Baycrest

8 • BrainMatters • Fall/Winter 2021 Not surprisingly, most people wish to stay in their own homes as they get older. But as time goes on, they may need a lifeline. Baycrest@Home, a new Baycrest service, empowers older adults to live safely at home by combining innovative technology and Baycrest's expertise in brain health and aging. Baycrest@Home delivers real-time, virtual access to clinical expertise for families and a rich offering of unique social programming for older adults. The service uses everyday technology to reach clients via phone, video and web. The concept appealed to Shane Grosman and Peter Seligman, co-chairs of the committee that created Baycrest@Home Founding Partners to help support the launch. The arrival of the pandemic "turbocharged everything" and became a catalyst that moved the blossoming service ahead at breakneck speed, Seligman noted. Both Grosman and Seligman have a long history of philanthropy and had asked the Baycrest Foundation how they could get involved in a meaningful project that took advantage of innovative technology and thinking. They formed a committee, and when Ron Riesenbach, Baycrest Vice President, Innovation & Chief Technology Officer, told them about plans for Baycrest@Home, they were sold. Grosman said Baycrest@Home "takes the best research from a world-renowned geriatric centre, the best care, the best support for caregivers, innovation and technology, and asks 'how do we get it into people's homes to let them live independently?'" The committee held information sessions in 2019 at two downtown Toronto law firms, as well as at Grosman's home, to build awareness of the initiative. The committee rallied support in the community, and members continue to contribute their time and talent to the project as it expands. Peter Seligman, Committee Co-Chair, Baycrest@Home Founding Partners Shane Grosman, Committee Co-Chair, Baycrest@Home Founding Partners BAYCREST@HOME FOUNDING PARTNERS An Interactive Donor Experience

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