FRIDAY 29 OCTOBER - Across the Bay to ABHOW

The penultimate visit of the IAHSA tour was to the CCRC of Piedmont Gardens in a leafy urban area of Oakland, a short journey across the Bay from San Francisco. This facility is one of 34 retirement communities operated by not for profit corporation the Association of Baptist Homes of the West (ABHOW).








Spectacular views across the city of Oakland and San Francisco Bay from the roof garden on the 16th floor.

The theme of this visit was to see how ABHOW is working to bring technology into front line practice in the delivery of modern ageing services. The organisation has a supportive, enabling culture that embraces and encourages innovation and the creation of technology solutions that contribute directly to resident quality of life. Our lead host was ABHOW Vice President for Operations, Tara McGuinness. Tara introduced members of the staff team who gave great presentations about the parts they play in what is clearly a strong team of professionals, all committed to using technology to the best advantage.


Not such a good picture but the teamwork message it conveys is important. L to R are Jonathan Vanleuvan, the IT Technician who uses his skills to create local solutions for the benefit of residents and who understands their needs; Tara McGuinness, the leader who allows creativity to thrive; Jean McGill, the Clinical Services Director, and a nurse director who has a deep understanding of the ways in which technology can support nurses to achieve positive outcomes for patients; and Dean Wetter, the Director of Facilities, who uses technology to ensure that the environment works well for everyone who lives and works in the CCRC. Together with their other colleagues not in the picture they presented a portrait of a powerful team.
See: www.abhow.com

Location:Oakland, California, USA