Remote Supports uses communication devices to connect people with disabilities to people who support their needs from a distance.
Through a variety of safety sensors and two-way communication devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smart watches, Night Owl Support Systems (NOSS) provides a safety net for people who need some support, but who are not in need of around-the-clock, in-home care.
NOSS currently offers these 24/7/365 services to people in 22 states across the country with a wide range of physical, congenital, age-related, intellectual, autism spectrum and other disability considerations to provide greater independence and self-determination.
Around-the-clock in-home care is great, though for individuals seeking more time alone to accomplish tasks independently, Remote Supports provides a supportive environment where they can enjoy that time while remaining safe. Remote Supports allows people to spend time as they wish without interjection from a Direct Support Professional or natural support (family, friend, et cetera) person continually in their space. With Remote Supports, individuals have their in-person staff when they’re needed and get technology-supported alone time when they don’t.
Historically, many people with disabilities haven’t been offered the independence to enjoy spending time by themselves. Remote Supports invites people to enjoy their time while having NOSS Remote Support Professionals available to respond
Remote Supports benefit adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, people seeking to age in place, and individuals with I/DD transitioning from more restrictive settings or a parent’s home into the community.
Three core benefits are typically seen with Remote Supports:
At present, our services are available in 22 states across the country. Remote Supports services are often paid for through Medicaid, but we also accept some health insurance and private pay.
Our central Remote Supports station is in Madison, Wisconsin. Each of our Remote Supports Professionals work at our central location, ensuring that all correspondence and data is kept secure.
No, we do not install cameras in people’s homes.
Our services were created to instill and support independence and self-determination for people with disabilities, not to surveil them in their homes.
Occasionally, individuals will opt to purchase their own Ring camera for external video, which, if access is shared, can be accessed by our RSPs where appropriate. Additionally, some people prefer to communicate through video call on a tablet or smartphone, a communication method we support. Those cameras don’t send video footage when we’re not actively on a call with the supported individual.
No. All of our devices are passive and the audio only works during two-way communication and only after the individual has answered the call.
NOSS has battery backups at all RSP workstations, a backup generator capable of powering the entire central Remote Supports station, alongside multiple phone lines and internet connections. We even have a separate offsite backup facility.
We’ve got you covered.
No. It’s not uncommon that we determine a person is not or sometimes is no longer a fit for our services. We understand that capabilities are continually evolving and we regularly check in with individuals and their care teams to ensure NOSS services remain an ideal fit for their situation.
Each individual’s health and safety is our highest priority, even if that means their circumstances may no longer be a fit for NOSS services.
Our Consumer Relations team meets with each individual’s support team to discuss any concerns and potential scenarios, and determine what technology will be used to tailor the supports to that person’s specific situation.
Additionally, on an ongoing basis our Consumer Relations team routinely evaluates an individual’s plans to ensure they’re supporting the individual appropriately.
Wi-Fi is ideal, though our equipment is capable of operating via cellular networks if Wi-Fi is not available. We can also work with landline telephone connections.
NOSS’ process is optimized so that NOSS personnel do not need to visit an individual’s house during the onboarding process. We’re able to accomplish planning with the team virtually.
If necessary, we will have a video walk through call similar to a video call a realtor might conduct with a potential out-of-state homeowner.
No. We’re located in Madison, Wisconsin. We work with your team to develop protocols for who to contact during specific days/times/circumstances within a person’s contact list depending on a given situation (whether those contacts are DSPs, family, neighbors, et cetera).
