Why Presto and Doctor Marion developed “Elder Apps” for iPhone.

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Sometimes an idea comes along that just makes so much sense that it takes on a life of its own. A number of months ago, I was meeting with Craig Caryl and Marion Somers Ph.D. (a.k.a. Doctor Marion) of Elder Health Resources of America, Inc. We were talking about the synergies between our two businesses and what a need there is in the U.S. for solutions like Presto, and experience like that amassed by Doctor Marion over 35+ years as a geriatric care manger. We also were talking about the economy and how business had changed, requiring new innovative ways of working together to get things done.

At that point in the conversation, a phone rang and both Craig and I reached for our Apple iPhones. After a shared smile and the obligatory discussion of our favorite apps, it dawned on us. We started talking about the possibilities of combining Presto’s expertise in software development with Doctor Marion’s expertise in elder care to provide expert advice to family caregivers when and where they need it most—on their smart phone. Right then and there we decided to work together, leveraging each organization’s strengths to bring something new and very much needed to the world: the first Elder Apps.

After initial research, we confirmed our assumption that the iPhone would be the platform we chose. And after further research, it became clear that two apps were needed: one to provide a guide in case of an elder medical emergency, and one to provide expert advice to ease the ongoing task of providing elder care. The app names were a natural outgrowth of their functions: Elder 911 (emergency) and Elder 411 (information).

Our collaboration is one of convenience and shared passion for providing solutions for family caregivers. With today’s announcement of the Elder 411 and Elder 911 app for iPhone and iPod touch, Presto and Doctor Marion have forged new ground. Not only by launching the first elder care apps for iPhone, but also by finding a new way to work together and make the result worth more than the sum of its parts.