Behind the Band
My Companion Band was born to empower seniors, families, and communities to live with confidence and provide security to help beat the fall before it happens, changing the narrative from fear to confidence with fall detection, prevention, safety and independence
John Flaherty’s journey into assisted living communities began with his involvement at St. Joseph’s in Oakcliff, Texas. Working closely with both residents and staff, he quickly recognized the challenges they faced, particularly around safety. It became clear that many residents lived in fear, especially with the constant threat of falls, and John was frustrated by the existing devices that were either too complex, incomplete, or simply not innovative enough. After consulting with a geriatric doctor, he discovered a more straightforward, innovative approach that could truly make a difference.
Realizing he needed a business partner to bring this innovative vision to life, John reached out to his friend and colleague, Nate Riddle, and connected him with St. Joe’s. After a few thoughtful conversations around fall detection technology, Nate asked, “what if we could beat the fall?” In no time, their casual discussions caught fire and evolved into a partnership, combining John’s technical expertise with Nate’s business strategy to develop a solution that could meet the needs of elderly care that hadn’t yet been addressed, while continuing to ask the question, “How can we make it better?” This commitment ultimately led to the creation of My Companion Band, a product that not only enhances safety but is designed for continuous improvement, providing both confidence and peace of mind.
Why Choose My Companion Band?
Fall Detection and Emergency Button
Featuring an Algorithm specifically designed for the elderly community, My Companion Band’s fall detection accurately identifies falls. The emergency button ensures immediate help is always accessible, providing peace of mind for both wearers and their families at the press of a button.Essential Data and Fall Prevention
Fall prevention is crucial for maintaining the quality of life and independence of elderly individuals. By monitoring key data such as sleep quality and activity levels, My Companion Band helps identify early signs of decline or fatigue that may lead to falls. This proactive approach empowers caregivers to intervene before a fall happens, reducing the risk of injury, hospitalizations, and long term complications, while safeguarding the wearer’s well-being.
Innovation at the Core
My Companion Band is built on continuous innovation, constantly improving design, comfort, sensor accuracy, and safety to provide a reliable, effective solution. It’s more than just technology—it’s about changing the way we think about growing older. Instead of reinforcing the idea that older adults are held back by the fear of falling, we empower them with a simple but powerful message: ‘Yes, you can.’ Every step forward is about helping them live with confidence and independence.
Through his time visiting St. Joe’s Assisted Living Facility in Oak Cliff, Texas, John saw up close the daily struggles older adults face, namely, the constant worry of falling. This experience had a profound impact on him, sparking a desire to find a way to protect and empower seniors. As he began his career, John’s passion for technology grew, and upon graduating with his Masters in Cybersecurity, his eyes began to open about a real need for a device that could find the balance between innovation and dependability. After a time of research and development, My Companion Band was born. Blending technical expertise with a genuine commitment to improving lives, the twenty-six year old’s work with My Companion Band shows that technology can make a real difference when it’s driven by a desire to serve others.
While visiting his grandfather at the Delaware Veteran’s Home in Milford, Delaware, Nate was exposed to the challenges and fears surrounding falls in elderly communities at an early age. Later, when John introduced him to St. Joe’s Assisted Living Community, Nate felt a deep, personal connection to the experience. He was inspired and became determined to improve the residents’ quality of life by helping them feel more confident in their daily routines. Driven by this goal, Nate partnered with John to create My Companion Band. With his leadership experience and role in developing the fall prevention feature, Nate plays an important part in advancing the mission to empower seniors. His passion for this cause, which stems from his close relationship with his parents and grandparents, continues to fuel My Companion Band’s mission to enhance and support the lives of older adults.