The First Signal
Rick suffered his first stroke—and no one knew. It went unnoticed at the time, recognized only later.
Looking back, it was the first sign that something at home should have been paying attention.
The Question
After his second stroke went unrecognized for three to four days, Rick Shankles—a retired United States Marine, educator, and lifelong inventor—began searching for answers.
He purchased a smart blood pressure watch. Then a second one. Neither could be depended upon. The readings were inconsistent, the interfaces confusing, and nothing connected the dots between measurements and daily life.
If the tools didn't exist, maybe it was time to build them.
OriginConcept Development
The idea took shape: a home-based wellness companion for older adults, veterans, and families. It would not diagnose illness or replace a doctor. Its purpose would be to help people and their loved ones notice patterns, stay engaged, and make informed decisions sooner.
He named it OSCAR: Optimal Support, Care and Respect.
MilestoneArchitecture and Research
Planning began in earnest. Device compatibility research. Privacy-first architecture decisions. The foundation would need to work privately in the home, with internet access optional—not required.
OSCAR would be built as a wellness companion: intended to observe, organize, and encourage—not diagnose, prescribe, or replace medical care.
MilestoneWorking Prototype
OSCAR moved from sketches and conversations into working code. The first prototype could recognize residents, organize health measurements, and show trends over time.
MilestonePlatform Foundation Complete
OSCAR reached a stable foundation: a clean, expandable platform designed to grow over time as new devices, features, and family needs are added. Personalized daily guidance. Encouraging messages. A companion, not a monitor.
MilestoneOSCAR at Home, LLC is Founded
OSCAR became a company: OSCAR at Home, LLC, incorporated in Nevada.
Its mission is straightforward: to help people live independently, confidently, and on their own terms—with respect.
CompanyPatent Pending
A provisional patent application was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. OSCAR is officially Patent Pending.
ProtectionCopyright and Brand Identity
OSCAR's original software, written materials, visual identity, and creative content were submitted for United States copyright registration.
The brand came to life: the arms-up figure inside the "O," the welcoming porch-green palette, and the principle behind every decision:
Human Powered. Home Centered.
ProtectionFederal Registration Active
OSCAR at Home, LLC became active in SAM.gov, establishing eligibility for federal contracts and SBIR/STTR grants.
Federal ReadinessBoao Forum for Asia
OSCAR founder Rick Shankles presented at the Boao Lecheng Health Industry Roundtable, speaking on cross-border healthcare innovation and age-friendly travel as part of the Global Health Forum.
InternationalMedtrade Fort Worth
OSCAR is scheduled to make its industry debut at Medtrade in the Chronic Care Pavilion at Booth 1814, along with a featured interactive stage presentation.
What's AheadAnd the porch light stays on—with more homes, more families, and more good days ahead.