The senior living industry needs to improve with high turnover rates. Smart technology can streamline and automate low-level tasks to free staff to focus on more impactful work.
Seniors value staying in touch with their loved ones as a high priority. Internet access and video applications reduce feelings of isolation by enabling socialization and easing loneliness.
Enhanced Communication
Enhanced communication is an important way technology improves seniors’ lives. Communication apps, video chat, and messaging software are great for seniors to stay connected with their loved ones.
In addition, various tech devices can help senior citizens manage their medications and track important events. Multiple devices are available, from video doorbells to electronic pill reminders. Understanding your residents’ cultural beliefs and values is critical before recommending a device.
In the event of crises like wildfires or pandemics, having efficient communication methods might also be helpful. This can alleviate toxic feelings of isolation during emergencies and ensure everyone is safe.
Enhanced Safety
Many seniors and their families struggle with key safety concerns, whether medication compliance, balance issues or home security. Luckily, technology provides tools that can help address these issues.
For example, GPS tracking devices can help prevent senior residents or patients from getting lost. These technologies can also alert care staff of falls or other emergencies, allowing them to respond quickly.
Additionally, telehealth offers an opportunity to connect with healthcare professionals through video consultations and remote monitoring, while tailor-made aged care software can ensure that each senior receives the care they require from professional caregivers exactly when they require it. This might be especially beneficial for people with complex illnesses, memory loss, or balance problems, though it will also help those who need assistance with daily tasks, such as cleaning and cooking.
Enhanced Wellness
Many senior living communities, such as those at Cambridge Village, North Carolina, encourage physical wellness by providing strength, flexibility and balance exercises through instructor-led classes like yoga, bowling, tennis and swimming. They also help to prevent fall accidents with technology such as fall detection sensors and alarms, as well as wearable devices that can monitor heart rate and oxygen levels.
New technologies also enable family members to check in on loved ones and see if they are well. Some even feature recording options for a loved one to leave a message or reminder.
Lastly, technology can also aid in the management of health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure through a variety of apps. Many also include telehealth, which enables seniors to communicate with medical professionals via video chat. This allows for more frequent doctor visits and better overall wellness.
Enhanced Security
Enhanced security features are an important selling point for senior living communities. These technologies can help uncover unauthorized activity by residents, visitors and staff in restricted areas. They also enable off-site monitoring, allowing family members to view their loved ones in emergencies.
Residents also want the ability to connect online, which can alleviate loneliness and depression by helping seniors stay engaged with friends and family.
Senior living communities need robust IT systems that meet strict regulations and data privacy requirements. An MSP like vcpi can provide this with proactive management and monitoring of systems. They can also help protect against cyber threats and address compliance issues.
Enhanced Communication
A primary concern for many seniors is being able to communicate with family and friends. Technology like video chats, social media and messaging apps helps keep them connected and can reduce feelings of isolation from living in a new environment.
Additionally, residents can use smart technology to connect and find social activities to attend. Using software that coordinates social calendars and events can help keep residents engaged while freeing up staff to focus on other tasks.
Seniors living alone may also be interested in medical alert systems monitoring their safety. When pressed, these devices are worn around the neck or wrist and will connect to a call center so someone can check on them. They’re also useful in emergencies when they can’t speak for themselves.
