In the rapidly evolving landscape of senior care, technology is playing an increasingly vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents and improving operational efficiency. From AI-powered systems to robotics, senior care providers are integrating innovative solutions to meet the growing needs of an aging population. These advancements not only streamline caregiving processes but also foster greater engagement and independence among seniors.
Technological innovations transform senior care
Spurred by a large grant from the widow of a former resident, RiverSpring Living in the New York City metro area has aggressively pursued advanced technologies to improve efficiency and enhance resident care. These innovations, which include food service robots, clinical systems, AI-powered hygiene solutions, and rehabilitation robots, are designed to support staff and enrich the lives of residents. Meanwhile, Village Pointe Commons has introduced personalized tech advisory services to assist seniors with learning new technologies, further demonstrating the positive impact of technology in senior care.
According to the reporting of HealthTech, RiverSpring Living has adopted several cutting-edge technologies to fill operational gaps and enhance workforce efficiency. The organization, which serves about 18,000 New Yorkers through its home care arm, managed long-term care plans, and various residential facilities, is leveraging technology to create a more attractive workplace for caregivers.
In RiverSpring Living’s gym, a ceiling-mounted robot called ZeroG aids seniors in regaining their mobility. The robot's harness supports up to 60 percent of a resident’s body weight, allowing them to move more freely and reducing the risk of falls. This system enables faster and more intensive rehabilitation, requiring fewer staff members to assist residents during their exercises.
Another innovative robot, Pepper, utilizes facial recognition to greet residents by name and participate in group activities such as singing and dancing. RiverSpring is also implementing a remote ordering system in its dining hall, where residents and attendants can order food from a tableside iPad. A service robot called Servi Plus then delivers the food and buses tables, allowing staff to remain with residents instead of making trips to and from the kitchen.
RiverSpring Living is also investing in resident-facing systems that streamline employees’ jobs while improving care. A new nurse call system with detailed reporting has reduced average call response times to under two minutes. Additionally, a system that measures multiple vital signs simultaneously and automatically enters resident data into their medical records saves time and reduces stress for both residents and nurses. Another technology uses infrared to help clinicians locate veins for IVs and blood draws, eliminating the need for residents to visit hospitals for these procedures and freeing up significant time for nurses.
At Village Pointe Commons, a partnership with Smarter, a personalized tech advisory service, is helping residents become more tech-savvy. The program includes on-site training classes, on-demand tech support, and social events to foster community engagement. This initiative has been met with high demand and has helped residents learn to use various devices, such as tablets and smartphones, to stay connected with family and access services like ride-sharing, according to McKnights.
As technology becomes increasingly integral to senior care, providers are exploring new ways to enhance the quality of life for residents and improve operational efficiency. Lifespace, serving 6,000 residents across 17 states, has partnered with Candoo to provide virtual tech support. Additionally, Seattle recently awarded over $100,000 in technology grants to address senior tech literacy, reflecting a broader initiative to meet the technology needs of the city's senior population.
By embracing these technological advancements, senior care providers are not only improving the day-to-day experiences of residents but also creating a more efficient and supportive environment for caregivers. As the sector continues to evolve, the integration of technology will play a crucial role in shaping the future of senior care.
source: HealthTech, McKnights
Comentários