Modern technology helping seniors.

With resident-centered care as the driving force in the senior care industry, it’s logical that human interaction is a top priority and the caregiving workforce has traditionally been the foundation of quality care. 

However,  the growing demand for senior care puts a strain on care providers, and leaders are embracing technological solutions. 

Advancing tech offers some promising resolutions to the issues faced by the industry. 

Here, we will examine some of the top tech trends in senior living.

Monitoring and location tracking for elders.

Resident real-time location devices, like those offered by Skynet Healthcare Technologies, are proven assets to senior living communities – especially for eldercare residents who suffer cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. Therefore, community leaders are implementing these systems more frequently. 

Monitoring processes are advancing quickly. Not only can we track the location of residents, but sensors measure activity levels, and wearable health recording devices provide an enormous amount of useful data. 

We currently have noninvasive methods of monitoring and tracking residents, so they receive the highest quality of care. 

With 24/7 digital supervision, human caregivers can do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. Additionally, residents’ family members feel more comfortable knowing their loved ones receive superior monitoring and tracking.

Online education for caregivers and for seniors.

E-learning programs are becoming more popular as community directors realize the training potential and capabilities of improved management systems. Informative programs, accessed via video conferencing, offer live, interactive learning with professional teachers. 

Incredibly powerful and interesting educational programs are also available for residents. Many communities include distance-learning programs as a regular part of their activities planning. It is important to keep the mind stimulated as we age. These classes give seniors a great way to continue learning and growing, which ultimately helps them enjoy happier, healthier lives.

Social robots for supplemental senior care. 

We expect to see more social robots supplementing care for seniors. These bots remind individuals to eat, exercise and take medications. 

They also offer some social interaction, as they are voice-activated. 

Mobiserv is an example of one of these devices. 

Over the next decade, we will probably witness robots taking a more integral role in senior care. Researchers project that robotic assistants will have a significant positive impact on the aging population in the future.

Access to services within the senior community. 

Residents have more efficient ways to request services using technology. For example, some communities have touchscreen tablets displayed so residents can check activity schedules and order services. 

Tablets that are configured to help seniors access services reduce miscommunication and relieve strain on caregivers.

Internet access for senior community residents.

Some senior living communities have been reluctant to offer Wi-Fi to residents. 

With a growing number of seniors actively using the Internet, community operators now understand the importance of providing Internet access. 

Older individuals experience tremendous benefits from social media platforms and other online activities. 

Without Wi-Fi, seniors are often disconnected from the modern world. 

Smart lighting in senior living environments.

Adaptive lights can adjust to the specific needs of a resident. This helps reduce falls, which typically occur in the evening or at night. 

These systems can also detect unusual activity that might indicate a health problem. 

Some lighting methods change intensity throughout the day, mimicking natural light. This helps aged individuals stay in sync with circadian rhythms.

Virtual reality for facility-bound elders.

Virtual reality (VR) offers some amazing adventures for people who cannot travel. 

There are numerous products and programs available for seniors that allow them to visit faraway places and even travel back in time. 

For the average person, VR glasses are primarily for entertainment. However, for those with mobility restrictions, it is a wonderful way to explore different environments.

Admittedly, the senior care industry has been slower than other industries to embrace new technologies. The nature of senior care requires us to focus on humans, which may have caused community leaders to overlook the benefits of technology. But, it does seem that the senior living industry is catching up with the modern age.

Are you wondering if your long term care insurance will cover some of these tech devices and services? Reach out today and consult with one of our experts.