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Eldercare Review | Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Technology support has become vital for senior living communities to cater to residents' growing technological needs and expectations.
FREMONT, CA: The impact of technology on our lives and communication cannot be understated, and this rings true for residents in senior living communities. Providing technology support to these individuals has become essential in meeting their needs and expectations. Recent surveys indicate that 40 percent of senior living communities now offer technology support, a significant increase from 29 percent just two years ago. There are compelling reasons why technology support is crucial for the residents in these communities.
Modern-day residents are more technologically savvy than ever and expect technology to be an integral part of their daily lives. Technology allows people to stay in touch with family and friends, access information and services, and manage their health. Previously, owning one or two tech devices was common, but now it is typical for residents to possess triple that number.
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Technology support in senior living communities helps residents stay connected to essential services, activities, and information. This includes viewing community events, scheduling appointments, purchasing groceries, and paying bills. Moreover, the support empowers older adults to effectively use technology for managing their health, staying organized, and accessing necessary services and information for a fulfilling life.
Organizations often rely on various staff members to address residents' technology needs without a formal support and training structure. Social workers, maintenance staff, or IT personnel end up providing support, making it difficult to quantify the extent of support and training given. Establishing a more formal process helps providers manage staff resources workload and better understand the technology needs of residents.
Connecting older adults with their loved ones is a primary benefit of providing technology support. The use of technology bridges the gap by providing residents with access to video calls, social media, and other forms of communication, thus reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. This becomes especially important for seniors who may have difficulty going out or living far away from their loved ones.
The future of assisted living is witnessing a rapid evolution in senior living technology, focusing on enhancing residents' lives and the work of caregivers. While advanced healthcare services remain a priority, the aging population has spurred design changes in senior care facilities to make them more engaging and comfortable for the residents. One of the exciting technological advancements for seniors is 3D printing. This creative and practical activity has many applications, including creating custom prosthetics, printing personalized medication, and building new homes. The possibilities are endless, and the potential of 3D printing in improving seniors' lives is tremendous.
Wearable health monitors are expected to become commonplace in many senior living communities. These devices will track residents' physical activity, heart rate, sleep patterns, and stress levels, providing valuable data to optimize individual care plans and ensure they receive the best possible care.
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