Technological advancements have revolutionized healthcare, bringing unprecedented access, speed and efficiency to care. Adoption of those advancements is growing quickly in long-term care, driven largely by resident demand and the growing availability of digital health solutions.
The integration of technology into senior living has brought numerous benefits. Connected health devices, remote monitoring and telehealth services have improved care delivery, enabling early detection of health issues and more efficient management of chronic conditions. Senior living communities have been at the forefront of adopting those innovations, leveraging technology to enhance resident experiences, improve connectivity and safety, and streamline operations.
A recent survey from US News & World Report showed that 53% of older adults use some type of assistive or health-related technology. Additionally, 88% believe that assistive or health-related technologies have improved their quality of life. With the increasing use of connected health solutions, coupled with the growing older adult population (older Americans are expected to make up 21% of the population, up from 15%), senior living communities are becoming de facto hubs of healthcare.
But not everyone is prepared for the increased connectivity burden this adoption brings. The rapid pace of technological change is creating a digital divide within the industry, with some facilities struggling to keep up with the demands of a connected world.
The question for community operators is no longer “Can you manage today’s burden?” It’s “Are you in a position to be able to manage residents’ needs 2, 3 or 5 years from now?”
When connectivity is compromised, residents are at risk. Delayed medical attention, interrupted telehealth appointments and unreliable monitoring devices can have severe health consequences. Further, the inability to connect with loved ones can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. For staff members, connectivity issues can result in increased workloads, frustration and decreased efficiency.
This reality underscores the necessity of prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, not just as an investment in technology, but as a vital component of resident care and safety. Although the initial costs may seem daunting, the long-term benefits, including improved resident and staff satisfaction, make it an essential investment.
To address those challenges, senior living community leaders must conduct a thorough assessment of their current technological capabilities. Consider the following:
- Bandwidth: Is your community equipped to handle the increasing demands of connected devices and applications?
- Hardware: Are your routers, switches and access points sufficient to provide reliable connectivity throughout the community?
- Network security: Do you have robust security measures in place to protect sensitive resident data?
- Staff expertise: Do your staff members have the necessary skills to troubleshoot and maintain the network?
Only when senior living communities have a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses can a strategic plan for improvement be developed. Investing in new Wi-Fi systems, upgrading hardware and expanding network capacity are essential steps. Additionally, exploring cloud-based solutions can provide flexibility and scalability.
Although budgets still are a barrier, gone are the days of calling the cable company to get the cheapest options possible. The key is having an understanding of resident needs and selecting the right technology partner to ensure resident satisfaction and care.
A good partner is one who not only understands the complexities of the senior living sector, but also provides a connected end to end infrastructure assessment and tailored technology solutions that are scalable, secure and future-proof. It should act as a strategic collaborator, offering continuous support and proactive guidance to keep communities ahead of emerging trends, along with owning the entire technology infrastructure and life cycle with world class services and support. By working closely with a knowledgeable provider, communities can develop customized solutions that address their specific challenges and goals.
It’s time for the industry to recognize that strong connectivity and modern IT systems are as crucial to a senior living community’s success as compassionate care and skilled staff members. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, senior living communities must prioritize connectivity to ensure the experience and well-being of their residents.
By investing in the necessary infrastructure and staying informed about emerging technologies, senior living operators can bridge the digital divide and create a more connected, caring environment for residents and a competitive advantage for community owners.
Todd Johnstone is CEO of Allbridge.
The opinions expressed in each McKnight’s Senior Living marketplace column are those of the author and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Senior Living.
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