Assisted living facilities offer residents prepared meals, housekeeping, transportation, healthcare and security. They are designed for seniors who require assistance with daily activities but do not need 24-hour medical care and supervision like a nursing home provides.

Baby Boomers are tech-savvy and expect the facilities offering assisted living newton ma (as well as elsewhere) to demonstrate capability to include technology in day to day routines, in order to provide comprehensive care. Modern technology is revolutionizing assisted living, from smart thermostats to fall detection devices.

Technology

Technology is constantly evolving and transforming the world we live in. It has also opened up a host of possibilities for senior care. From smart security systems to pill dispensers, smart lighting and thermostats, telemedicine and more, these advancements are helping seniors stay independent longer. They also allow adult children to maintain supportive home environments from faraway places, making it easier for caregivers to track progress.

The 65+ population is more tech-savvy than people realize. They are streaming shows, using tablets and taking advantage of virtual assistants. But the real innovation in Sarasota assisted living is not the technology itself but the use of technology to meet seniors’ specific needs.

Some of the most impressive advancements in this space are those that help seniors prevent falls. For example, smart sensors in a senior living community can monitor movement and alert staff to changes. This can prevent serious injuries and help avoid the need for hospital visits and even nursing homes.

Telehealth

Telehealth, providing healthcare services through digital platforms like video consultations and remote monitoring of chronic conditions, has become a game-changer for seniors. It allows them to connect with their healthcare professionals without needing an in-person visit and saves time and money for the senior and their caregiver.

Some telehealth options for seniors have included virtual physical therapy sessions, medical and dental appointments with their doctors, and even acupuncture. Technology such as motion sensors can also monitor a senior’s activity levels and sleeping patterns and detect anything unusual, such as wandering behavior, changes in sleep habits, or prolonged isolation.

While telehealth is a valuable resource, it’s important to note that not all older adults are familiar with how this technology works. As a result, it’s recommended that patients have a family member or caregiver accompany them during their first few telehealth visits to help them navigate the process and troubleshoot any challenges they might encounter.

Socialization

Socialization is essential to senior care as regular interactions with people of a similar age can improve mental and physical health. Seniors who have a wider social circle handle stress better and tend to exercise more often than those who have no close friends.

Despite the need for socialization, recreational and entertainment programming in assisted living can be inconsistent. Heavy workloads for staff and pervasive stereotypes make it difficult to find activities that suit the needs of every resident.

To combat this problem, communities are introducing new ways to promote social interaction between residents. For example, some have begun to use virtual assistants. These virtual assistants can provide reminders for medication and other tasks, help with simple questions, and even assist in scheduling appointments. They can also be adapted to respond to each resident’s specific needs or preferences.

Convenience

As the newest generation of seniors enters their golden years, senior living facilities must adapt to keep up. Baby boomers have evolved into a tech-savvy group that expects their care to reflect the technology they use at home and work.

Whether it’s bed sensors that monitor heart rates or digital medication dispensers that alert residents when it’s time to take their pills, smart technology is revolutionizing senior care. These innovations empower residents, making it easier to manage their health and connect with their loved ones.

During the pandemic, it became clear that the status quo of sending seniors to the hospital for minor issues was not only dangerous but also costly. Bringing healthcare onsite has become an absolute necessity. For example, the Curana Health organization partners with senior living communities to get primary and post-acute services onsite using long-term care software and remote monitoring capabilities like fall detection.