Different Ways Technology is Improving Senior Living
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With technology steadily advancing, it has made a huge impact on healthcare and senior living. Older adults are adopting technology to improve their daily lives and the benefits of technology are innumerable. It can improve the care quality and overall well-being of individuals. The number of senior adults using a smartphone has increased with time and about 90% of older adults have a laptop and use the internet. Technology adoption has opened new areas for engaging with digital platforms that help with the self-management of disease and lifestyle changes. They are using different platforms to stay updated about access to support and using digital platforms to improve their health. In this guide, we look at the different ways technology can improve senior living.
Technology at senior living facilities
Using technology across senior living facilities has led to multiple benefits for the staff and residents. It allows the residents to remain connected with their family and friends through social media, messaging, and video calls. It also reduces the administrative burden on the staff which allows them to focus more on value-driven activities. This helps build a better environment for the residents since the staff is more focused on providing individual attention and care.
Besides helping with the administrative process, it also allows remote patient monitoring where healthcare professionals can track medication adherence, and vital signs and keep a watch on the overall health remotely. It will help identify potential health issues before they become serious. Telemedicine platforms also make it easier for senior adults to access healthcare services such as home care in DuPage IL. They can schedule virtual consultations which reduces the need for travel and provides efficient results.
Easy access to healthcare
After the pandemic, the number of adults who completed Telehealth visits saw a significant rise. Telehealth services have changed the way healthcare is delivered to older adults, thus, increasing access to healthcare. It reduces the need for in-person visits and is beneficial for individuals with mobility challenges or those living in rural areas. Through Telehealth, it is possible to connect with medical professionals through telephone calls, video calls, or private messaging. This ensures timely medical advice and treatment without the need for any travel.
Remote patient monitoring
A huge part of telehealth is remote patient monitoring. It allows medical professionals to monitor the health conditions of the patient from a distance. This ensures consistent care and allows timely intervention. There are remote patient monitoring devices which include smart home systems, and wearable devices which are used to gather and transmit the data to healthcare professionals on time. Fitness trackers and smartwatches have become a huge part of our lives today and they help monitor activity levels, vital signs, and sleep patterns. They can alert the medical professional on time and help them detect potential health issues before it is too late. This technology allows healthcare providers to create personalized care plans and make the right decisions when necessary.
Assistive technology
Assistive technology has helped improve the lives of seniors through wearable devices and voice-activated smart home systems. Besides gathering critical health data, the devices also remind senior individuals about their medication and help them take a proactive approach towards health and wellbeing. Devices like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa can transform the way senior adults interact with their living environment. It enhances convenience, safety, and independence for seniors. Voice-assisted devices allow seniors to control different aspects of their home using voice commands and they also allow them to set reminders like playing music, making a phone call, or switching off the lights.
The bottom line
Technology also plays a crucial role in the quality of care and overall experience of senior adults in long-term care environments. Through technology, medical professionals can address the unique challenges, health concerns and needs that are faced by adults in care. There are devices used to promote independence, provide support, and enhance the overall well-being of seniors. Emerging technologies also include computers, sensory aids, and environmental controls which help with mobility and daily living. The main purpose of using technology for long-term care is to ensure independence and maintain a quality of life. Sometimes the lack of information can become a barrier to the implementation of technology in care services. Proactive steps are necessary in such cases. It is important to explore different ways to encourage the implementation of the latest technology. Providers should be educated about implementation issues and given the necessary resources to overcome the hesitation.
Lastly, one can never deny the fact that technology is one of the most crucial aspects of our lives and its implementation in senior living facilities will aid senior adults, their families, and care providers. Emerging technologies can make life much easier and independent for them.