"Adapting to Current Technology Standards": Exploring the Methods Employed by Assisted Living Facilities in Accommodating Contemporary Technological Demands

"Adapting to Current Technology Standards": Exploring the Methods Employed by Assisted Living Facilities in Accommodating Contemporary Technological Demands

In the ever-evolving landscape of senior care, United Church Homes (UCH) is leading the charge by integrating modern technology infrastructure and support systems to meet the growing demands of older adults.

As the Corporate Director of IT and HIPAA security officer at UCH, Glen Tibbitts is at the forefront of this transformation. Michael Hughes, Chief Transformation and Innovation Officer at UCH, discusses their focus on innovation, emphasising the importance of adapting to residents' evolving technological needs [1].

Recognising the potential of voice-activated digital assistants, UCH piloted their use at Ingleside, one of its care communities. However, they found the technology not yet mature enough for residents [2]. Nevertheless, the need for high-speed wireless connectivity remains paramount, with the speed requirements for individual rooms or apartments in senior care communities expected to be astronomical [3].

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technology in senior care, as it has become a crucial tool for seniors to stay connected with their families [4]. In response, UCH has been preparing to deliver fiber to residents' doorsteps in anticipation of baby boomers [5].

To ensure that technology engagement and adoption are successful, Hughes suggests involving residents in the selection of new IT solutions [6]. This approach is reflected in Ingleside's training of 40 resident "ambassadors" on the new portal application, who then promoted the solution across the organisation [7].

The number of residents using mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets to communicate with family members and friends surged during the pandemic at Ingleside [8]. Connected devices, including smartphones, tablets, wearables, and smart TVs, have proliferated inside care communities for older adults [9].

However, not all residents are able to use touch-screen devices due to health and mobility issues. Approximately 30% of Ingleside's residents were found to be unable to use touch-screen devices [10]. UCH is addressing this challenge by piloting a smart badge that transcribes the speech of employees and family members for deaf patients [11].

To enhance resident engagement, Ingleside revamped its resident engagement portal, making it easier for seniors to access information about programming and dining options [12]. Cypress Village, another UCH community, uses Samsung Galaxy tablets with the iN2L senior engagement app in its skilled nursing unit [13].

The use of technology has proven to be a lifeline for seniors experiencing isolation during the pandemic. At Cypress Village, the number of residents using the community's mobile app skyrocketed in 2021, with 60% of residents having downloaded it [14].

Looking ahead, Cypress Village leaders are considering using virtual reality headsets, pending grant approval [15]. UCH upgraded its wireless infrastructure at the start of 2022, installing 215 Cisco Meraki MR44 Wi-Fi 6 access points [16]. Ingleside, operating three communities for older adults in the Washington, D.C., area and providing at-home care, upgraded its wireless infrastructure in 2019 [17].

In a world where technology is increasingly integral to our lives, UCH is committed to ensuring that older adults are not left behind. Laurie Orlov, founder of Aging and Health Technology Watch, emphasises the need for pervasive high-speed wireless connectivity and tech support for residents in senior care communities [18]. As UCH continues to innovate, it remains dedicated to improving the quality of life for seniors by embracing technology.

References:

1. Michael Hughes, Chief Transformation and Innovation Officer at United Church Homes, interview
2. United Church Homes prepares for the increasing demand for high-speed wireless connectivity and tech support in senior care communities
3. The speed requirements for individual rooms or apartments in senior care communities are expected to be astronomical
4. The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred the adoption of technology in senior care to help seniors stay connected with their families
5. United Church Homes is preparing to deliver fiber to residents' doorsteps in anticipation of baby boomers
6. Michael Hughes, Chief Transformation and Innovation Officer at United Church Homes, suggests involving residents in the selection of new IT solutions to ensure technology engagement and adoption
7. Ingleside trained 40 resident "ambassadors" on the new portal application, who then promoted the solution across the organization
8. The number of residents using mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets to communicate with family members and friends "exploded" during the pandemic at Ingleside
9. Connected devices, including smartphones, tablets, wearables, and smart TVs, have proliferated inside care communities for older adults
10. Approximately 30% of Ingleside's residents were found to be unable to use touch-screen devices due to health and mobility issues
11. United Church Homes is piloting a smart badge that transcribes the speech of employees and family members for deaf patients
12. Ingleside conducts regular proactive engagements with residents to determine the best technology solutions for their needs
13. Cypress Village uses Samsung Galaxy tablets with the iN2L senior engagement app in its skilled nursing unit
14. In a 2021 survey, 60% of residents at Cypress Village said they had downloaded the community's mobile app
15. Cypress Village leaders are considering using virtual reality headsets, pending grant approval
16. United Church Homes upgraded its wireless infrastructure at the start of 2022, installing 215 Cisco Meraki MR44 Wi-Fi 6 access points
17. Ingleside, an organization operating three communities for older adults in the Washington, D.C., area and providing at-home care, upgraded its wireless infrastructure in 2019
18. Laurie Orlov, founder of Aging and Health Technology Watch, emphasises the need for pervasive high-speed wireless connectivity and tech support for residents in senior care communities
19. United Church Homes (UCH) is exploring the use of voice-activated digital assistants in their health-and-wellness initiatives for seniors, recognizing the potential benefits of such technology in aging care.
20. As part of their commitment to integrate technology into the lives of older adults, UCH is collaborating with researchers in the field of science to develop accessible technology solutions that cater to various health and mobility needs, such as the smart badge for deaf patients.

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