Comments on: Harnessing the Potential of Technology in Senior Living Facilities

By: BobHarootyan

BobHarootyan — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:17:52 +0000

(cont'd) Carle's med management example reminded me of a similar technology from the early 1990s, when I was directing a forecasting program at AARP. One advisory group meeting included a demo of "HANC" (home assisted nursing computer), patented by Steve Kaufman (then HealthTech Services). The test model was a small stand-alone device with a video screen, BP cuff, pre-programmed medication dispenser (multiple times/day/week) and ability to contact a health care provider, to whom BP readings could be automatically transmitted. Despite rave reviews and substantial private sector investment, HANC never made it to market. Was it ahead of its time? The marketing plan included the adult children of seniors, since both would benefit. Initial projected costs per unit were one barrier, although a rental program was envisioned. Medicare or other insurance reimbursement did not exist. With no mass production because of the unknown market, HANC was never launched. Today, the same functions (and then some) are far more efficiently available at relatively low cost. Inertia? Perhaps, but forward-looking supportive housing organizations should be a strong market for these technologies.

By: BobHarootyan

BobHarootyan — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:16:23 +0000

It is no surprise that many of these technologies, whether in individual or multi-unit housing, are not more prevalent. Decisions based on costs/marginal utility are barriers. Perhaps it's inertia, as Laurie suggests. It may also involve market timing, availability of cost reimburement, and costs associated with retro-fit vs. new construction. (cont'd)

By: Mark Britton

Mark Britton — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:31:24 +0000

My mantra is that we are at a stage where demographic aging is already beginning and will soon accelerate. In the meantime, the deployment of computers, the Internet and mobile communications in all aspects of the economy, services and everyday life continues apace. The two trends can hardly pass each other without interacting in a multitude of ways. The shift from reactive to proactive healthcare and wellness is fueling an increased vigilance & senior care service providers should take a more optimistic (perhaps opportunistic) view in how they can leverage technology to their advantage & perhaps shake up the status quo.
Proactively providing community outreach by potentially offering health tech. services in -home (such as remote monitoring for boomers needing to better manage chronic disease) might even help to build the yellow brick road (and establish a relationship earlier in time with a prospective ALF recruit as they age) that could lead a more direct pathway from one's home to the front door of an ALF. Nothing ventured … nothing gained?

By: Nurture Connect

Nurture Connect — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 04:58:47 +0000

The premise that fear is a main reason that technologies being developed today that are focused on helping people stay in their homes are not being adopted by Senior Living Facilities is a bit misleading. While this may be true of many facilities, there are those facilities that will seek to differentiate themselves from the masses by adopting a technology edge.
With the amount of individuals aging and the upcoming labor shortage as mentioned in the blog the main focus needs to be on keeping individuals safe and healthy while they age. Now it appears that this may need to be accomplished with limited human resources. We agree that using robots for lifting will be beneficial. Many individuals that are of boomer age and beyond are already using medication reminders so we foresee that just moving directly into Senior Living Facilities. Additionally the integration of other systems such as Electronic Health Records (EHR’s) and Personal Health Records (PHR’s) along with wireless health devices already are being adopted within other communities and we believe will be demanded by those that end up in a facility.
We believe that many families will pay additional fees to be able to stay better connected to their loved ones that are in a Senior Living Facility and whether that technology is as simple as an amplified phone so that the individual can have a conversation or specialized software to keep the family connected to the nurses and caregivers we are betting that adoption will mean better care and happier families.

By: Barb Przybylowicz

Barb Przybylowicz — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:34:51 +0000

A couple issues to address–
Nursing shortage- This problem will continue to increase due to patient/nurse ratios (and CNA's) and their responsibilities. I have been a nurse for 34 years and have changed my career along with many other nurses I know.
Technology (as ITT)- It's great but only as good as the person who logs in the information. Nothing can replace the love, care and compassion from a human being.
Technology for prevention is much needed. Many facilities are bringing back the "visiting doctor and nurse practitioners" which defer unnecessary emergency room visits, risks on transport and continuity of care. Such as wheelchair/bed alarms, only work if staff is available immediately to respond. New simple products (not high tech) are needed as a new product SafetyBunns Non-Slip Pants. They prevent falls and injury not only to the resident but staff also. Workers compensation pays out a 2:1 ratio for use.
Each seniors case is different and has to be professionally evaluated in all realms, as safety, medically, psychologically to name a few.

By: Laurie Orlov

Laurie Orlov — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:48:52 +0000

Hmm. Take a look at tech-sparse exhibit halls at ALFA and Leading Age, talk to struggling tech vendors of the named categories above trying to sell into this industry, see brand new construction with underground fiber leading into every building and observe that they may NOT activate the Internet jacks in each room in assisted living. I don't believe that resistance to technology in senior housing has anything to do with threats. To me, it is inertia.

There are exceptions, but my perception is that they are waiting until the consumer demands a tech-enabled environment and they won't move in without it, until assessors and inspectors force elimination of the use of paper charting, and until the companies themselves become serious about offering tech-enabled services inside and offering similar (for a fee) to the aging residents living of communities.