Implementing technology into senior care is becoming increasingly important as the population ages, but case studies reveal there are many challenges associated with doing so, says the November 2011 LeadingAge CAST (Center for Aging Services Technologies) report.
“Preparing for the Future: Developing Technology-Enabled Long-Term Services and Supports for a New Population of Older Adults” was produced to inform senior care providers about innovative business and operational models, and to provide LeadingAge members with the tools they need to implement those models.
Some commonly-faced challenges identified through CAST’s case studies include a lack of infrastructure; funding; integration; comfort with technology among staff and consumers; and collaboration between an organization’s units, as well as a lackluster private-pay market and a technology learning curve for those who are new to technology and are in need of guidance.
LeadingAge identifies seven “markers of success” that lead to gainful technology deployment, including fostering cultures of innovation, having an involved board of directors, being willing to outsource tech installation to private vendors, and having a forward-looking IT team.
The report recommends using technology as a tool, but not as an end in itself, and advises smaller organizations not to let size deter them from innovation. It includes tips for all stages of deploying technology: preparation, the deployment itself, and managing it afterward.
The 18 case studies contained in the report exemplify the seven markers of success and offer implementation insight and advice.
View the LeadingAge CAST technology report here.
Written by Alyssa Gerace
