The Future is Here! A.I. Brings Revolutionary Changes to Senior Living!

Most of us are familiar with Artificial Intelligence(AI) already due to robots, Siri and Alexa, and self-driving cars. However, do you know exactly what it is and how it is changing health care and the senior living industry?

What exactly is AI? 

Business News Daily, simply defines AI as computers and computer software that are capable of intelligent behavior, such as analysis and learning. It is a broad category at the cutting edge of technological development, growing and changing every day.

It’s also a multi-billion-dollar industry. In fact, Forbes states that the market value of AI in the health care industry alone is predicted to reach $6.6 billion by 2021.

How will AI affect the Senior Living industry?

Dan Williams, President & COO of Seasons Living, Oregon, spoke with MedBest and firmly believes that AI and new technologies are the “biggest trend happening in senior housing and senior care.” Dan stated that we can expect AI to address some of our current challenges including:

-Preventative Care
-Staff Retention
-Keeping Residents Socially Engaged
-Keeping Families of Residents Involved and Informed

Preventative Care

Prevention is key when we think of potential injuries and hazards. AI can help to reduce falls and injuries since it can actually learn and track a resident’s behaviors and patterns and in turn, predict health related issues before they become full blown medical emergencies.

In addition, health monitoring technologies with sensors can monitor vital signs such as body temperatures, heart rate, motion, and respiratory rate.

Staff Retention 

Just think if your staff could spend more time doing what they signed up and less time on documentation and compliance.  Also, what if AI could be voice activated to help them measure activity and behavioral patterns of seniors in real time, receive guidance or confer with other health care professionals, and send important health updates to families. Would they be happier? Of course! AI might be a game changer when it comes to talent retention.

Keeping Residents Socially Engaged

AI can be used to help residents become socially engaged which may help to reduce the risk or slow down cognitive decline or dementia.  Chatbots and robots powered by AI, will be able to interact with residents to simulate social engagement. In addition, residents who are concerned about a specific condition or the side effects of treatment could query a chatbot at any time. However, these simulated companions should be seen as an addition to regular social interaction and medical care rather than a replacement.

Keeping Families Informed & Close

With AI mobile applications or web-based platforms, family members of residents will be able to get easy access to information regarding their loved ones’ care. In addition, with today’s social technology, residents can stay close in contact with their families.  Residents are using bedside TV screens to enjoy a chat with their family or watch a soccer game of a grandchild or loved one in real time.

Last Thought

The benefits currently derived from AI are just scratching the surface.  With further R&D, the future potential is mind-blowing.  AI may totally change the way health care is provided to our seniors and residents.  Are you ready?

ABOUT JULIE RUPENSKI

Julie Rupenski is the Founder, President & CEO of MedBest, opening the doors in 2001. Since that time, Julie has gained national recognition for providing top talent solutions exclusively for the Senior Living Industry. Her specialties include filling C-Suite, Vice President, Regional, and Property level positions.

Julie has an in-depth knowledge of the Senior Living Industry since she previously worked in operations for both Senior Housing and Senior Living. Today, Julie makes it her personal and professional mission to place qualified people in health care positions where they have the greatest impact.

Julie earned her degree in Gerontology at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida and continues to cultivate her career through senior living conferences, forums, trade shows, and expos.

(Julie’s industry articles and interviews have been published in Provider Magazine, Argentum Quarterly, LeadingAge Magazine, Florida Health Care Association, Florida Assisted Living Association, Florida Senior Living Association, LeadingAge Florida, LeadingAge Indiana, Pennsylvania Health Care Association, Oregon Health Care Association, and Virginia Assisted Living Association.)

Contact Julie Rupenski at jkrupenski@www.medbest.com / 727-526-1294

ABOUT MEDBEST

MedBest is a national Executive Search Firm exclusive to the Senior Living Industry established in 2001.  We recruit and acquire exceptional long term care talent, permanent and interim, for all types of Senior Living Organizations and Communities across the US including Assisted Living, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Independent Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing Facilities.

Contact MedBest at 727-526-1294 / info@www.medbest.com