If you’re interested in finding an assisted living, independent living, or nursing home in Minnesota for yourself or a loved one, technology might be a major concern. After all, you’d like to know what kind of technology you might see in these environments.
You might want to know how senior living communities use technology to improve healthcare and living standards, and if you’re someone who struggles with modern technology, you might be a bit worried about what you’ll have to get used to.
At Choice Connections, we like to provide as much insight as possible for anyone considering a move to a senior living environment. As such, here’s how technology is improving modern senior living and healthcare, and how it might be incorporated into your day-to-day life.
How Technology is Being Used in Senior Living Environments
Telehealth Appointments for Better Healthcare Access
If an older person finds it challenging to leave their home or room for a doctor’s appointment, telehealth lets the doctor come to them. This means both routine appointments and new symptom queries can be addressed in a much more timely and accessible manner.
You don’t have to go anywhere – you just need to log into the video call and speak to a medical professional over the screen. This can also make appointments more comfortable, as assessments can be done in a familiar, low-stress environment.
Resident Safety Monitoring
Even with 24-hour staff providing round-the-clock care and support, there’s always concern that residents may need assistance when no one is available. That’s where resident safety monitoring tech can bridge the gap.
Common resident safety tech and remote monitoring devices include:
- Emergency sensors
- Nighttime movement sensors
- Wearable fall detection devices
Medication Reminders
It’s very common for medication to be forgotten about or taken later than it should be, for both young and old alike. However, modern technology in senior living environments allows medication reminders to be set in advance and alert at the same time every day. And these reminders will occur whether or not a care assistant is available, allowing residents more independence in taking their medication.
Communication Tools
AI assistants are usually voice-activated, allowing seniors to set reminders, make requests, and call for help without having to move. Phones and tablets with text-to-speech options can help a resident with limited vision hear their emails and messages. Devices with speech-to-text can also help a hearing-impaired person to understand phone calls.
Concerns Around the Use of Technology in Senior Living
Technology often feels unfamiliar
Digital devices are constantly changing, and these changes can be hard to get used to. Modern features like touch screens, hands-free calling, and voice assistants can be very frustrating to get the hang of. This leaves tech feeling unfamiliar and often leads to concerns about using it correctly.
No support when it’s needed
Many older people do their best to use unfamiliar technology and often need to ask for help. However, it can sometimes be difficult to get this help.
The person you’re trying to ask may not be available. Similarly, asking for help requires time and patience on both sides, and this isn’t always guaranteed. Frustration is very common, and this can lead to one or both giving up and walking away. Ultimately, it can feel like the support that’s required for safe and efficient tech use simply isn’t possible.
What Senior Living Communities are Doing to Help
Support is always available in senior living communities. For example, if you’re worried about how to log onto a telehealth platform to make your doctor’s appointment on time, an assistant will be there to guide you through the process.
Residents are always told where devices are, what they do, and are shown how to use them. Reminders are always available when you need a quick refresher, too.
How Choice Connections Can Help You Find a Modern Senior Living Environment
On the hunt for an independent living community? You’re in the right place. We’re the local experts who can help you find the right senior living environment in Minnesota, whether you’re a fan of tech or not. Feel free to call us at (651) 261-5379 to discuss your senior living technology needs, concerns, or queries.