Connectivity Needs: How Health Technology is Reshaping Senior Living
Senior care facilities often act as a hub of healthcare for seniors With around the clock medical staff, supervision, assistance with daily activities, medication management, assistance with transportation to wellness visits and more, healthcare technology has been a boon. But while these technologies have brought unprecedented access, speed, and efficiency to senior care, there is a burden placed on existing connectivity at properties.
The use of connected health devices, remote patient monitoring, and tele-health services have exploded, with 53 percent of older adults using some type of assistive or health-related technology. Senior facilities have gladly adopted these innovations, leveraging technology to enhance resident experiences, improve connectivity and safety, and streamline operations.
But not property is prepared for the increased connectivity burden this adoption brings. The rapid pace of adoption is creating a digital divide within the industry, with some facilities struggling to keep up with the demands of a connected world.
Planning for the Near Future
In general, technologies and infrastructure need to be updated or upgraded every 3-5 years. This can be due to a number of factors tied to advancements, regulations, and operational and efficiency needs.
When connectivity is compromised, residents are at risk. Delayed medical attention, interrupted tele-health appointments, and unreliable monitoring devices can have severe health consequences. For staff, connectivity issues can result in increased workloads, frustration, and decreased efficiency.
This reality underscores the necessity of prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, not just as an investment in technology, but as a vital component of resident care and safety. While the initial costs may seem daunting, the long-term benefits, including improved resident and staff satisfaction, make it an essential investment.
Where to Look for Potential Issues
To address these challenges, facility leaders must conduct a thorough assessment of their current technological capabilities. Consider the following:
● Bandwidth: Is your facility equipped to handle the increasing demands of connected devices and applications?
● Hardware: Are your routers, switches, and access points sufficient to provide reliable connectivity throughout the facility?
● Network Security: Do you have robust security measures in place to protect sensitive resident data? This is especially important for HIPAA requirements.
● Staff Expertise: Do your staff members have the necessary skills to troubleshoot and maintain the network?
Only when facilities have a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, can a strategic plan for improvement be developed. Investing in new Wi-Fi systems, upgrading hardware, and expanding network capacity are essential steps. Additionally, exploring cloud- based solutions can provide flexibility and scalability.
Considering Financial Implications
While budgets are still a barrier, gone are the days of calling the cable company to get the cheapest options possible. The key is having an understanding of resident needs and selecting the right technology partner to ensure resident satisfaction and care. A good partner is one who not only understands the complexities of the senior living sector, but also provides a connected end to end infrastructure assessment and tailored technology solutions that are scalable, secure, and future-proof. They should act as a strategic collaborator, offering continuous support and proactive guidance to keep facilities ahead of emerging trends, along with owning the entire technology infrastructure and life cycle with world class services and support. By working closely with a knowledgeable provider, facilities can develop customized solutions that address their specific challenges and goals.
In Conclusion
It's time for the industry to recognize that strong connectivity and modern IT systems are as crucial to a senior facility's success as compassionate care and skilled staff. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, senior living facilities must prioritize connectivity to ensure the experience and well-being of their residents.
By investing in the necessary infrastructure and staying informed about emerging technologies, facilities can bridge the digital divide and create a more connected, caring environment for seniors and a competitive advantage for facility owners.
