Using Technology in Long Term Care

Technology integration in long-term care transforms daily operations and resident well-being by replacing paper-based records with mobile electronic health records, enhancing staff efficiency and creating a more home-like environment. Artificial intelligence, specifically tools like SafelyU, enables proactive fall management by analyzing movement patterns without continuous surveillance, significantly reducing unnecessary hospitalizations. Virtual reality and robotics offer creative engagement opportunities, ranging from virtual travel experiences to therapeutic robotic pets that provide companionship without the maintenance demands of live animals. Jennifer Thompson, Executive Director at Eagle Point Senior Living, emphasizes that successful adoption requires ongoing staff education and an open mindset, particularly by leveraging the younger workforce's digital fluency. Ultimately, technology serves as a vital supplement to human care, fostering connection and purpose, such as through inter-community virtual competitions that build camaraderie and physical strength among residents.