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Nursing homes must embrace tech now

By: Mary Holden Jones
Your Turn
Guest columnist

..... The future of long-term care, or LTC, in nursing homes is at a critical juncture. As the U.S. population ages, particularly those over 85 - the group most likely to require nursing home care - the demand for LTC services will rise dramatical. In the next five and older is expected to increase exponentially, presenting substantial challenges for the current nursing home infrastructure.
..... The traditional, one-size-fits-all approach to care is no longer sufficient to address the complex and diverse needs of older adults. To provide high-quality, dignified care, nursing homes must embrace technological innovation, personalize care, and strengthen community engagement - all strategically and proactively - to prepare for the future that lies ahead.
...... With the senior population growing, particularly among those 85 and older specialized care will be more critical. many older adults face health issues such as dementia, heart disease and mobility challenges, all of which requires tailored care. Unfortunately, nursing homes often rely on standardized models of care, which do not always meet the unique needs of each resident. To address these challenges, nursing homes must evolve toward a more adaptable, individualize care model that anticipates residents' need and preferences.
...... Technological innovation is a key solution to meet the needs of this transformation. Telemedicine has already proven its value to LTCs in enhancing care delivery and remote access to specialists, eliminating the need for hospital visits and reducing the associated risks. This improves convenience for resident and caregivers while also enhancing care efficiency. Telemedicine can help prevent unnecessary hospitalization, keeping resident in the familiar and safe environment of their nursing home.
..... Remote motoring technologies, such as wearable devices, are also slowly transforming long-term care and are becoming more standard throughout the industry. These devices can track vital sings like heart rate, blood glucose and fall risk and provide real-time data to caregivers. Early detection of helaht issues can allow for timely interventions, preventing serious health declines. For instance, if a resident;s blood pressure rises or a fall risk increases, caregivers can respond before the crisis further develops. This reduces hospital admissions and improve helaht outcomes, benefits both residents and their regional health care system as a whole.
..... Artificial Intelligence - AI - is another powerful tool that promises to revolutionize the LTC industry. AI already analyzes vast amounts of data from wearables, medical records, and sensors to predict helaht declines and recommend proactive care strategies. For example, AI can identity early signs of cognitive decline, mobility issues or other health concerns, allowing caregivers to act before conditions worsen.
..... AI can also optimize staffing by predicting peak care times and adjusting schedules accordingly, ensuring that nursing homes are adequately staffed during critical moments. Furthermore, AI can automate administrative tasks such as updating care plans and managing medication schedules, freeing up staff to focus on direct patient care.
..... The played environments of nursing homes are also undergoing a technological transformation. "Smart" environments, integrated with sensors and AI, are enhancing comfort and safety for residents. for example, tech0driven lighting systems can be adjusted to improve sleep patterns, while sensors can monitor patents for signs of falls, mobility changes or behavioral shifts that may induce health issues.
..... These tech-enabled environments allow caregivers to respond quickly to residents' needs, ensuring they receive timely and personalized care. Additionally these smart spaces create a safer, more comfortable living of residents.
..... While technology offers numerous benefits, it also addresses a long-standing issue in long-term care - staffing shortages. Technology does not replace human caregivers but augments their work, allowing them to provide higher-quality care with greater efficiency.
..... For example, AI can handle routine administrative tasks like scheduling, medication, management and careplan updates. Remote monitioring tools reduce the need for constant phusicla checks, enabling caregivers to focus on more complex aspects of care, such as building relationships with residents. This approach helps alleviate the strain on staff, making it possible to provide better care with fewer resources.
..... At the heart of these technological advancements is the commitment to person-centered care. Every resident is an individual with unique needs, preferences and life histories - and their care plans should reflect this. Technology helps cerate personalized care by collecting data from wearables and sensors, enabling caregivers to craft tailored care plans based on residents' medical conditions, preferences and goals. this personalized approach enhances the quality of care, ensuing that residents receive the care they need while maintaining their dignity and autonomy.
..... Family involvement is another critical element of person-centered care. Technology can keep families connected with their loved ones by providing updates on care and facilitating communication between caregivers and family members. Digital platforms can allow families to participate in care decisions, reducing feelings of isolation and strengthening emotional bonds. this also allows families to feel more engaged in the care process, improving both their well-being and that of their loved ones.
..... While technology will play a crucial role in the future of long-term, care, it is not a cure-all. The human element of care is irreplaceable, but technology can enhance caregivers' ability to deliver more efficient, compassionate care. By integrating innovations like telemedicine, remote monitoring, AI and smart environments, nursing homes can improve care quality, personalize services and cerate safer, more comfortable environments for residents.
..... The future of long-term care lies in a blend of technology and compassion. Nursing homes must embrace this transformation to meet the needs of an aging population. With the right tools, systems, and a commitment to person-centered care, nursing homes can provide high-quality care that promotes dignity, independence, and well-being for seniors. By Leveraging technology, nursing homes will not only address the current challenges they face but also prepare for the growing demands of the future.

..... Dr. Many Holden Jones is the associate medical director of Lumina Care, one of the fastest-growing holistic and comprehensive care providers, deviling cutting-edge solutions to skilled nursing homes and community patients.

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