John O’Connor, McKnight Editorial Director
How are so many providers preparing for the technology revolution in senior living? The same way an unmotivated college student prepares for his final exam: by waiting as long as possible.
So far, this has been a relatively safe method for operators with no or uncertain commitments. But make no mistake. The day of reckoning is near. Some may say it has already arrived.
At this week’s LeadingAge annual general meeting, Talegate’s Jack Yorke, co-founder of It’s Never Too Late, warned that the sector is experiencing a “Kodak moment”. He wasn’t just eyeing photogenic spots in Nashville, Tennessee. He noted that Kodak was notoriously reluctant to embrace digital technology, and that this failure led to the company’s deep downturn.
Throughout this week’s LeadingAge conference, educational sessions highlighted how technology is reshaping the lives of older adults. Experts discuss the implications for aging services, from data-driven strategies to improve population and organizational health to federal interoperability standards that help alleviate today’s staffing challenges. We discussed AI-driven solutions. Cybersecurity concerns were also at the forefront. One session considered whether providers may be unwittingly inviting hackers to compromise sensitive information.
Virtual reality, which we discussed in a separate session, breaks down barriers and helps residents connect with the outside world. In dementia care, new technology offers ways to bring joy, while other tools are focused on helping residents feel at home and feel more secure. Participants also addressed the important question: “How much technology is enough?”
Meanwhile, many impressive products utilizing technology were on display at the Expo Hall. Vendors showcased everything from virtual reality tools to innovations designed to bring comfort and engagement to dementia care. Many exhibitors offered solutions that made residents feel at home and increased personalization and engagement.
It is clear that the stakes at the table are rising when it comes to technology adoption. Bottom line: Providers that aren’t working strategically and tactically can quickly find themselves in trouble. Don’t get me wrong. The threat is not just being outrun. It’s being left alone.
John O’Connor is editorial director of McKnight’s Senior Living and its sister media brands, McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, which focuses on skilled nursing, and McKnight’s Home Care. Read more of his columns here.
