Technology has transformed the way we communicate, the way we work, the way we manage our money, even the way we seek information. It comes as no surprise, then, that it’s also had a major impact on the senior living industry. Thanks to robust technological innovations, those who provide care in a senior living environment now have efficient ways of keeping residents safe, comfortable, and healthy.
But what are some of the specific benefits of IT in senior living services? How has technology made life better for residents of senior living communities?
The Role of IT in Senior Living Services
Here are a few examples for consideration.
Technology Helps Keep Senior Living Residents Safe
In any senior living environment, resident safety is the absolute top priority. Historically, one of the biggest safety risks to seniors, and especially those with dementia, is wandering. This is a behavior in which residents may become confused and literally wander off, sometimes becoming lost or finding themselves in dangerous situations.
Senior living services must be zealous to protect their residents from wandering, and technology makes that possible, specifically through wander management technologies. We’re proud to offer a number of leading wander management systems here at Salient Networks, and we know first-hand that they can really make a difference.
Technology Enables Clear Communication
Another important aspect of technology in the senior living context? It enables residents to communicate easily and directly with the clinical staff and other employees.
Nurse call systems, emergency alerts, and easy-to-use in-room phones empower senior living residents to get in touch with nurses and caregivers any time they need anything; whether because they’ve fallen and need assistance or because they need something less urgent.
This makes life easier and safer for residents, but of course, it also equips nurses and staff members to do their work more efficiently. A virtual “resident service assistant” can be invaluable in any senior living setting.
Technology Provides Peace of Mind
One more thing to consider is that, while technology can obviously play a big role in the lives of residents and staff members, it also makes a difference for family members.
Knowing that your loved one is being taken care of in a community with safety- and communication-enabling technology in place can provide enormous peace of mind. Loved ones rest easy knowing that their older relatives live in an environment where every possible precaution is being taken.
Getting Started with IT Services for Senior Living
Clearly, there’s much that technology can do to enhance senior living communities, and to improve the lives of residents, caregivers, and family members. The question is, how do senior living residences implement these technologies?
It’s not as simple as buying a new tablet or computer for personal use. There’s a lot of consideration that needs to be made regarding your community’s needs; which products best address those needs; what kind of infrastructure needs to be built; and what sort of ongoing IT oversight and management is needed.
Connect with Salient Networks
In other words, it’s crucial to work with an IT partner, a firm that has ample experience collaborating with senior living communities.
Salient Networks can assist your senior living center in any of the following ways:
- Analyzing and evaluating needs
- Building an efficient and secure network infrastructure
- Selecting the most resourceful and effective products
- Implementing, troubleshooting, and managing technology
- Assisting with upgrades as needed
- Training staff members on using new technology
Ready to learn more? Reach out to Salient Networks today and let’s chat about IT services for senior living.