By now it’s pretty widely accepted that technology is an essential component in senior living communities. Indeed, with the right technology, senior living centers can enhance resident safety, comfort, and communication. This technology can also help family members enjoy heightened peace of mind.
But if that’s all you know about IT services for senior living, you may not be quite ready to develop a strong tech strategy. In this post, we’ll outline a few lesser-known facts about putting an IT senior living service into place. With questions, reach out to Salient Networks directly.
What No One Tells You About IT and Senior Living Services
1) It’s not just about wander management.
When it comes to technology in senior living services, the elephant in the room is wander management. Most senior living communities depend on this technology to help those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, guarding them from physical harm.
Wander management technology is definitely important and should be considered within any senior living community. However, there’s really a full spectrum of technologies that can keep residents safe, help them connect with the nursing staff, and allow the clinical team to provide services more efficiently. Make sure to take a broad view of tech, including wander management but also resident service assistant systems and beyond.
2) You can’t take a “set it and forget it” approach.
Once you put wander management and resident service assistant programs in place, does that mean your work is done? Far from it. With technology, there’s always going to be a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance; it’s important not just to have the technology, but to make sure it’s working at an optimal level. That’s why it’s smart to have a relationship with an IT service company like Salient Networks.
3) It’s not just about residents and staff.
Yes, the right technology makes life better for residents, and more efficient for the nursing staff.
But don’t forget that it can also provide peace of mind to the family members back home, who will be comforted to know that their older relatives are in a place where all the right precautions are being made.
We’d really recommend making this part of your pitch. As you meet with prospective residents or families, let them know about the safety- and comfort-enhancing systems you’ve put into place. It can be a real selling point for your senior living community.
4) Not all technologies are created equal.
There are a number of options in the wander management space alone… so if you go with the first product you’re exposed to, you run the risk that you’ll end up with something that’s too expensive, or ill-equipped for meeting your needs.
Again, it pays to have a relationship with an IT services company, particularly one that focuses on senior living issues. A company like Salient Networks can recommend the right products for your senior living community, helping you to properly use your technology budget.
Find Out More About IT Services for Senior Living
As you think about developing the right IT plan for your senior living community, make sure you’re considering the full spectrum of technological benefits that exist… and, that you have an IT partner to guide you through the implementation process.
Salient Networks is a leading technology company, with a focus on senior living communities. It’s been our pleasure to work with senior centers throughout the country, and we’d love to tell you more about some of the options that currently exist. Reach out to Salient Networks at your next convenience.