How are all too many suppliers preparing for senior residing’s tech revolution? Very like the best way an unmotivated faculty pupil would possibly prep for closing exams: by ready so long as potential.
Thus far, that has been a comparatively secure path for operators who stay uncommitted or unsure. However make no mistake: a day of reckoning is nearing. Some would possibly even say it already has arrived.
On the LeadingAge Annual Assembly this week, Talegate’s Jack York, co-founder of It’s By no means Too Late, warned the sector is experiencing a “Kodak second.” He wasn’t simply noting Nashville, TN’s photo-worthy spots; he was pointing to Kodak’s notorious reluctance to undertake digital expertise — a misstep that led to an epic downturn for the corporate.
All through this week’s LeadingAge convention, academic periods highlighted how expertise is reshaping senior residing. Specialists mentioned AI-driven options set to influence getting old companies, from data-driven methods to enhance resident and organizational well being to federal interoperability requirements that might assist ease at present’s staffing challenges. Cybersecurity issues additionally have been entrance and heart; one session explored whether or not suppliers is perhaps unwittingly inviting hackers to compromise delicate info.
Digital actuality, mentioned in one other session, is breaking down limitations to assist residents join with the world exterior. In dementia care, new tech affords methods to convey pleasure, whereas different instruments concentrate on serving to residents really feel at dwelling and extra comfortable. Attendees additionally grappled with an necessary query: How a lot expertise is sufficient?
In the meantime, the expo corridor showcased a powerful array of tech-driven merchandise. Distributors displayed all the pieces from digital actuality instruments to improvements designed to convey consolation and engagement to dementia care. Many exhibitors supplied options to make residents really feel at dwelling, enhancing personalization and engagement.
It’s fairly clear that in the case of tech adoption, the desk stakes are rising. The underside line: Suppliers who aren’t making the strategic and tactical might quickly discover themselves in a world of damage. And make no mistake: the menace isn’t simply being outpaced; it’s being left within the mud.
John O’Connor is editorial director for McKnight’s Senior Dwelling and its sister media manufacturers, McKnight’s Lengthy-Time period Care Information, which focuses on expert nursing, and McKnight’s House Care. Learn extra of his columns right here.
