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How Technology Reshapes Care in Nursing Homes

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Allen Bauman
How Technology Reshapes Care in Nursing Homes

Technology is reshaping the care of seniors in nursing homes. From telemedicine to connected health systems, technology can help caregivers improve their ability to provide quality care for residents. While technology can be a great boon to nursing homes, it’s not always easy for caregivers to know how best to implement it. Here are some ways that technology is reshaping care in nursing homes:

Big Data and EHR Data Analytics

Healthcare organizations are beginning to use big data analytics to uncover patterns and trends in care delivery that can help improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life. For example, the Veterans Health Administration (VA) has been using predictive analytics for years to predict which patients are at risk for hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge from an inpatient stay. The VA has also used predictive modeling to identify factors associated with veterans' long-term success with antidepressant medications by analyzing data from their Electronic Health Record system.


The VA's experience shows the tremendous potential of using big data in healthcare settings, but it also raises some important questions: What is the right type of information to collect? How can we ensure that privacy concerns are addressed? How do we ensure that patients understand how their information will be used?

Patient Monitoring

Nursing homes have used technology to monitor patients for years, but a new breed of connected devices is making it easier than ever to track their health and wellness.


For example, sensor-laden pillows can monitor sleep patterns and detect changes in breathing patterns that could indicate illness. Smart beds can detect when a resident is getting up or falling out of bed and alert staff to intervene.


Older adults who live alone at home may benefit from remote monitoring systems that allow them to check in with family members or caregivers by phone or video chat. And wearable devices such as Fitbits can be used to ensure seniors adhere to physical therapy exercises prescribed by their doctors and nurses.

Telehealth and Telemedicine Services

A growing number of people are embracing virtual visits with their providers because the convenience is appealing. They can connect from anywhere with an internet connection, so there’s no need to drive or travel to see their doctor in person. This can be especially valuable for those who live far away from their hometown or travel often for work or vacation purposes.


These virtual visits also allow seniors with chronic illnesses like diabetes or high blood pressure to stay connected with their doctors even if they live far away from one another. The convenience of these services makes it easier for them to manage their conditions on a regular basis without having to worry about traveling long distances between appointments or waiting weeks between visits due to busy schedules and time constraints.

Communication on Demand

With the rise of smartphones, people are used to being able to get information whenever they want it. Nursing home residents have the same expectations. They want to be able to contact their family members and friends whenever they want, not just when the nursing home's phone system allows it.


Nursing homes are beginning to realize this and are starting to introduce digital communication tools like Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime into their facilities. This lets residents stay connected with family members no matter where they are in the world — and gives them a sense of autonomy that most people take for granted but that many older adults lack.

Activity Tracking Devices for Residents

Activity tracking devices like Fitbit have long been used by people looking to monitor their physical activity levels throughout the day — and now they're making their way into nursing homes as well! These devices can be used by both caregivers and residents alike to monitor their activity levels throughout the day and week, which helps both parties better understand certain patterns that may be affecting someone's health or moods (like going for walks). The devices also allow for easier communication between caregivers, doctors, and other professionals involved in the treatment process because they provide real-time data on how residents are doing at any given moment.

Caregiver Support Apps for Nursing Home Staff

The days of paper charts and folders are over. More than 70 percent of long-term care facilities currently use electronic medical records (EMRs) to manage patient information, according to a recent survey from the American Health Care Association (AHCA). With EMRs, nurses can access a patient's medical history from anywhere at any time. Nurses can also complete administrative tasks such as medication orders, assessments, and discharge planning with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Takeaway

In the end, technology is only as good as the people behind it. Even when a new system comes along and everyone thinks it's perfect for nursing homes, there's still no substitute for careful thought put into implementation. 

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Allen Bauman
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