Amanda Runnoe, Vice President of Clinical and Quality Surgery, Heritage Senior Living
Technology plays an important role in the elderly care industry, but is especially valuable in memory care settings. From supporting cognitive functions to increasing protégé safety, technology helps support better protégé care.
Unique applications of technology in memory storage settings
Many memory units and organizations are already using technology to support their residents. Amanda Runnoe, vice president of clinical and quality surgery at Heritage Senior Living in Wisconsin, explains that the organization uses technology in several ways.
MapHabitProgram is an interactive, practical care management program that uses a patented visual mapping system. This system is paired with smart devices and mental exercises that help improve the cognitive abilities of residents and strengthen routine habits.
Heritage Senior Living also uses Dele Health Tech, a real-time fall management system. The system contains sensors and artificial intelligence positioned in the user’s room or living space.
The organization has also installed TrueLoo, a smart toilet that provides staff with information on the health and well-being of residents. The staff is able to detect new health problems and take measures early, based on the trends of individual residents.
“The technologies we implemented came from our desire to further improve systems and solve problems,” Runoe explains. “For example, we have identified that residents with cognitive impairments often do not call for help after a fall. We researched fall prevention systems and found a worthy fall prevention technology that offers sensor technology to notify real-time care teams about falls. ”
Runnoe explains that technological systems have contributed to the improvement of housing care. She notes that, thanks to technology, nursing teams can quickly access details about each resident’s allergies, medical diagnoses, medication orders, and the level of help they need for daily life activities. “Easy availability of this information is key to providing the best care for residents.
She also notes that the technology has enabled Heritage Senior Living to establish standards of care and process at its 15 locations in Wisconsin. “This has enabled us to monitor quality indicators and implement systems to improve clinical outcomes for our residents,” she says. “In addition, it has improved communication between employees, residents and families.”
Andrew Carle, Assistant Professor and Leading Instructor for Graduate Curricula in Administration for the Elderly, Georgetown University
Andrew Carl, an assistant professor and lead instructor for graduate curricula in senior administration at Georgetown University, is also nationally recognized for his work in his senior years. Karl coined the term “Nan Technology” to describe microchip-based technology designed, designed or used to improve the quality of life of older adults. Karl was one of Shenando’s leading designers in Virginia, the only community for caring for the elderly in Fairfax, Virginia.
When she identified the technology that should be included in Shenandoah, Carle focused on how that technology could improve the quality of life of the elderly. With 25 years of experience in designing memory care facilities, Carle chose a technology that fell into three categories: improving safety, increasing employee engagement, and improving overall health and well-being.
To support health and well-being, Carle chose an advanced circadian lighting system that mimics natural sunlight throughout the day. The system is programmed so that it can be set to mimic light patterns in any time zone or location. Residents who care about memory can experience the sunset and may lose track of time, but circadian lighting can help restore their biorhythm. The system in the sensory salon even has the ability to change bright colors to promote different moods, such as a calmer or more relaxed look.
A fall management platform called SafeliYou helps ensure the safety of residents. The system includes a camera that is placed in the corner of each tenant’s apartment, and records falls. Only falls were noted; all other data is currently deleted. As a result, staff can see footage of the crash within seconds and can see what actually happened, including what caused the crash. Staff can better assess the severity of a fall, determine if a resident should go to the emergency room, and take appropriate corrective action to prevent future falls.
Shenandoah has several technological systems to support the engagement of residents. Obie, a hand-held motion system used in Europe, was introduced in the United States about a year ago. “We were one of the first communities in the United States to have that,” says Carl. The system is easy to use, and residents can play games with a simple wave of their hands. The system monitors data so that staff can track which games each resident likes to play, how long they play, and any changes in response time that could indicate health problems.
The community also uses SingFit Prime, a singing app created by music therapists. The application combines singing, movement and reminder. “It’s very interesting,” says Carle. “Every song has a purpose and a reason, and it involves movement or trivia.”
LifeBio, an agetech company, helps capture the life story of each tenant. This evidence-based application asks specific, guided questions through online portals. Residents and their adult children can be interviewed, and the artificial intelligence technology of the application transcribes those voice interviews. The platform can also record the voices of residents and store photos of their lives.
The results are threefold. The platform produces an edited book of life stories that can be printed so that family members or residents can have their own copies of the book. The book contains pictures that have been submitted and details about the life story of the protégé. The platform also creates a snapshot on one page of each tenant, as well as an action plan document that caregivers can use to learn more about the tenant’s background.
Best practices in introducing new technology to organizations
When choosing technology, Carle emphasizes the importance of using evidence-based products with proven effects. “Don’t indulge in all the bells and whistles, or things that look cool but don’t have the real science behind them,” he recommends. He also suggests looking primarily at technology that is strongly concerned with safety, engagement or health and well-being.
Runnoe emphasizes the fact that introducing changes, whether it is technology or not, can be challenging. “Some people are resistant to change and prefer the convenience of familiar tools and processes,” she says. “We have learned that it is important to involve teams as early as possible to help them understand the intent and purpose of the technology. Getting involved early can help strengthen employees. “
