The Benefit of Technology in Assisted Living Communities

August 15, 2023 by ·
Senior and Technology: Assisted Living Fairhope AL

Senior and Technology: Assisted Living Fairhope AL

There’s simply no way to escape technology. It has infiltrated almost every aspect of our lives. Even for aging seniors in the 70s, 80s, or 90s who may be more reluctant to embrace modern technology, there is no question regarding its impact.

When you peel back the layers and various types of technology, you can see how it has benefited elder care. One of the most effective elder care options out there is assisted living. But how, exactly, has technology impacted assisted living and even other forms of elder care?

Medication Management

Traditionally, medication would be managed either by trained, licensed medical professional or the individual himself or herself. That often included relying on charts, a calendar, or pill organizers.

Today, we can use a variety of tools and apps on phones and tablets, even on smartwatches that help us keep track of which medications we need to take, how much of, and more. At assisted living, seniors aren’t simply dependent on themselves and technology to manage medication, at least not in all cases. Staff who are fully licensed and trained can help in this regard, too. So, elderly men and women at assisted living have the benefits of both worlds.

Wearable Devices

Smartwatches and other wearable technology can help with fitness, monitoring blood sugar levels, blood pressure, oxygen levels, heart rate, and much more. The right tools and devices can help alert staff at assisted living or an individual’s primary physician of anything that might be out of alignment or a miss.

When talking about fitness, wearable devices can help seniors stay on task, stay focused on their regimen, and track progress.

Smart Home Automation

When you’re talking about assisted living, the term smart home automation may not be something that comes to mind. After all, why need ‘home’ automation if you are at assisted living? Assisted living is still home for those residents. It may not be a house or an apartment that they live in by themselves, but it is still most certainly home.

With smart home technology and automation, seniors can control lights, alarms, and even other features, including the TV, radio, or a tablet if they have one. There’s almost no limit to what smart home automation can offer people, in their own house or at assisted living.

Telehealth

Being able to communicate with a trained and licensed medical professional at any time, even from the comfort of your own assisted living room is a great asset for aging men and women. Having a question, wanting to know about certain symptoms you might be exhibiting, or anything else medically related can be done by phone, tablet, or laptop or other computer these days.

That doesn’t mean seniors are going to avoid going to the doctor’s office for appointments, because nothing is better than in-person care, but for many facets of a person’s health and well-being, telehealth has opened up avenues for people to stay more in tune and aware of how time, viruses and bacteria, and other changes can impact them in real time.

If you or an aging loved one are considering a move to Assisted Living in Fairhope, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017.

Filed Under: Assisted Living, Assisted Living Benefits, Assisted Living Fairhope AL · Tagged: , , ,
About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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