There’s much potential with technology, but first understand where you want to go. Review real-life senior living examples with valuable lessons learned.
I was recently both a presenter and an audience member at the LeadingAge Minnesota Ignite conference. Along with colleagues Tyler Swenson, Dan Deyle, and Greg TaBelle, we presented on trends in senior living plus pending nursing home staffing mandates. (If you’re interested in learning more about these topics, feel free to reach out. We are happy to chat further.)
For today’s blog though, I’m focusing on a technology session I sat in on. I thought it provided interesting real-life examples with valuable lessons learned — and the topic aligns perfectly with what we’re seeing and hearing in our work.
Technology use cases
1. Robot server
During this session one of the panelists recounted how her facility successfully used a robot server in their dining room. Its deployment led them to then implement a robot vacuum. The robot vacuum could operate for 10 hours before needing to be recharged. The organization found this was an instant return on investment of a full staffing position — an example of doing more with the use of technology. Even better, the housekeeping team experienced some turnover during this time, which meant they did not need to refill that position due to the robot vacuum.
2. Pendant system
Another organization was faced with a pendant system no longer supported by the technology company. After review and analysis, they chose another technology that used a monitoring watch combined with artificial intelligence. The new technology collected many data points such as patient movement, falls, and related details. The organization believed it had been very thorough in its review, but when they launched the new system, it didn’t work. Ultimately, they discovered to have the number of pendants in use at the same time (100), they needed more Wi-Fi.
3. Snowball effect
One final example of what could be considered more of a low-tech solution, but I found incredibly powerful was the use of bidets. Yes, bidets. One organization had an individual who had trouble with the toileting process and would become very agitated. It was difficult for both the resident and staff. The facility researched options and decided to try a bidet.
Before implementation, they discussed the solution with the Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs); they all strongly supported it. After implementing, the resident loved it and was no longer agitated. The success created a snowball effect, too, as CNAs liked the option and wanted to use it with more residents. The facility then started reviewing how it could be further deployed. They tested it on an individual who was prone to UTIs. Since the pilot six months ago, the individual has been free of any infections. Bidets are now used with roughly half the residents with future plans for more.
Lessons learned about implementation
These technology applications were exciting to hear about, but the session also provided insights into lessons learned and questions to consider:
- Determine your value-add for moving to this technology. What is it fixing? What is it doing? Is it providing better consistency, better quality, better patient satisfaction?
- Include all relevant staff as part of your vetting process. Will staff like it? Use it? Involve departments that are going to use the technology
- Consider how to leverage younger staff who may be more familiar and intuitive with technology
- Have champions and influencers of the tool
- Understand the infrastructure you need for successful, ongoing use (e.g., electrical, Wi-Fi) and whether the tool interacts with your other technologies
- Ask whether there are subscription fees to the technology?
- Know who will be installing the tool (and coming in/out of your facility)
- Combat opposition or disengagement by recognizing small wins
- Consider the need for culture change. This starts with leadership and needs to consistently align to your mission and values
How we can help
The panelists are now considering future tech options like virtual reality, use of a humanoid to assist with activities and exercise therapy, predictive analytics, and an emergency communications platform. As you can imagine, there is so much potential with technology, but the first step is always understanding where you want to go. CLA can help.
To start your journey, you may want to consider a digital readiness assessment and roadmap. Perhaps you want a full review of your overall solutions portfolio along with cybersecurity services, or maybe you’re looking to connect disparate data together into business intelligence and dashboards. Whatever your business, data analytics, financial planning, and digital need, CLA has the experience and knowledge to help.
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