Communication technologies are creating new ways to check in, ask questions, express concerns, and give updates, resulting in resident-friendly and staff-friendly solutions to some of the challenges faced by senior care organizations. With the help of automated communications, staff can go about their day, tending to their routines without the extra worry of having to make redundant calls or send extra emails when issues arise. According to a study from the University of California San Francisco, “Rapidly emerging technological advances hold great potential for older people and their caregivers in navigating the social, cognitive, and physical changes associated with aging.”

We’re pleased to share that Ryan Galea, CEO of VoiceFriend, recently appeared on The Nursing Home Podcast. Hosted by Shmuel Septimus, The Nursing Home Podcast interviews leaders, innovators, and trendsetters in the nursing home industry. Galea appeared in an episode titled “You Said What?” which streamed live on March 23, 2022.

Seniors are adopting technology at unprecedented rates. According to a Pew Research Center study, 80% of adults over the age of 65 have cell phones, and four in ten use smart phones. Two-thirds regularly use the internet.

An active lifestyle can enhance overall health and wellness and can impact both mental and physical health. That’s why it’s so important to schedule events and activities to keep your residents thinking, moving, and enjoying themselves. Activities add structure to the day, giving residents purpose and something to look forward to. 

Increasing operational efficiencies and automating tasks has become a primary focus for senior care organizations. And for good reason. Automation can significantly reduce staffing, overtime, and agency costs.

After moving to an assisted living facility, residents can easily get overwhelmed with the changes in their lifestyle and surroundings. They may want to isolate themselves and adjust slowly. But if residents are frequently encouraged to get involved in activities it can ease anxiety and ensure a smooth transition.

The senior care industry is facing an unprecedented staffing shortage. According to Kaiser Family Foundation, nursing facilities in every state reported nursing staff shortages, and in some cases, like Wyoming, those shortages were as great as 49%. Washington reported a shortage of 51%.

Senior care organizations including assisted living, independent living, skilled nursing, and home care agencies need to frequently communicate with residents’ families, but that’s not always easy. Fortunately, there are many simple and efficient ways to create effective communications that promote family connections.

Loneliness and social isolation are the most prevalent among seniors compared to other age groups. According to a study by the University of California - San Francisco, at least 43% of seniors report that they experience these feelings. Even more shocking, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine findings indicate that at least 24% of seniors are socially isolated. Studies have also shown that seniors living in long-term care facilities are two times more likely to feel lonely than their community-dwelling counterparts.