Old vs. New: Technology in Senior Care

Success in long-term and post-acute care hinges on the ability to consistently deliver high quality care at the lowest cost possible. This places an even greater focus on delivering efficiencies, day-in and day-out.

 What’s great about the emphasis on efficiencies is that tools and technologies are available to help your organization throttle into high-speed to maintain tip-top shape. But you can’t become a high performer by relying on outdated systems, siloed applications, reams of paper, and heavy manual processes that are inconsistent and can be easily forgotten.

But look around your organization, your communities, and your people. What are the top three tools that are within your caregivers' reach? Better yet, what do you have more of at your communities: file cabinets or computer monitors?

I think we can all learn something from the kids in this video, who are startled by the outdated technologies at their fingertips. “It doesn’t even have no Facetime,” the little guy comments when he sees the ridiculously large cell phone. FaceTime, yes FaceTime, has become an expectation among younger generations.

I’d say it’s time to stuff those legal pads into a drawer. Toss out those fax machines with the trash. And take those cassette tapes – wait, if you’ve got cassette tapes, we’ve got even bigger issues here... But the point is, outdated processes and antiquated tools will no longer cut it, not only because they’re inefficient but because better, more innovative systems are available – and are expected.

Give your workers and your families not only what they need, but also what they expect. Focus on the goal of delivering high quality care at low costs by leaning a little on new technologies. The industry is awash with change and technology should be an important part of your transformation and your quest to become high quality, efficient, top performer.

For more on implementing technology in your community, check out our whitepaper: