AI, or artificial intelligence, is transforming how we live today. In retirement communities, AI is being used with residents and staff to improve the quality of care as well as mitigate issues related to workforce shortages. For example, applications of AI in senior living medication management range from simple alerts to creating a more effective dosing schedule to proactive risk management.
Empowering seniors
More than 85% of people over the age of 65 have at least one chronic condition, according to the CDC. Managing chronic illnesses often means multiple medications with differing schedules. Retirement community residents, especially in independent living, can embrace technology for their own medication management. According to Karger, a medical publisher, “AI-powered apps can remind seniors when to take their medication, track their adherence, and notify caregivers or healthcare providers if they miss doses….By addressing medication adherence issues up front, AI technology can reduce the cost of patient support programs and healthcare costs down the road.”
Assisting healthcare providers
With record numbers of Baby Boomers reaching retirement age and a post-pandemic workforce already stretched thin, the senior living industry is looking to technology to help streamline processes, making routine tasks more efficient and freeing up staff for more personal caregiving.
According to Knoumeds, a healthcare technology company, the future of AI in senior living medication management “includes further advances in predictive analytics, personalized medication regimens, and real-time monitoring. AI may also become more integrated with telehealth and remote monitoring solutions.”
One medical technology company, FeelBetter, conducted a study of its AI with elderly patients with chronic conditions at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. The patients took an average of nine medications. By using information from medical records, emergency department and hospital patterns, and healthcare costs, the technology was able to accurately identify those who were at high-risk of complications from certain medications and help manage decisions about hospitalizations, the company said. “By risk-stratifying patients, FeelBetter’s AI saved the hospital and providers $4.8 million over three months.”
The human touch in senior living medication management
Of course, AI won’t eliminate the need for human care, especially trained, knowledgeable, and empathetic healthcare staff. And with an estimated 70% of seniors requiring long-term care in their lifetime, direct care workers will be in high demand.
Experts in senior living education programs
SeniorLivingU makes it easy and convenient to train staff for senior living medication management including manuals, DVDs, certificate programs, and online learning through the Anytime Learning Portal. SeniorLivingU educational solutions have been developed by industry experts for all levels of senior living staff, from direct care to administration. Our comprehensive range of products is designed to help improve quality of care while reducing risks and liability.
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