Nursing homes have not traditionally been the most cutting-edge in terms of new technologies. In fact, their residents are often more traditional and can resist change, making it easy to put off investing in technology.
Unfortunately, that’s a mistake. Technology can streamline processes, make care more accessible, and improve patients’ overall quality of care in nursing homes. Technology won’t replace registered nurses, but it can supplement and enhance their skill sets to help nursing homes do more with less.
Below, we’ll discuss six tech trends to look out for and how they can transform nursing home care.
Technology Needs in Nursing Homes
According to the National Institutes of Health, nursing homes face a significant staffing shortage. They cannot hire new staff and retain their existing staff, so much so that these staffing shortages may cause facility closures in the long term. The existing staff then face a high level of burnout as they take on the work of multiple people to keep the facility running.
While technology can’t do everything, it can enhance processes, relieve workload and pressure, and transform the patient experience in a nursing home. Here’s how.
1. Electronic Medication Management Systems (EMMS)
EMMS helps take the guessing out of prescription medicines. Instead of deciphering poorly written scripts, they are sent automatically through the system. It can flag if something doesn’t look right, if there are incorrect dosing instructions, or if there are interactions with existing medications.
EMMS prevents medication errors, which can be common in understaffed nursing homes.
2. Telehealth
Telehealth has made healthcare more accessible and convenient, including in nursing homes. While patients are required to have a set amount of daily care hours by skilled nursing professionals, they can also receive routine care from doctors, therapists, and other medical professionals through telehealth.
Nursing home residents can be referred to receive treatment in person if telehealth is not meeting their needs. It is an option in many nursing homes that’s growing in popularity for doctors, nurses, therapists, and other skilled practitioners who don’t require hands-on services.
3. Fall Prevention
Millions of nursing home residents fall each year, which can lead to devastating injuries. New technologies are emerging in nursing homes to prevent falls. Bed alarms can notify the nursing staff when patients leave bed when they are not supposed to.
Wearable technology can help monitor a resident’s activity and wirelessly report it to nursing home staff, and cameras in the patients’ rooms can help staff members monitor multiple patients simultaneously.
Falls are a significant issue in nursing homes, and they want to do what they can to prevent them from occurring. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it’s also a way to avoid costly lawsuits. Nursing homes can be sued for falls and fractures by nursing home lawyers, and if they are found negligent, the facility will be forced to pay compensation for the medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
4. Virtual Reality
Virtual reality can be a game-changer for seniors, especially those with limited mobility or who are socially isolated. These headsets transport users worldwide without leaving the comfort of their beds. Users are fully immersed in their surroundings, which can be exciting for those who want to escape the monotony of everyday life. You can jaunt to Paris and return to Chicago in just a few minutes.
Virtual reality headsets can also be used for socialization. You can meet up with others while playing games or hanging out in virtual locations.
5. Robots
Many robotic technologies are in their infancy, but it’s exciting to see what’s being developed. Robotic vacuum cleaners can help keep nursing home facilities tidy between deep cleans. Some robots deliver food to rooms, freeing staff to do more critical tasks.
LionsBot is even developing a robotic care assistant that can help with bathing, dressing, and using the restroom. While these can help seniors who live alone, they can also be used in nursing homes to help with small tasks. Robots will not replace the human interaction required by law; however, they can be helpful, especially if a nursing home is understaffed.
6. Predictive Analytics
Nursing homes can use predictive analytics to help identify potential health issues. This software uses machine learning to analyze patient data and uncover hidden trends that healthcare providers may not have identified. It can connect the dots on unrelated symptoms to help with early diagnoses.
Predictive analytics compares actual patient data with its deep knowledge base. Nursing home administrators can review the findings and recommend testing if needed.
Conclusion
Technology has its time and place in every industry, including nursing homes. While it will not replace the need for human connection, it can help transform how nursing homes approach care. Technology can make it easier to care for patients and identify health issues before they become significant.
Additionally, technology can help connect patients, making them feel less socially isolated. Integrating technology into your nursing home is a win-win situation.
