Technology to improve the lives of older adults is everywhere, including some game-changing breakthroughs on the horizon for senior living residences, both in the structure of their buildings and in approaches to residents’ well-being. Various systems are being piloted at Knollwood, a Life Plan Community for retired service members in Washington , DC, according to a recent blog in McKnight’s Senior Living. A hub for future technological innovation, Knollwood has partnered with universities to conduct studies on how to continue advancing technologies that could improve the quality of life for residents.
As a result, residents have access to a wearable robotic suit that could help correct walking patterns, or enhance physical strength. Robots could be used to help older adults on an emotional level as well as perform a variety of tasks, including keeping people occupied, or adhering to their medication schedule. Other valuable technologies are smart lighting systems, which help older adults by preventing falls—a major challenge for the industry. The artificial intelligence, using innovative sensors embedded in this system would detect, monitor, and analyze patterns of movement, and in case of a fall, an alert would be sent to staff for assistance.
Senior living providers that want to adopt similar technology to improve staff efficiency, boost resident well-being, and protect residents’ health and safety would do well to keep an eye on the outcomes from the technology pilots happening now at Knollwood.
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Source:
Bricker P. “Combining the human touch with technology to improve quality of life.” McKnight’s Senior Living guest blog. https://www.mcknightsseniorliving.com/home/columns/guest-columns/combining-the-human-touch-with-technology-to-improve-quality-of-life/July 13, 2020. Accessed July 28, 2020.
