When you hear the words “using advanced technology”, do you think of a nursing home? A nursing home resident?  Probably not. We typically think of a different generation entirely - those who are in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and even 50s. Older adults may have the lowest rates of technology use as compared to other age groups; yet, older adults are increasing their use of technology faster than any other demographic. Why? The increasing population of Baby Boomers. Baby Boomers  who are going to expect Wifi, tablets and computers, not to mention streaming ability for music and television.

Technology Usage in LTPAC

For nursing homes to remain operational and be the nursing home chosen by family members for their loved ones, they will need to move forward technologically, in order to provide Wifi for Netflix, email, and internet to its residents. If not, competitors will see the increased occupancy.

LTPAC facilities have seen more in the way of technology advancements in recent years, but there are still many more that nursing homes may wish to make available:  

• Residents have family photos, albums, and music available in their rooms currently but this could be enhanced with the ability for family and friends to pipe this through directly to the residents’ rooms in order to comfort a loved one by using the enhanced technology.
• Similarly, there is also a benefit to the residents by being able to video chat or FaceTime their loved ones. In addition, this could also be used by nurses and physicians for monitoring health issues remotely.

On the downside, some of this advanced technology will have to be weighed against issues such as privacy. What is weighted more, safety or privacy? In the coming years, there will be ever-increasing technological changes. It may be best to take each step slowly to make sure privacy and dignity are preserved for the residents.