The average American will see their 79th birthday, and technology is improving the quality of life for these individuals. It is helping support their physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. What role does technology play in memory care today?
Cognitive Health
Cognitive health plays a role in a person’s overall wellness, especially for those struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia. When a person can engage in daily cognitive activities, their confidence will increase, they will be less anxious, and their overall mental fitness will improve. Memory care communities often use technology to help residents stay cognitively active. When families compare communities for a loved one in need of memory care, they should ask how technology will play a role in this care.
According to the National Institute on Aging, cognitive activities boost a person’s cognitive reserve, helping to delay dementia onset. Many individuals find technology makes cognitive activities more enjoyable, and residents look forward to using it. They may use a cognitive training program with a virtual personal trainer, much like they would exercise their body. Their minds must be kept active to prevent further decline, and technology ensures the minds are.
Safety
Technology is also used to help keep seniors safe. Senior living communities, including those offering memory care, use call button systems. If a resident needs help, they push a button, and someone will come.
These communities lock doors and use unique code systems to keep residents contained within a safe space. The systems ensure they don’t leave the secured area but can still enjoy the beauty of nature and fresh air. The residents won’t feel confined as they can move around the grounds safely.
Memory care communities also often invest in real-time fall management systems. These sensors, used together with artificial intelligence, monitor residents’ movements. When a resident falls, caregivers are alerted to determine its severity and whether the resident needs medical care. This information can also be used to reduce the risk of future falls.
Collaboration
Families want to know what is happening with their loved ones when residing in memory care communities. Video calls are an excellent way to share communications regarding a loved one. In addition, community residents can communicate with their loved ones using the same technology. With the help of Zoom and other applications, a family can collaborate with staff members to ensure their loved one receives the highest level of care.
Memory care communities use technology to keep families updated about their loved ones. They may send out newsletters to ensure everyone knows what is happening within the community. They might also set up a private social media channel where they can send out regular updates about the residents. This channel may be used to share announcements, information about upcoming events, and photos.
Technology is helpful when creating a personalized care plan for each resident. It may be used to collaborate with the family when creating this plan. In addition, the community may also use technology to capture each resident’s life story. The story can then be shared with family members, which they are sure to appreciate.
These are only a few of the many ways technology is used in memory care communities today. Technology may be used for enhanced activities and engagement, such as scheduling a virtual museum tour for residents, or it might be used to monitor residents’ health and share this information with their medical teams. When comparing communities for a loved one, ask about the use of technology within the community. Families will surely be impressed with how technology is used today to provide their loved ones with the highest care.
TechnologyHQ is a platform about business insights, tech, 4IR, digital transformation, AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, and social media for businesses.
We manage social media groups with more than 200,000 members with almost 100% engagement.
