AI hype, healthy aging, and leaning into tech innovation

Headlines

Gartner predicts generative AI is headed for the hype cycle dip

Generative AI is rapidly evolving, and AI systems are becoming increasingly autonomous. At the same time, according to Gartner, generative AI is coming towards the end of the initial hype cycle. This usually means we will see some coalescing (read acqusitions and closures) of some of the early AI startups. If you’ve invested in some early AI tech, keep an eye on it. This also typically means that we will see the sizzle fade and deeper work done by tech providers to embrace AI for long-term value add. AI isn’t going anywhere, in fact, this is the normal trend for it to become mainstream.  LINK

HHS Defends Nursing Home Staffing Mandate Amid Legal Challenges

The Department of Health and Human Services has filed a massive amount of paperwork to defend its controversial nursing home staffing mandate, which is being challenged in court. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has also filed a separate lawsuit against the mandate, citing the Major Questions Doctrine.  LINK

Katie’s Take

CMS recently submitted a staggering 75,000 pages to a federal court to justify its nursing home staffing rule. This move highlights the agency's commitment to enforcing staffing standards, despite pushback from the industry. It's crucial that we keep up the fight for fair, appropriate regulations while developing strategies to navigate the ongoing workforce crisis. Developing creative solutions for automation, increasing efficiency, retaining staff, and attracting new talent are critical for facing these challenges head-on. Relentless forward progress is crucial.

Why Women's Health is Key to Healthy Aging for All

The Economist argues that healthy lifespans (healthspan) are not keeping pace with increased lifespans. Women, particularly, face unique challenges due to caregiving responsibilities and gendered health patterns. To unlock the full potential of an aging population, we need to address these inequalities and create a more inclusive society that supports healthy aging for all. LINK

Katie’s Take Closing the gap between lifespan and healthspan is crucial, especially when considering women's health and broader inclusivity. Progressive senior living providers are making a positive impact by offering person-centered wellness programs that enhance healthspan. There's also an opportunity to extend this impact beyond their walls to the greater community, especially marginalized groups. Providers can start by partnering with local organizations to offer wellness workshops, implementing outreach programs, and supporting community health initiatives. By focusing on holistic approaches to health and embracing inclusivity, we can enhance the quality of life for the communities we serve and lead the way in comprehensive care solutions.

Operators Urged to Lean-in to Technology Innovation

At the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care 2024 Fall Conference operators discussed being more assertive with technology vendors to drive innovation and improve their operations. While technology adoption can be challenging, it is crucial to avoid getting stuck with outdated systems that hinder efficiency and growth.  LINK

Katie’s Take The tech inertia in our industry is a significant hurdle, but it's time for providers to evaluate and, if necessary, change vendors to meet our evolving needs. We should push our tech partners to innovate and integrate solutions that truly serve us. Implementing new technology isn't just about upgrading systems; it's an opportunity to nurture our culture. By creating adoption strategies that engage staff, provide thorough training, and align with our core values, we can enhance operations without causing burnout. Let's use these moments to improve not just our tech, but our teams and communities as well.

Quick Links

Maplewood Senior Living Responds to Falls in Just 90 Seconds using AI.  LINK

Exploring using AI to address discriminatory practices in hiring, a brave new frontier with direct impact to people and their careers.  LINK

About

What matters in the senior living industry? What’s happening, what might it mean, and what will happen next? We’ve got you covered.

The Bright Solutions team has spent decades in the Senior Living industry, and we’ve developed a keen sense of the important trends and developments. We apply these same insights in our work with senior living providers to make smart investments by aligning technology with their values-aligned strategic vision.

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