Bright Side of AI, tech investment, trust, and adaptability
Bright Solutions
Consulting firm that empowers Senior Living providers to make a lasting impact on those they serve.
The Bright Side of AI
In our inaugural episode of The Bright Side of AI, we feature Dawn Armstrong, Vice President of IT Operations at Human Good. Dawn shares valuable insights on how AI is transforming their organization, from streamlining internal processes to enhancing operational efficiency. LINK
Katie’s Take
As AI continues to transform senior living, leaders across the industry are finding innovative ways to harness its power for better care, efficiency, and resident satisfaction. In The Bright Side of AI, we spotlight the inspiring stories of those who are already making strides with AI technology in their communities. Each month, we’ll feature a new leader’s journey with AI—sharing their successes, challenges, and vision for the future.This conversation provides a firsthand look at how AI is making an impact today and offers insights for others looking to take the leap.
Headlines
Bracing For Changes Under Incoming Trump Administration
Some experts predict a more favorable environment for providers, with potential reversals of Biden-era regulations, such as the staffing mandate for nursing homes. However, others warn of challenges like reduced funding for Medicare and Medicaid, uncertainty surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s role in healthcare, and a generally more permissive environment with weaker watchdogs and regulations. LINK
Also, see page 12 of the GOP Platform for high-level policy positions related to seniors.
NIC Panel: Stay Flexible And Proactive With Tech Investments
At the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care 2024 Fall Conference a panel of experts emphasized the importance of taking a mindful approach to technology adoption, avoiding gimmicks, and ensuring that new technologies are integrated and effective for staff and residents. LINK
Registration is also open for the 2025 conference, Changing the Value Proposition, which will be March 5-7 in San Diego, CA.
Katie’s Take This is a must-read! The advice and guidance is extremely relevant to the situation many providers are in right now with their tech stack.
When evaluating solution providers, their approach to innovativeness, roadmap, and plans for AI are critical to ensure you partner with someone focused on the future. That way you aren't stuck with a solution that is dated or limiting in what you can do.
Creating a vision and strategy for how you will adopt a technology platform is crucial to getting the results you need.
AI cannot be harnessed if your current platforms are not working for you. Be hyper focused on your data. Standardize it, clean it, and maximize it. Otherwise, you'll be unable to take advantage of the promises of AI as it evolves.
Cut through the hype of any solution and properly assess if it can work for your organization. Spending extra time on understanding HOW the solution will produce results you need will pay dividends.
Trust Is Low For AI Health Advice
Most Americans 50+ don't trust health advice generated by artificial intelligence, with 74% having little to no trust. However, they do trust health information from healthcare providers, pharmacists, and websites run by health organizations. LINK
Katie’s Take Senior Living providers can be the trusted source of health information for their residents, families, and seniors living outside their walls. Vetting and offering simple ways for them to access resources, whether through a resident app, printed materials, video broadcasts, or in-person workshops, can improve wellness and engagement within your community and beyond.
Recommended by LinkedIn
NCOA Grant to Boost Older Worker Employment
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has received a four-year 139 million grant renewal from the U.S. Department of Labor to help older adults improve their job skills and find new in-demand jobs. The program, which serves over 4,000 people, aims to help older adults find financial stability and address the labor force's need for experienced workers, with 11,000 people turning 65 every day starting this year up to 2027. LINK
Supporting Tech Fluency an Increasing Necessity
Tech support and training has become essential for senior living communities, as residents increasingly rely on technology. While residents benefit greatly from tech support, it can strain staff resources. Specialized tech support and training programs can empower residents, improve their quality of life, and alleviate the burden on staff. Candoo has a number of good questions to consider here!
Katie’s Take With the holidays coming, many residents' loved ones will gift your residents with new tech devices of all sorts. It is a good time to consider your role in supporting your residents and their new gadgets.
Many Senior Living providers underestimate the cost and burden of attempting to support resident technology using internal teams. IT staff aren't the only ones taking on this burden. Activities personnel, caregivers, maintenance, and even dining and housekeeping get roped into lending a hand to residents.
Consider a proactive plan that could include offering 3rd party technology support for residents, standardizing device makes/models that you're willing to support, and offering service contracts to residents if they want your support.
Quick Links
A new study found that subtle cognitive changes in patients with subjective cognitive decline can be detected using smartphone data collected during a wayfinding task. LINK
A new report by KLAS Research found nearly 60% of skilled nursing providers are looking to increase profitability by investing in additional technology, despite budget constraints. 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.
Brain Candy
Credit: Sketchplanations