Significant Ways Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Caregiving
Now that artificial intelligence is commonplace, there is no surprise that long-term care facilities are using this revolutionary technology. Caring for the elderly or those who need help with daily living activities is a huge responsibility. Accidents frequently happen despite staff being attentive.
Artificial intelligence can assist residents in the facility and those being cared for by a family member at home. Though AI is seen as scary, especially to older people, there are many ways it can be efficiently used alongside senior care practices. Here are some significant ways artificial intelligence technology is changing the senior caregiving industry.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely positioned to become a key element used for long-term health care for older adults.
Whether it be robotics, sensors, cameras, or remote monitoring, AI enhances the quality of life and safety of older people receiving long-term care services and supports.
Safety Cameras
When babies are being looked after, parents will often use baby monitors as an extra precaution. Throughout the night, a baby may be in danger, and monitors notify parents when anything goes astray. They are also necessary when babysitters are left alone to watch children when the parents are away.
Just like babies who are watched on camera for safety reasons, older adults with health, mobility, or cognitive issues can also be monitored with cameras. Having this extra insight helps prevent accidents and maintains overall safety.
There are now options for home health care providers or staff at a long-term care facility can watch the cameras while the care recipient is alone in their room. This use of AI still provides the individual with privacy but alerts employees of any concerning events ahead of time.
Safety cameras are also beneficial for home health care. Many older people are cared for by their families or professional in-home care providers instead of being placed in a long-term care facility. Having a safety camera to look after family members with dementia, Alzheimer's disease and other health and age-related problems help maintain quality of life and safety. This simple technology can help caregivers monitor individuals when they cannot consistently watch the care recipient.
AI Fall Prevention Sensor Technology
Falls are one of the biggest threats facing older people. Falling and getting injured is a significant risk and one of the biggest reasons older people need to go to the emergency room or require long-term health care. Falls are also early signs of declining health in older adults.
Older adults often lack the balance and strength to avoid dangerous areas. AI technology programs have been designed to assess homes, rooms, and facilities on fall risks. These programs alert users of tripping hazards that should be resolved. It can also notify caregivers when a care recipient is moving.
Fall prevention is crucial for older adults, especially those needing help with daily living activities. Family caregivers of usually untrained and unprepared. Professional caregivers need to pay special attention to those they are caring for to keep them safe.
Perhaps the primary responsibility of caregivers is to maintain the overall safety of the care recipient. Caregivers don't want to discover that the person they are caring for has had an accident, especially one that could have been avoided.
With AI fall prevention technology, sensors can make everyone involved aware of potential hazards and get immediate notification when an accident occurs. This technology significantly improves the safety of patients in long-term care facilities and those being cared for in their homes.
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among Americans aged 65 and older, resulting in more than two million emergency room visits.
AI Can Be Scary for Some Older People
While some seniors appreciate technological advances, others struggle to comprehend artificial intelligence. Though AI can benefit elderly care, it can cause several setbacks if patients reject technology.
Studies have shown that using cameras on sensors in the senior care industry has immensely reduced the number of hospital trips. The "SafelyYou" system was used in a dementia care unit. The AI detection system reduced the number of hospital trips needed for care recipients by a whopping 80%.
Though the success of AI technology in the long-term care industry has been effective, some older adults can't be convinced of the positive aspects. There have been cases of seniors begging for AI programs to be removed.
Most elderly care patients have had little or no exposure to modern technology. These individuals grew up with dated technology, and having an open mind was seen as a flaw during that time. Though some older people have grown to accept and understand that AI isn't necessarily dangerous, others have entirely turned down the assistance of AI technology.
This is Just the Beginning
Each year, more artificial technology advancements come to fruition. There is also an influx of programming engineers. With the combination of these two factors and the demand for AI within the long-term health care industry, there will be a potential for AI to elevate care practices to a more advanced level.
Though seniors quickly dismiss artificial intelligence, their families are often supportive. The younger generations approve of adopting technology to benefit the quality of life of older adults. Professionals are continuing to research the possibilities artificial intelligence technology can bring to caregivers. Any type of caregiver is typically worked to the bone. AI can make caregivers feel more confident and less pressured about their career expectations.
Costs of Quality Care
There is a cost for quality long-term health care. There are enormous consequences on families and finances when you need long-term health care. People need care due to declining health, mobility problems, memory issues, or the frailty of aging. The fact is someone you love (perhaps yourself) will need help with routine daily living activities or supervision due to dementia.
AI can be helpful for you and your family as care is provided. Who will provide the care, and who will pay for it? Do you know that health insurance, including Medicare and supplements, pays little toward long-term health care? Your family will provide your care, or you will use professional caregivers or move to a long-term care facility.
Medicaid is an option for some people, although the care recipient must have little or no income or assets to qualify. Long-Term Care Insurance will pay for care in any setting, but you cannot purchase coverage "when you need it."
LTC Insurance will often pay for technology to help with your care. Preparing ahead of time will protect your savings, give you access to quality care options, and reduce the stress and burdens placed on those you love. Most people obtain coverage in their 50s.
If you have a parent who needs care now or will soon need care, these LTC NEWS guides can be very useful: