As a senior living provider you are being bombarded with people and articles telling you to get with the technology thing for your community and your residents.  There are hundreds of people and organizations working on new technology offerings for the blooming senior population.

There are problems though . . .

Not all of that technology is so great. And even some of the great technology isn’t very practical. Additionally, technology is often expensive.  Finally, it is possible that technology can accidently become something that is isolating, doing more harm than good to seniors.

Figuring It Out

One of the best ways to get a good handle on technology and senior living is to attend AgeTech West, held this year in Seattle, Washington, on November 17 and 18.

“The conference will explore how technology can better synchronize aging services with consumer desires to transform the aging ‘user experience’ for older adults and aging service providers alike.

“Older adults will be directly involved in providing feedback and experiences on what they find appealing and empowering about various technologies – and what’s not – through interactive forums and “sync-ups.” Aging service providers will also give accounts of their experience in piloting new technologies to better meet older adult needs and desires.

“Leaders in aging technology from the Seattle-based companies like Microsoft and A Place for Mom, as well as Google, Panasonic, Intel, Care Innovations, Caremerge, LivWell Health and several aging service providers will be addressing the bigger picture of how innovation and technology will continue to revolutionize services by better responding to consumer preferences and focusing on the aging experience.

“The bottom line is that norms have changed; technology innovation offers real opportunities for better, more person-centered and efficient care and services for older adults. Service providers, payers and policy makers need to think differently about how care is provided, innovative work-processes and modify programs to take advantage of what technology has to offer in leveraging staff and improving service to sync with consumer needs and desires.”

Senior Housing Forum and AgeTech West

I will be moderating a panel on technology that is specifically oriented to senior living. We are also able to offer readers a $50.00 discount on the registration fee. You can get all of the details on the conference and register at http://syncinseattle2014.com.

When registering, select the “Supporting Organization Registration” option and list “Senior Housing Forum” as the supporting organization to receive the discounted rate.

Steve Moran