Rapid changes in technology are among four issues in senior living that marketing firm G5 identified in a recent state of the industry report. Four Headwinds Facing Senior Living is based on data from G5, a leader in real estate optimization; the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care; and Argentum, a national trade association that supports senior living communities.

While all kinds of technology solutions progressed quickly during the pandemic, the report authors outlined some advancements they expect to remain in senior living. Telehealth is one.

The report featured statistics from McKinsey that note telehealth utilization stabilized at levels 38X higher than pre-pandemic and that 13-17% of doctors’ appointments are now telehealth, depending on the type of appointment.

Another headwind is that prospective residents and their families are researching communities more thoroughly. The report highlights a technological solution. Placing a Virtual Sales Assistant (VSA) on your organization’s website can make prospects’ research easier. “A VSA enables higher levels of service to online prospects by answering FAQs, offering up videos, and empowering researching residents to schedule tours, without ever leaving your website,” said the report.

Electronic, on-the-go charting is another keeper and a way to address pandemic challenges, said the report. Both healthcare professionals and caregivers can use this technology to capture notes real-time, save time, and focus on other priorities.

Other headwinds named in the report are decreases in occupancy and the impacts of COVID-19, from mortality rates to vaccines to workforce challenges.

More on Tech Trends at the LeadingAge Annual Meeting + EXPO

To learn more about technology trends, including tech for team members, register today for the LeadingAge Annual Meeting + EXPO. The meeting will take place Oct. 24-27, 2021, in Atlanta and will present these and other Aging Services Technologies Track sessions:

1-A. Accelerating Technology Innovation after COVID

Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021

3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

4-C. Technologies We Need Now More Than Ever

Monday, Oct. 25, 2021

8 a.m. – 9 a.m.

6-E. Should Your Team Members Carry Smart Devices?

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021

8 a.m. – 9 a.m.

The annual meeting also offers the chance to reconnect with colleagues and meet new business partners. Register today!