As the new year kicks off, so do predictions for what will happen with technology in aging services in 2022. Technology will remain a central focus for senior living organizations this year, says an article in McKnight’s Senior Living.

In fact, “87% believe technology will transform the competitive space for life plan communities” in the coming decade, according to the 2021 Senior Living Trends Survey conducted by LeadingAge Bronze Partner CLA. Of life plan communities surveyed, 84% plan to make material investments in new technologies in the next five years. In addition, 37% are pursuing custom programs/apps to leverage data, with 31% planning to pursue the same in the future.

Survey respondents indicated that in the coming decade, technology would enhance what is being done at life plan communities and may enhance operating efficiencies. Respondents also pointed to residents’ rising comfort with, and expectation of, technology.

Thought leaders from K4Advisors, K4Connect, and OneDay expect 2022 to bring continued focus on technology, including the following:

• Searches for the right technology that unites healthcare and hospitality.
• Increased investment in aging services technologies by the technology industry.
• A blurred line between tech solutions for active older adults, like fitness trackers, and early levels of care.
• Gig services for older adults like ride-hailing and on-demand delivery.
• Increased efforts to engage older adults before they move into senior living.

Read the full article, “Tech, labor, wellness, business concerns factor into senior living industry trends, predictions for 2022.”

LeadingAge CAST Technology Planning & Selection Tools

If you are embarking on strategic planning, we encourage you to engrain technology into your planning process. Create a strategic IT plan that lays out the information and communication infrastructure to support your vision, strategic plan, and goals; you may want to consult CAST’s Strategic IT Planning Tools.

If, on the other hand, you are searching for a tech solution for your organization, be sure to check out the LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools. These online tools can help you choose the best technologies for your organization’s needs. Each of the nine portfolios includes a white paper with background on the technology solution, a selection matrix, an online selection tool, and provider case studies. The tools cover the following types of technologies:

• Data Analytics Technology Selection Tool
• EHR Technology Selection Tool
• Functional Assessment and Activity Monitoring Technology Selection Tool 
• Health Information Exchange (HIE) Technology Selection Tool
• Medication Management Selection Tool
• Safety Technology Selection Tool
• Shared Care Planning and Coordination Technology Selection Tool
• Social Connectedness and Engagement Technology Selection Tool
• Telehealth and RPM Selection Tool