With summer in full swing at LeadingAge CAST, we’re sharing updates to the Shared Care Planning and Coordination Technology Online Tool, as well as a new case study. We’re looking ahead to a technology panel at a Workforce Summit at the Biennial Global Ageing Network Conference. This month, we also share a study on the effectiveness of telemedicine, best practices for pilot projects, cybersecurity resources, ideas for true innovation, and CAST member news.
CAST Updates Shared Care Planning and Coordination Tool
This month at LeadingAge CAST, we released new updates to our Shared Care Planning and Coordination Technology Online Tool. Updated resources include the Product Matrix and Online Selection Tool, now with 17 products and one new vendor, Mediprocity. A new case study, To Text or Not to Text? That is the Question, demonstrates how secure texting solutions such as Mediprocity—if managed properly—can lower hospitalization rates and improve patient care.
Check out our full list of seven LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools, which provide hands-on resources to help you plan for, choose, and adopt the right technology for your organization.
Workforce Summit to Focus on Technology
On Sept. 17, I will serve on a Workforce Summit panel with Sarah Bettencourt, chief people officer of LeadingAge Gold Partner with CAST Focus PointClickCare, and Denise Rabidoux, former president and CEO of LeadingAge CAST Patron EHM Senior Solutions.
This session on the role of technology in workforce is part of a one-day Workforce Summit immediately prior to the Biennial Global Ageing Network Conference, “This is Long Term Care 2019,” in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Katie Smith Sloan, president and chief executive officer of LeadingAge and executive director of The Global Ageing Network, and Robyn Stone, senior vice president of research at LeadingAge, will also present.
Telemedicine Found to Reduce ED Use for Acute Illnesses
A recent study of high-intensity telemedicine services found they reduced the number of Emergency Department (ED) visits that independent living and assisted living residents make for acute illnesses. The report authors estimated that one year of access to telemedicine services is associated with a 24% decrease in ED visits.
Executives’ Tips for Testing Technology
Best practices for technology pilots were a focus at the inaugural Ziegler Link•Age Fund Symposium in Chicago last month, with tips from CAST Commissioner Kari Olson, of CAST Patron Front Porch, and other executives. Among the advice: Create the freedom to fail, and don’t call it a pilot.
More Operators Affected by Data Breach
After reporting last month that data breaches affected nearly 60 senior living providers connected with ResiDex Software, we learned that even more senior living organizations may have been affected. Cybersecurity risks are real. Make sure you check out CAST’s Cybersecurity Resources and CAST’s article “Opportunities, and Risks, with New Smart Voice Technology in Senior Living” to learn how to protect your organization.
True Innovation Needed in Senior Living
“Everyone is talking about major industry challenges (shrinking demand, negative stereotypes, shifting attitudes) without really doing anything drastically different,” said an industry tech entrepreneur in a recent Senior Housing News article. Learn how the industry can make a real difference for older adults, according to this industry observer.
Pilot Opportunities with AiRO Digital Labs
CAST is assisting CAST Supporter AiRO Digital Labs, which has developed Viki, the world’s First 24/7 Voice-AI Companion for the older adults aimed at enhancing the physical and emotional well-being of seniors you serve, in completing their series of senior living pilot programs. AiRODigital Labs has a couple of remaining pilot opportunities. If you are interested in piloting Viki, please reach out directly to Dev Singh, CEO.
CAST Members Are in the News
Please join me in welcoming Unidine Lifestyles, CareGrove, Visa Inc., and Sentrics, to CAST as new partners and supporters! In additional member news, we applaud new partnerships, a birthday celebration and tour, a new solution, and grant awards for innovative technology.
Feel Free to Contact Me
If you have news to share with CAST or if I can be of assistance in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me.