Speculating about the future can be a tricky business. But done judiciously, taking a step back to observe past events and use those findings to assess what lies ahead does have some benefits. And, at the very least, it is fun. 

Recent responses to a survey fielded by LeadingAge CAST and Ziegler Link•age Funds, along with results from queries put to nursing home and home-based care professionals, reveals 2025 as a year shaped by rising expectations, limited capacity, and a stronger push to turn technology investments into measurable value.

The LeadingAge CAST and Ziegler Link•age Funds CTO Hotline survey highlights three barriers that continue to slow technology adoption: staffing shortages, constrained budgets, and lack of time. These findings match what members share during CAST network meetings and what I learn from visits to state partners. Teams want to adopt new tools, but they are already stretched thin, which limits their ability to learn about and incorporate unfamiliar technologies into workflows. The challenge for 2026 will be finding ways to integrate innovation without overwhelming staff.

At the same time, the priorities are sharpening. Operational efficiency continues to top the list, with leaders focusing on technology that reduces administrative burden and friction in everyday work.

Another priority rising quickly to the surface is enhancing the resident social experience. Providers are looking for solutions that help residents stay connected, supported, and in control of their daily routines. Tools that improve communication, streamline service requests, or offer more personalized social engagement are getting more attention as communities seek ways to strengthen social relationships and support well-being. The CAST Ziegler Link•age Funds CTO Hotline survey reinforces this: improving the resident social experience was explicitly named as one of the motivators driving new technology initiatives.

Direct care impact remains another focus. From remote monitoring and workflow automation to better access to information at the point of service, organizations want technologies that help staff work more confidently and help residents remain healthier.

Results of a summer survey of nursing home professionals by trade outlet Skilled Nursing News echoes these themes. When asked about the benefits they hope to gain in areas like dining and environmental services, respondents pointed to time savings, fewer errors, and a smoother, more reliable experience for residents. Providers want tools that elevate daily life for residents while making core operations easier to manage.

Home-based care is moving in a similar direction. A September 2025 report from AlayaCare, a home care software platform, found that nearly half of home health organizations expect to increase their use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools–even as they navigate privacy concerns. This shift shows a growing comfort with AI that helps to improve processes: 70% of providers in the AlayaCare poll cited increased operational efficiency as one of the greatest benefits of using AI. In addition, respondents appreciated AI’s ability to deliver a more seamless experience for older adults receiving services at home.

Taken together, these insights tell a consistent story about the year ahead. Expect the following:

• More interest in technologies that support workforce stability, simplify operations, enhance resident experience (including social connectedness), and produce quick wins without long implementation cycles;
• More questions about data privacy and safe use of AI as organizations experiment with automation and generative AI models;
• Continued pressure on vendors to move beyond broad promises and demonstrate real, practical outcomes for residents and staff.

Providers want tools that address and respond to the realities of their day, that help their teams create a better experience for residents both in care and in community life, and that support staff rather than adding burden. CAST will continue to track these trends closely and spotlight proven models in the months ahead.

If you’d like to share what your organization is prioritizing for 2026, we’d love to hear from you.