For Florida retirement communities and their members, a positive impact can be embraced through the use of today’s modern technology. Online activities are enjoyed by roughly 2/3 of today’s retirees and the Internet is used by roughly 85% of baby boomers.
For the care teams in retirement communities, families of residents, and the residents themselves, satisfaction is increased and the quality of life improved when technology is used to its fullest.
In Florida’s retirement communities, how can today’s technology be integrated and what will the benefits be to residents?
Wearables
To maintain a higher level of independence, one great method is through today’s IoT (Internet of things) connected wearables. In the form of a bracelet or pendant, PERS (Personal Emergency Response Systems) can be worn to alert the proper resources as needed. Some have built-in communication and location technologies while others simply feature a distress button.
IoT (Internet of Things)
This refers to “smart devices”. Some of these include the following:
- Pressure pads
- Personal assistants
- TVs
- Window Blinds
- Refrigerators
- Lights
- Thermostats
Through the Internet, physical devices are connected and are capable of receiving and sending data. They can also be controlled by the touch of a button with no need to get up from a chair or bed.
Family and Friends Connections
FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, and other apps and devices allow contact with family and friends without actually having to go out in public or even step outside the retirement community. Grandma and grandpa can participate in birthdays, graduations, weddings, and more via the Internet.
Healthier lifestyles
Healthier mental and physical lifestyles are now encouraged courtesy of the benefits that have resulted from the use of technology in today’s retirement communities. Many activities and events make the most of the latest technological advancements.
Personal technology can be used by residents to do the following:
- Puzzles
- Take quizzes
- Play games
- Therapy session participation
- Read books and magazines
- Watch videos
Low-impact exercises and fun are offered by modern video game consoles. Without having to move as much as during actual outdoor sports, activities like baseball, tennis, bowling, and more can be played.
EMRS (Electronic Medical Records)
EMRs, short for electronic medical records, have been incorporated by many retirement communities. For both the care team and residents, the benefits are as follows:
- The care team can spend more time with residents
- Thanks to enhanced documentation/monitoring, reduced operating costs
- Paper inefficiencies are eliminated and care is more accurately documented
- Improved efficiency across frontline staff and management
- For residents’ medical records, enhanced security
Health Education and Telemedicine
Over the last several years, the popularity of telehealth services has grown steadily, particularly during the coronavirus crisis. With it, access to healthcare is safer and easier for many. The following barriers to care are removed by telemedicine:
- Not being able to find transportation to seek out care
- Due to time gaps, care fragmentation
- Due to geographic location, lack of available providers
- Excessive distance between the patient and the provider
Via videoconferencing, classes, and seminars are now available regarding health education for retirees.
Enjoy Today’s Technological Developments at Discovery Village At Palm Beach Gardens
Your mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, etc., can enjoy retirement living as it was meant to be through the many amenities and programs available at Discovery Village At Palm Beach Gardens. Utilizing some of today’s technologies, we offer activities meant to inspire and entertain. Your loved one has never been in better hands.
For general inquiries, please phone us at 561-801-7301. For specific sales and leasing questions, call 561-316-4626. You can also fill out our convenient online form to open the lines of communication. Better yet, schedule a tour to see for yourself all we have to offer.
