HiVision Village is taking place this June, and I was struck by the inclusion of so many tables and workshops related to the personal care industry at such a tech event, in particular, a table titled “.Contribution of technology to care of the elderly in residential settings”.
After participating as a speaker at Alimarket’s IV National Congress on Pros and Wellness last March, where innovation and robotics in the residential sector were discussed, I thought I should be closer to see how our sector is progressing. We align ourselves more and more.
I have decided to write some of the ideas discussed in this table, some AI technology tools from other fields discussed in other presentations, but we can integrate in our field and with our own contributions.
Current situation of the sector
In the nursing home sector, there is a growing shortage of workers in various fields, not only in the health sector such as doctors and nurses, but also in the fields of assistants, cleaning and maintenance workers. In this situation, initiatives like the one in the Basque Country are emerging, which seek to allow experts from other fields to carry out work in areas other than their own.
The sector is characterized by its significant feminization and its progressive aging. Most of the jobs involve manual labor, which is an added challenge for professionals. In turn, the lack of residential spaces has led to a growing demand for telecare services, which provide support and care to the elderly from their homes.
It is clear One must move from a reactive model to a predictive one In this range. We are currently in a position where the pandemic has put plans on hold, but has given us an opportunity to reflect and review existing processes and plans. It is essential to develop viable strategies to anticipate and meet future challenges more efficiently and effectively.
Although artificial intelligence has been used in the nursing home industry for some time, it is still there We face hurdles because of its cost. However, its potential to improve residents’ quality of life and improve staff management is undeniable. In this environment it is necessary to continue to explore ways to make technology and artificial intelligence more accessible and useful.
Finally, it is important to highlight that, despite efforts, senior centers are largely invisible to society. Recognizing the importance of providing comprehensive and dignified care to the elderly, it is necessary to promote greater awareness and appreciation of the work carried out in these settings.
In summary, the nursing home sector faces significant challenges such as staffing shortages. A shift towards a more predictive approach and accessible use of artificial intelligence is needed. However, the current situation offers opportunities to reflect, develop and improve the visibility of this important sector in our society.
Contradictions of the current situation
Despite efforts to improve the nursing home sector, we still face anomalies that require attention. Next, I will reveal some of them.
As more and more information needs to be collected, there is a concern that if not, then not Trained staff Managing it becomes futile. It is necessary to guarantee the presence of appropriate experts who can use the potential of the collected data and translate it into useful actions, or propose to incorporate artificial intelligence to help this end.
Nursing homes are not health centers, but are underfunded to meet the demands imposed. This is Mismatch between expectations and available resources making it difficult to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to residents.
Although there is a shortage of doctors and nurses, there is a growing trend to medicalize nursing homes, although their main focus should be on care. It is important to recognize and value the important role of care services and ensure that such care is staffed.
Instead of implementing technology in residences, the priority is often to create regulations and regulations, which creates conflicts with professional associations. A case in point is the controversial initiative of the Basque Country. A must find A balance that encourages adoption of technology without disrupting the work of professionals.
Although there were grants for pilot projects, many of them were not implemented on a large scale due to high costs. For example, pattern control, which can improve quality of care, faces economic constraints to its widespread use.
Sometimes, quantity is prioritized over the quality of services provided. An example of this is a remote assistant button that can be placed on a bedside table to provide restraints if the person falls. It is necessary to explore more optimal and effective alternatives that ensure quality care and safety for residents.
Despite the increase in the elderly population, disparities in the training of health professionals persist. Vacancies for doctors and nurses in universities are not created at an adequate rate, and MIR positions in paediatrics are given higher priority than geriatrics. In addition, the creation of residential spaces from the public sector is not sufficiently encouraged, nor is the participation of the private sector clearly favored to create these spaces for contract services.
In summary, addressing the persistent contradictions in the nursing home industry is essential to achieving quality care and ensuring the well-being of residents. A strategic approach and concrete measures are needed to overcome these challenges and develop an optimal environment of care and support.
Jose Luis Montserrat is the director of Residential Palau
