How Software Can Help Achieve Operation Goals in Senior Living
Managing senior living communities often takes superhuman levels of concentration and energy. As an operator, you’re responsible for the happiness and well-being of your residents and team members. You’re also the go-to person for every big decision, problem, and emergency. These responsibilities can leave even the most capable operators feeling frazzled and exhausted.
Luckily, you don’t have to do everything by yourself. The right software will revolutionize your senior living operations and improve efficiency at every workflow stage. It can also help you make better decisions and resolve issues proactively. That way, you can spend less time handling administrative tasks and focus on the ultimate goal of operations in a senior living community: supporting caregivers and residents.
The Role of Software in Senior Living Operations
The senior living sector’s reliance on technology has grown steadily, and this trend shows no sign of stopping. According to a 2023 Senior Housing News survey, almost three out of four senior living operators plan to increase their tech budget in 2024. Roughly a quarter of these respondents plan to boost their technology budget by 25% to 50%.
Several factors have contributed to the growing importance of technology in the industry. First, many senior communities face persistent staffing shortages. Software can help organizations overcome this challenge by automating time-consuming tasks and increasing efficiency. That way, fewer employees can provide the same level of care.
Americans also increasingly expect senior communities to provide engaging experiences that promote healthy aging. Operators can use technology to meet this demand. For example, video conferencing platforms help residents connect with family members and friends worldwide. Some communities also use video games and virtual reality to improve residents’ quality of life and well-being.
Finally, many senior care communities have turned to technology to address declining occupancy rates after the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations can use customer relationship management software to nurture leads and streamline the move-in process for new residents. In addition, social media platforms allow communities to show off their amenities, resident outings, and services.
Ways Software Can Help Senior Living Operators
Senior living operators can choose from a broad range of software solutions, including electronic health records (EHRs), data analytics tools, risk management software, and more. Here are 10 benefits of incorporating these tools into your day-to-day routine.
Enhance Operational Efficiency
Many senior care communities have a hodgepodge collection of outdated systems. Staff members may scribble dietary allergies on kitchen whiteboards, store paper records in three locations, and manually enter charges into invoices. This disjointed approach wastes time and makes it easy for staff to make mistakes.
Modern senior living software lets you integrate all your operations into one centralized database. This process improves operational efficiency by consolidating data and workflows. For example, a caregiver can add a dietary preference to a resident’s EHR, and a server can view the change in real time from the kitchen.
Ensure Accurate Documentation
Senior living software makes it easier for communities to maintain accurate and consistent documentation. Caregivers and healthcare providers can use this technology to create and share electronic health records, care plans, and other essential documents.
Additionally, many software programs have safeguards to ensure users enter accurate information. For example, an electronic medication administration record (EMAR) system will flag an incorrect dosage. These safety features ensure residents receive the correct care and reduce the risk of dangerous medical errors.
Improve Resident Care
Technology enables caregivers and community management teams to provide an exceptional quality of care. EHRs ensure staff always have the most up-to-date information, allowing them to deliver accurate and personalized services.
Assisted living communities and nursing homes can also use risk management software to detect subtle changes in resident health and intervene promptly. Finally, remote monitoring devices let staff track health metrics and adjust care plans as necessary. These tools enhance the resident experience, improve health outcomes, and increase retention.
Enable Data-Driven Decision-Making
Operators make countless decisions, from hiring new staff members to developing strategic initiatives. Data analytics software like ElderSmarts takes the guesswork out of decision-making by helping you make informed choices. You can use this technology to collect vast amounts of information, detect trends in the dataset, and predict the future. For example, you can analyze resident acuity levels and staff performance metrics and use your insights to create the most effective staffing schedule.
Strengthen Communication
Senior living software improves communication between operators, caregivers, residents, family members, and stakeholders. This technology allows users to create electronic records, so staff don’t have to interpret messy handwritten documents. Family members can also view digital records of services performed to check that their loved ones receive proper care.
Meet Compliance Standards
Medicare and Medicaid require skilled nursing facilities, memory care units, and other communities to follow strict regulations. Senior living software has built-in compliance checks to ensure organizations adhere to these regulations. This technology also simplifies the reporting process by creating audit trails.
Improve Financial Management
Financial management software enables operators to create budgets and track expenses. This technology also automates and streamlines time-consuming tasks, such as generating invoices and processing payroll. These features help protect your community’s financial health and promote long-term growth.
Streamline Staff Training
You can use senior living software to share training materials and create custom educational plans. You can also use data analytics to pinpoint staff who need additional training. For example, you could identify the caregivers with the most medical errors and provide follow-up training to help them improve their performance.
Boost Data Security
Senior living software lets you store confidential resident data in secure databases with access controls and firewalls. These measures protect data from cybercriminals and leaks. Additionally, cloud storage keeps records safe if your community has an on-site disaster that destroys paperwork and computer hardware.
How Eldermark Software Can Help Your Operators
Take your operations to the next level with Eldermark’s comprehensive software ecosystem. We offer a wide variety of software, including EHR, mobile point of care, and ElderForms Document Management. This technology integrates seamlessly with industry-leading healthcare solutions, so you can easily add our software to your existing systems.
Modernized Eldermark NEXT software allows you to centralize and simplify your operations. You can access everything you need in one convenient location and eliminate duplicate processes. Our technology also lets you automate routine tasks, allowing you to focus on more important responsibilities. Contact us today to schedule a free demonstration and learn how Eldermark NEXT can help you boost efficiency, increase resident satisfaction, and reduce errors.
