The field of aging services has an opportunity in the next 5-10 years to emerge as the most innovative and transformational industry due to the influence of consumer expectations and demand for long-term care services. We have the power to create a culture of community, health, wellness, and exceptional workforce to meet the needs of and estimated 61 million baby boomers. Our ability to anticipate future needs and embrace advances in technology will help us evolve and develop our new value proposition of products and services.
As a member of the LeadingAge Center for Aging Services Technology Group (CAST), Tammy Hatting attended the CAST commission meeting where they discussed healthcare innovation and the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) for services such as voice to text for residents who may be hearing impaired, or charting and trending for earlier detection of a health issue.
Hatting attended another session on the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which is a program in 32 states and was presented to the South Dakota Legislative Summer Study as a new nationally recognized caregiving model designed for individuals who wish to remain at home rather than being placed in a nursing home. This is truly a patient-centered model of care addressing the medical and social needs of each resident enrolled in the program. SDAHO is working with our legislators to bring this program to South Dakota.
Many sessions focused on the challenges facing our industry and the impact of staffing shortages across the country. However, with challenges, comes opportunity as we navigate the shifting payor mix and increasing federal regulatory burden. As more providers choose to exit the skilled nursing business it will place pressure on the rest of the healthcare system forcing consolidation, new partnerships and innovative in-home solutions. One session offered a recommended benchmark ratio stating for every 1 nursing home bed, a provider should have at least 8 senior housing (IL, AL or MC) units for sustainability and growth.
SDAHO plans to share information, resources, and education gained from LeadingAge’s Annual Meeting at our upcoming post-acute care events in 2024. Click here to view LeadingAge Annual Meeting highlights.
