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Presbyterian SeniorCare Network

Carrie Chiusano, Executive Director, Dementia Care Center of Excellence

Innovative Tech Transforming Dementia Care

Carrie Chiusano

Carrie Chiusano

How Presbyterian SeniorCare Network is Enhancing Lives

Given the growing prevalence of dementia, it is imperative to explore and adopt advanced technological solutions to improve care and quality of life. Presbyterian SeniorCare Networks technology stack is transforming traditional approaches, offering innovative tools and systems to address the multifaceted needs of individuals living with dementia. Because of the expense related to technology solutions, an interdisciplinary team applies the following criteria:

1. Evidence-based

2. Cost vs Impact

3. Ease of implementation and ease of uses

4. Interoperability/Compatibility with existing technology solutions

5. Elimination of redundant work

Presbyterian SeniorCare Networks more recent technology investments fall into two categories and include:

For Team Members Working in Care Communities:

Predictive Analytics Predictive analytics use data-driven models to forecast potential health issues or changes in behavior. Analyzing patterns and trends, these tools can help identify risks early and tailor interventions to the individuals specific needs, improving overall care outcomes.

Predictive analytics use data-driven models to forecast potential health issues or changes in behavior, helping identify risks early and tailor interventions to the individual's specific needs, improving overall care outcomes.

Digital reminiscence therapy uses multimedia tools to stimulate memory recall and emotional well-being. By presenting familiar images, sounds, and videos, these systems can help individuals with dementia reconnect with their past and enhance their cognitive function. Personalized digital content can be tailored to the individual's history, preferences, and needs.

Predictive Analytics Predictive analytics use data-driven models to forecast potential health issues or changes in behavior. New software has some basic AI built into the software with additional features in development. By analyzing patterns and trends, these tools can help identify risks early and tailor interventions to the individuals specific needs, improving overall care outcomes.

Cognitive Educational Apps Various cognitive educational apps are designed to stimulate mental activities and promote brain health. These apps offer exercises and games that target memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. While they cannot cure dementia, they can help maintain cognitive function and provide engaging activities that contribute to overall well-being.  These are also great options for the second category of: families caring for individuals living with dementia at home.

For Families Caring for Individuals Living with Dementia at Home:

Smart Home Devices Smart home technology helps create a safer and more supportive living environment. For example, smart lighting can reduce the risk of falls by illuminating pathways, while voice-activated systems can assist with reminders for medication or daily tasks, illuminated electric outlets in lieu of night lights, devices to alert family members if a door opens, etc. These devices also enable remote monitoring, allowing caregivers to check in on individuals from afar. We are continuously open to hearing about new opportunities.

Digital Reminiscence Therapy Digital reminiscence therapy uses multimedia tools to stimulate memory recall and emotional well-being. By presenting familiar images, sounds, and videos, these systems can help individuals with dementia reconnect with their past and enhance their cognitive function. Personalized digital content can be tailored to the individual’s history, preferences, and needs. 

The articles from these contributors are based on their personal expertise and viewpoints, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations.