From your pet’s microchip to the minicomputer in your hip pocket, technology is everywhere, and older adults are making the most of it. At Friendship Village, we’re finding new ways to use technology for seniors, with an innovative approach that supports residents’ health, safety and overall well-being.
Improve Balance, Prevent Falls Through Technology
Falls are a leading cause of injury for adults over age 65, with 3 million seniors receiving emergency treatment for fall-related injuries every year. To address this concern, Friendship Village has adopted a new technology — VSTBalance — that can reduce the risk of falls.
VSTBalance uses artificial intelligence and machine vision — the ability of industrial equipment to “see” through motion capture technology — to assess an older adult’s gait, balance and function, three primary indicators of fall risk. The assessment is quick — it typically takes less than two minutes — and fun, using Wii-style games to test abilities. And the results can make a big difference in a resident’s health and independence.
Using data from the assessment, staff members create a plan tailored to the needs of each resident determined to be at high risk for falls. The plan might include balance exercises, strength training, or other fitness classes. Residents are reassessed every 90 days to measure their progress. Studies by VSTBalance show that using the technology leads to a 60% reduction in falls with injuries, helping seniors stay mobile and independent.
Keep Connected with SmartCompanion®
You may have already made friends with Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant. Imagine if Alexa also offered 24/7 voiced-activated emergency response technology. With SmartCompanion, it does. This technology combines the interactive, voice-activated assistance of Alexa with security features that help older adults stay safe and connected. Friendship Village residents who use SmartCompanion enjoy its many benefits, such as:
- Security. The voice-activated technology means residents feel safe, knowing that if an emergency arises, they can simply speak out to get the help they need. Plus the technology is HIPAA-compliant and uses military encryption, so personal data remains safe and secure.
- Assistance. The system can be programmed to give medication reminders and alert residents to upcoming events and appointments on their calendars.
- Connection with friends and family. Voice-activated video calls make it simple to keep up with friends and family.
- Connection with community. Residents can stay up to date on various events and classes at Friendship Village, or find out what’s on the menu in the dining venues.
- Entertainment. If residents want to listen to music or an audio book, play a game, tune in to the latest news or hear a joke, all they have to do is ask Alexa.
- Companionship. For many residents, SmartCompanion is like having a helpful, friendly roommate who’s around when needed, or when they just want to chat.
Life-Enhancing Technology for Seniors at Friendship Village
Our goal is to create an atmosphere in which residents thrive. In our two communities, Friendship Village Sunset Hills and Friendship Village Chesterfield, a picturesque campus, maintenance-free lifestyle, gourmet dining, and an array of amenities create a vibrant lifestyle enhanced by our forward-thinking use of technology, which includes VSTBalance, SmartCompanion and virtual fitness classes.
In fact, this tech-savvy approach has earned us industry recognition, garnering several awards at the McKnight’s Tech Awards + Summit 2022. We won Gold for our use of technology to improve the quality of care or services we offer; we won Silver for using technology to improve connections between staff members, residents and their families. We’re proud of the results we’ve achieved through technology and the improved experience for residents.
Contact us to find out more or to experience the benefits of technology for seniors.