Sanjeev Jain on NEMA Eldercare’s Tech-Driven Approach to Improving Senior Lives
- How has NEMA Eldercare integrated modern technology into its services to improve the well-being of seniors?
We at NEMA Eldercare want to improve senior citizens’ quality of life, but our initial efforts have been largely reliant on in-house trained human resources. However, we are committed to using cutting-edge technology in our services to better care for our senior population.
Leveraging technology can be a game-changer in a nation as diverse and price-sensitive as India. Although we may not yet be fully technologically integrated, we have made significant progress toward doing so. We started by implementing electronic health records to improve data management and medical history accuracy.
We have also introduced telemedicine solutions, which allow seniors to access healthcare professionals without having to travel to hospitals. This was especially important during the pandemic when in-person visits were difficult.
We have also started using wearable devices to monitor vital signs and activity levels, giving our caregiving team real-time data. It helps us identify and address any health concerns promptly.
As a social enterprise, we are aware of the financial difficulties that many seniors and their families encounter. Our goal is to make senior care accessible and affordable with the help of modern technology so that seniors can age gracefully with the assistance they require. We need to reduce expensive manpower without compromising with quality of service.
While we’re still in the early stages of our tech journey, we are committed to expanding our technological offerings and helping seniors live healthier and happier lives in the digital age.
- What specific technologies have been most impactful in enhancing the quality of care for elderly residents?
We have identified a few particular technologies that have significantly improved the quality of care for elderly residents.
First off, geofencing has completely changed the game, especially for dementia patients. It functions as a sort of virtual safety net. Establishment of these digital boundaries warns caregivers if a resident with dementia crosses them. This literally saves lives by keeping residents from wandering, which keeps them secure.
Fall detection is yet another fantastic technological tool. Falls can become a serious problem as we age, and it is critical to catch them early. Sensors that can detect falls or abrupt changes in movement are a great technological tool. Staff is immediately notified when that occurs, allowing us to take prompt action to ensure the resident’s safety.
Apart from these, the rest of technology is currently more operational in nature. We can track medical histories and treatments using electronic health records, which unquestionably enhances the coordination of care as a whole. However, geofencing and fall detection are the real stars when it comes to having a direct impact on the quality of life of residents. Residents and their families can rest easy knowing that we use cutting-edge technology to keep seniors safe and well-cared for.
- What cultural shifts are needed to foster a society that values and actively supports the elderly in their quest for a fulfilling life?
It takes some major cultural changes to promote a society that genuinely values and actively supports the elderly in their quest for a fulfilling life. It is all about changing our attitudes and behaviors toward our seniors.
First and foremost, we need to understand that moving to an eldercare home does not mean discarding our parents or other elderly loved ones. It is about giving them the chance to live comfortably and according to their own terms. It gives them a chance to age with dignity and grace.
One critical shift is moving away from the notion that seniors are a burden. They have acquired a lifetime’s worth of knowledge and experiences, and we should value their contributions to our communities. Accepting their wisdom and insights can improve our society in a variety of ways.
Another significant change is to create communities where seniors can live with similarly-aged peers who share their interests. It involves encouraging a sense of community and belonging, which can greatly improve a person’s mental and emotional health. They can unwind, swap stories, and make new memories with friends who are aware of their situation in life.
It all comes down to giving our elderly the respect and consideration they merit. By valuing their presence and actively assisting them in meeting their needs, we can build a society that is not only more compassionate but also more richly endowed with the wisdom of all of its constituents. That is the kind of cultural change we should aim for.
- How does NEMA Eldercare balance the use of technology with the need for personalised and compassionate care?
As I have already mentioned, we are still only beginning to fully integrate technology into our procedures and treatments. Even at this early stage, we are working to strike a balance between using technology and the need for individualized care.
First of all, we have embraced technology to improve communication, which is crucial in caregiving. We use WhatsApp Group to stay in touch with our patients & their families. It is a simple but effective tool that allows us to communicate with them directly. WhatsApp keeps us in touch in a comfortable and convenient way, whether it is to inquire about their health, set up appointments, or address any worries.
However, we will not stop there. We are currently working on creating a web application that will help our patients and their families. This app will act as a central location for resources, news, and information. Families will have access to real-time updates about the care of their loved ones, and patients will find it simple to contact our caregivers when they require help.
We are fully aware, though, that technology cannot completely replace the human touch. Our work is centered on providing compassionate care. Our caregivers are skilled in both physical assistance and emotional support. Technology, in our view, should complement rather than displace this kind of care.
In short, we are integrating technology to improve communication and information sharing, but we will always put the individualized, customized care that our elderly patients need first. It all comes down to striking that fine balance to ensure that our seniors get the best of both worlds.
- The older generation tends to be afraid of technology, especially the latest tech. How does NEMA address this fear?
You make an excellent point about the fear many seniors have of new technology. We recognize and understand this fear at NEMA, and we are committed to addressing it in a supportive and empowering manner.
One approach we have taken is to make technology more accessible through a concierge service. We provide personalised technology assistance to our elderly residents, assisting them in becoming more familiar and comfortable with devices and applications. Our concierge service is equivalent to having a patient and understanding tech tutor available whenever they require it. This one-on-one assistance allows our seniors to ask questions, troubleshoot problems, and learn at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed.
But there is more. We have also capitalized on the enthusiasm for technology among the younger generation. We work with tech-savvy college students who serve as mentors and educators to our elderly residents. These students not only assist with technological tasks but also foster intergenerational connections. It is a win-win situation: our seniors gain confidence in using technology, and the students gain valuable experience while making a difference in our residents’ lives.
By implementing these measures, we are not only addressing the elderly population’s fear of technology but also creating a supportive environment that encourages them to embrace it. We firmly believe that technology can improve their lives, especially reducing loneliness, and our approach is centered on making that transition as easy and stress-free as possible.
- What are some effective strategies for promoting social engagement and reducing isolation among senior residents in long-term care facilities?
Promoting social engagement and reducing isolation among senior residents in long-term care facilities is one of NEMA Eldercare’s top priorities. We have put in place a number of effective strategies to ensure our residents have a fulfilling social life.
First and foremost, we believe in keeping things lively. We host events and activities every day, ranging from music performances and fitness classes to art classes and activity clubs. These activities give our residents something to look forward to every day, and it warms our hearts to see their faces light up with joy.
But it is not just us; it is what we all do to promote relationships with the larger community. We work together with nearby colleges, businesses, and even schools to support their CSR initiatives. Our facility welcomes students and staff members who want to engage with our seniors through conversation, storytelling, or sharing hobbies. It is an excellent method for bridging generational divides and overcoming feelings of loneliness.
Additionally, we actively encourage companionship and friendship among our residents. We have designed areas where they can congregate, converse, and form deep connections. Here at our facility, we have witnessed the formation of lifelong friendships, which is incredibly rewarding.
Our strategy focuses primarily on developing a lively and welcoming social environment. It entails ensuring that our residents have opportunities to interact, share, and fully appreciate life on a daily basis while surrounded by old and new friends.
- Are there specific challenges or misconceptions that need to be addressed within communities to create a more inclusive and harmonious environment for people of all ages to interact and collaborate?
Undoubtedly, there are obstacles and misunderstandings that we must remove to foster an environment that is more welcoming and peaceful and that allows people of all ages to communicate and work together successfully.
One of the most pervasive myths is that elderly people are a burden on society. Contrary to popular belief, seniors bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and distinctive perspectives that can enhance our communities in countless ways. It is critical to change this perspective and realize how much they can contribute.
To dispel these myths, intergenerational interactions must be encouraged. One novel strategy is to design areas where elderly care and child care can coexist. When these two generations interact, young people not only gain invaluable life lessons from their elders but also grow to respect and have empathy for them. At the same time, seniors gain from the enthusiasm and curiosity of young children, which can be incredibly uplifting.
Furthermore, it is crucial to create settings that promote cooperation among people of all ages. This may entail neighborhood projects, communal areas, and initiatives that foster intergenerational ties. It is about removing age-related barriers, and fostering environments where people can share knowledge and experience.
To build a community that is more inclusive and harmonious; it is imperative to address common misconceptions about senior citizens and encourage intergenerational interactions. It is about appreciating the value of each generation and utilizing their combined strength to create a more equitable society for all.
