Embracing Technology in Older Adult Care
St. John’s Director of Information Systems Nick Daszkeiwicz showcased his technology expertise in a bylined article for the Rochester Business Journal, “Advancing senior living: A thoughtful approach to technology & research”.
“As the needs of aging adults grow more complex, the role of healthcare technologies must adapt,” writes Daszkeiwicz. In his role, Daszkeiwicz makes sure important health records are accessible and secured, monitors Wi-Fi, and manages “rigorous” cybersecurity measures taken at St. John’s. From emails to broken laptops, to the phone systems and rolling out new tech, Daszkeiwicz and his team play a crucial role in the day-to-day life at St. John’s.
“What excites me most is how much potential there is to truly transform the senior living experience,” he continues, “residents today are using smart speakers, like those from Speak2, not just to check the weather, but to engage with their communities.”
“Devices like Apple Watches now offer fall detection capabilities that can often trigger alerts before the resident is even able to press a call button. This provides additional support to our care staff, often resulting in better response times when it matters most.”
Daszkeiwicz also writes about the innovation he is seeing within the realm of artificial technology (AI). He notes that AI-powered systems can take in large amounts of health information and data to track and predict a resident’s medical needs. “AI interventions enable caregivers to intervene earlier and prevent complications while improving outcomes,” he writes.
“Introducing new technologies into senior living is not without its challenges,” Daszkeiwicz mentions. “Many solutions are developed for independent adults, but senior care requires a different approach. Particularly in skilled nursing environments where privacy regulations are tighter, the training needs are more complex. The most effective solutions are those that account for emotional and psychological readiness, not just functional capability.”
He writes that this is why he is excited to continue the collaboration between St. John’s and the Thrive Center, a research-based non-profit that brings together in one place an interactive, hands-on experience of the technology and education. “We gain access to technologies that have been tested and validated in environments similar to ours. This ensures that we are not just reacting to trends but proactively adopting innovations with proven outcomes.”
Daszkeiwicz concludes his article with optimism and hope for the future of technology in elder care. He writes that he is looking forward to promoting technology and internet literacy across all St. John’s communities and investing in more initiatives that he believes will better the lives of residents and employees.
“Ultimately, the future of senior living lies at the intersection of innovation and empathy. Technology alone is not the answer, but when guided by research, implemented with care, and centered on human dignity, it becomes a powerful force for good.”
Read the full article: “Advancing senior living: A thoughtful approach to technology & research”
