The Future Is Here With AI

With a projected annual growth rate of 37.3%, artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries, and senior living care is no exception. From AI-powered humanoid robots to language-based AI assistants like ChatGPT, the impact of AI on senior living care is just beginning, and the potential benefits it brings are exciting to contemplate.

Currently, one of the major challenges in senior living care is staffing shortages. AI, particularly language-based AI like ChatGPT, which has dominated the news in the last few months, is proving instrumental in alleviating this issue. By automating language-related tasks such as record-keeping and medical exam note-taking, AI can streamline staff-dependent processes. This means more time for healthcare professionals to focus more on direct patient care. According to Accenture, up to 40% of healthcare working hours can be supported or augmented by language-based AI.

AI can further alleviate staff shortages by performing administrative tasks, particularly repetitive clerical ones such as accounting, staff scheduling and managing food costs. And machine learning feeds on historical data: AI's ability to make complex decisions or provide advisory support will improve based on data-driven insights. AI applications in electronic health records (EHR) can also contribute to better data management and collaboration between healthcare providers, while predictive analytics enables improved healthcare outcomes by identifying trends and addressing issues proactively. AI's data analysis capabilities are particularly useful for management companies as they monitor trends and make informed investment decisions. They can even use AI to analyze market data and create effective marketing material.

AI is already a part of our mainstream lives with products like Amazon’s Alexa, but such user-friendly technology is especially beneficial for senior living residents, bridging the technological gap with their conversational tone and adaptive learning abilities. By tailoring the technology to each resident's preferences, AI ensures a shorter learning curve and encourages greater technology adoption.

As far as what the future of AI looks like, it’s already here in the form of humanoid robots that can work side by side with community workers. This seemingly futuristic concept is becoming a reality with companies like 1X introducing EVE, an AI-powered humanoid robot. EVE is already performing specialized tasks, such as security patrolling, in industrial sites. In the coming years, EVE and similar robots may be deployed in senior living facilities, relieving staff and assisting residents with various tasks.

The applications of AI in senior living care are expected to grow exponentially. Language-based AI assistants and data-driven analytics are enhancing the quality of life for seniors, streamlining operations and providing valuable support to healthcare professionals. With the right application of this technology, seniors can lead more independent, connected and empowered lives.