We’ve been working with Ontario long-term care homes for years, as an outsourced IT department. So, of course, we like to keep up with the latest goings on in the industry.
The Ontario Long-Term Care Association’s report, This is Long-Term Care 2015, is the most recent glimpse of what older residents in Ontario really need in terms of care and assistance. It highlights the bigger picture – aging health trends over time – and what that means for the province.
Many of us have aging parents or grandparents with dementia and/or significant health challenges. At some point, they may need to live in a facility for 24-hour access to nursing care and supervision.
Statistics show just how complicated it is for those who provide both health care and a caring community, for a growing – 70,000 and counting – amount of seniors. Did you know that 97% of long-term care residents have two or more chronic diseases, such as arthritis and heart disease? Some other enlightening stats:
- 62% of long-term care residents live with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias; nearly one third have severe cognitive impairment.
- 46% of long-term care residents exhibit some level of aggressive behaviour related to their dementia or mental health condition.
- 40% of long-term care residents have a psychiatric diagnosis such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
- 40.6% of long-term care residents need monitoring for an acute medical condition. This has jumped significantly, up from 29.6% just five years ago.
It’s an enlightening look into the real needs of the Ontario long-term care homes. More residents have chronic conditions, and need more extensive support with daily activities, than just five years ago.
Times are changing, quickly. As our population ages, long-term care residents’ needs have become more complex, which requires more care, and more time. At the same time, the health care system is also becoming data driven and complex, including more information and reporting.
And, that’s where we come in. We’re proud to provide reliable technology that keeps up with the needs of staff in long-term care homes. We focus on providing our friends with the best IT services and solutions.
After 25 years in business, it’s still our priority to make sure each facility’s team has the ability to communicate and collaborate with ease, without technology errors or disruptions.
We bring the most up-to-date communication and information exchange capabilities for all involved, including staff, residents, families of residents, and pharmacies. Our technology allows our long-term care clients in Ontario to serve their residents with the best care.
Great long-term care homes offer technologically-based solutions to:
- Allow residents to regularly stay in touch with loved ones with Skype. Through video, voice or text, Skype makes it simple to share experiences with the people that matter, wherever they are.
- Communicate on the go with digital signage – Pass on messages, updates, and announcements throughout the homes. Intersperse with jokes to promote laughter, wellness and esteem.
- Automate systems which enable safety and security by being able to log people in and out of the facility and apply industry Best Practices.
- Enable “home access” for Nurses, so they’re able to remotely access crucial files and systems.
