b'TECH TALKrecognized could improve outcomesopportunities for direct care. Meanwhile,advises a five-stage digital adoption for staff and residents alike. Klein-Nouri said families feel moremodel: assessment, planning, pilot Our goal was always to empowerconfident in our operations knowingprojects, phased implementation, staff, Klein-Nouri explained. The long- that [we are] proactive in our actions. and reinforcement.term care workforce is aging, muchWhen asked if robots would replace nclude everyone: Successful AI Ilike the workforce across Canada, andstaff, Klein-Nouri made it clear: Ourimplementations are led by insights even more so in our organization. Wegoal is not to replace staff, but to helpand feedback from all departments had to consider how to help themthem do their job. to ensure everyone is on board continue working. By introducing and invested in strong outcomes. AI to handle repetitive tasks, we Funding AI in long-term careAs Klein-Nouri said, We base our could give staff more time at the GlobalDWS\'s webinar emphasizeddecisions on what our residents residents bedside. that funding AI technology in long- and our staff need. We want to term care requires strategic planningimplement responsible AI, and that The Centre has implemented severaland creativity. In Klein-Nouri\'s goal tomeans everyone on board.AI initiatives. In one example, it is using"stretch every dollar and be very mindful IoT sensors to oversee temperatureCommunicate, communicate, about what I can spend money on and monitoring across their facilities (e.g.,what I cannot," she underscored thecommunicate: Effective resident rooms, common areas,importance of a strong business casecommunication is essential, medication fridges, food areas, etc.).that clearly shows how AI can enhancewhether with staff, residents, Doing so has enabled continuous,the quality of life for residents and createfamilies or long-term care partners. automated monitoring across all areasa more empowering work environmentIt\'s paramount to speak openly of the home and set up immediatefor staff. and honestly, answering questions alerts that allow staff to addressas best you can, and seeking out problems before complaints arise.As for finding the money to invest inanswers when you don\'tthese AI initiatives, Klein-Nouri explainedhave them. "Now, we receive immediate alerts,that the Meighen Health Centre and we can act immediately on themleveraged a mix of funding sources.And, obviously, be bold, Klein-Nouri without getting complaints," Klein- These include minor capital expensestressed. There is no innovation or Nouri explained, noting that 24/7 smartfunds, nursing and personal carechange without taking risks and being sensors "eliminate manual logging,budgets, fundraising and donations, willing to navigate uncharted waters.prevent waste, ensure food safety, andand ministry programs such asLooking forward save staff time while strengtheningIntegrated Technology Solutions, theEmbracing AI: Discover How AI is compliance and confidence in ourNew Horizons for Seniors Program,Transforming Senior Care concluded supply." Moreover, by leveraging AI towhich provides up to $25,000 perwith an audience Q&A and a look at transition from reactive to proactiveproject, and the Centre for Aging +how Meighen Health Centre plans problem-solving, the technology hasBrain Health Innovations Discover to explore future AI initiatives. The enabled teams to focus more onand Adopt program. takeaway from this informative session meaningful resident interactions, ratherwas clear: in long-term care, AI is than chasing down problems after Lessons from the journeynot about replacing human care, but they occur. AI can be a significant investment. Asenhancing it. By starting AI initiatives Another AI initiative has been thesuch, the webinar discussed severalwith purpose, engaging stakeholders, introduction of social robots, whichfundamental steps for AI adoption inand demonstrating measurable are interactive, AI-enabled companionslong-term care. benefits, long-term care homes can designed to engage residentsbring these technologies into their Build a strong business case: through conversation, gestures andenvironments in ways that enhance activities. The robots have been aShow how AI solutions will impactcare and support the real people who welcome addition that has broughtresidents\' quality of life and help staffdeliver it. "smiles to everyone\'s faces," Klein- with their workloads.Nouri said,while increasing socialFind trustworthy technology"AI is a powerful wave," said St. James. "It\'s everywhere, like a tidal force engagement, memory and abstractpartners: Find AI specialists whodominating the media, and over the thinking, and helping residents makeunderstand your goals and thepast six to twelve months, we\'ve seen a decisions. She added that residentsimportant considerations that needshift from resistance to exploring how have enthusiastically embraced theto be made in long-term care. to embrace AI. That\'s why this webinar robots, with average engagementHave a plan and roadmap: Knowand our Embracing AI series arescores ranging from 2.6 to 2.8 out ofLTCTwhat you want to accomplishso important."three during activities.with your AI investment, the steps The robots have also had a positiveyoull take to implement it, the impact on the Centres staff, whomilestones and outcomes youMatthew Bradford is a freelance report feeling less stress duringplan to track, and how you willwriter with Long Term Care Today. inspections and having moredetermine its success. GlobalDWS www.oltca.com LONG TERM CARE TODAY 31'