b"TECH TALKFrom exploration to sustainabilityFive key phases for implementing technology in long-term careBy Sydney TaylorW e are living in a period ofImplementation is a non-linearthroughout the project, aligns people changeour populationjourney, one without a one-size-fits-allat your site with the project goals, and demographics are shifting,approach. So, where do you begin?helps you define how success will be and the needs of adults 65+ areWe break the journey down into fivemeasured: all critical for buy-in and reshaping how older Canadians aremanageable, iterative phases thatlong-term impact.supported as they age. While thisreduce risk and increase the likelihood presents unique challenges, it alsoof sustained success. In this article,Planningprovides exciting opportunities foryoull find practical insights to navigateTake time in this phase, as you will innovation to ensure older adultsthe implementation journey andmap out how the implementation receive care that reflects theiridentify key activities at each phase inwill unfold and how progress will be preferences as they age in the placethe process. Lets dive into each phasemonitored and evaluated. To help of their choosing. in more detail. you with this, start by developing your implementation plan to steer the As Canadas technology and agingExplorationproject. Your plan should include:network, AGE-WELL plays a uniqueAlthough this step can be easily skipped, it is essential to understandObjectives for each phaserole in the innovation ecosystem: we connect innovators with researchers,whats working and what isnt, older adults, and adoption partners,Tasks and responsibilitiesproviding a natural opportunity to fund the development and validationinclude the voices of your residents from the beginning. Start with a needsTimelines for each taskof technology that addresses real-world needs, and critically, supportassessment to identify priorities, uncover the core need (e.g., a rootAnticipated resourcessustainable implementation.cause analysis), and develop a shortlistand outcomes We have heard many operatorsof technologies to meet the need. Then, perform a readiness assessmentRisk management strategiesexpress frustration about pilot projects that do not lead to lasting(e.g., Readiness Thinking Tool) with change. The challenge is rarely a your team, including IT, to evaluateMonitoring and reporting processesyour sites preparedness for change. lack of innovationits the difficultyBy creating a shortlist of potentialOnce you have this drafted, share the of integrating technology in a waytechnologies and assessing readiness,plan with those who will have active that fits workflows, supports staff,you can determine how well anroles in the implementation process to and delivers lasting value. To helpinnovation fits within your sitesgather feedback and provide clarity. As operators address this, we embarkedunique context.part of this, form your implementation on a journey to support theirteamthose individuals who will be implementation efforts by drawingThrough these assessments, you candelivering and monitoringon a co-creative approach and AGE- map out: 1) the overall goal of thethe implementation. WELL's wealth of experience overchange (the why), 2) who will be the past 10 years. Our goal is to helprequired to do what differently, 3) theExpect some resistance, as change operators move beyond pilot projectsanticipated value and impact of thecan be hard, especially for those to create meaningful, lasting impactproject, and 4) potential challengesimpacted by the integration of the through the sustained integration at your site. Communicating thesetechnology. To help mitigate this, of technology.elements clearly provides directionengage people at your site to help 22 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Spring/Summer 2026"