As new technology becomes available that can benefit activities of daily living for older Americans, it is important to use these advancements to their full potential. Since its founding in 1998, the Facility Guidelines Institute has been responsible for ensuring that health and care facilities meet minimum space, risk assessment, architectural detail, surface and furnishing needs for their residents.
The Facility Guidelines Institute releases an updated report every four years. In 2014, for the first time, the Institute decided to release two separate guidelines, one for hospital and outpatient facilities, and another for residential health, care and support facilities. This decision marks a change in perception of residential communities, with increased focus on quality of life and innovative caregiving in a more home-like environment.
The 2014 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Residential Health, Care, and Support Facilities include several major advancements over the 2010 edition, according to the Institute's press release. New chapters have been added on the standards of independent living for seniors and as well as ideal wellness center environments. An updated risk assessment of hazards in the care environment has also been added to help designers provide safer and more comfortable living arrangements.
The guideline is used by authorities in 42 states for approving plans for new care facilities, and will have a major impact on the quality of life for older Americans in the coming years. We at Independa are happy to see the increased focus on providing person-centered care in a more home-like environment in the new guidelines, and believe that our solutions can help new facilities to better meet the changing needs of older adults.
Our Independa solution offers a fun and inviting fix to the preeminent issue among older adults: social isolation. Independa's Caregiver Web Application is an easy-to-use centralized solution that allows care recipients to stay in touch with caregivers and loved ones because close contact improves their overall well-being. To help enable a vibrant lifestyle, the care recipients receive medication and health measurement reminders, community event broadcasts and updates, Facebook photo and message sharing as well as live video chatting all through their in-room LG TV. For a demo, contact us through our online form.
Do you have any thoughts on what technology should be included in future older adult communities? Let us know on our Facebook page!
