Embracing Technology...
It's Not Your Parent's "Big Brother"
by Allen Ray, CEO of CMI
What prevents technology from being embraced as a form of service and support?
o Funding Obstacles: Much of today’s funding utilizes Medicaid and Medicare systems designed in the 1960’s, when little affordable technology was available. New systems of support make better use of limited resources. Most states already have or are in the process of implementing proper funding mechanisms to include electronic supports; thereby stretching the available dollars while increasing consumer options.
o Fear of what we don’t know: By embracing this concept, many seniors, caregivers and service providers will be exposed to new equipment and to a new service delivery system. Seniors may fear they are being “spied” upon or are losing their opportunities to “touch base” with their family member/caregiver. The caregiver may believe they are “being replaced” or forced to become a computer “geek”. Using technology for monitoring supports and data collections will require providers to learn and to use a new skill set. It is human nature to avoid something we perceive as challenging or difficult.
o Fear of losing control over what we know: Healthcare providers have always had to rely on what people tell them. Not all consumers recognize trends in their own behavior, are aware, forthcoming or totally truthful about their problems. Just what will a sensor sense?
o Fear that technology will replace the “care” component: Contact with family, friends and the community are vital components of everyday life. Will being able to “log-in” or receive a text message replace direct interactions?
To implement technology as a valid platform of service provision, healthcare providers, caregivers and family members must integrate these tools into the continuum of care. “Caring” for people requires being with them. Technology should enable and inform caregivers… not replace them.
[Part 4 is tomorrow; Part 2 was yesterday]
