Key Takeaways
- Aegis Living is utilizing the latest technology, including red light therapy and AI tools, to improve the lives of older adults
- Red light therapy is being used to reduce pain and improve healing, with residents reporting fewer aches and pains and better sleep
- AI technology is being used to prevent falls, with the system learning each resident’s movement patterns and alerting staff when a high-risk resident is attempting to leave a bed or chair
- Technology is also being used to combat loneliness, with digital memory boxes and frames, as well as a proprietary app that allows family members to see what the resident has been up to and connect with other seniors in the community
- Aegis Living’s approach to senior living is focused on providing a supportive environment that promotes comfort, safety, and connection for older adults
Introduction to Aegis Living’s Innovative Approach
Aegis Living is a senior living community that is leveraging the latest technology to improve the lives of older adults. From red light therapy to AI tools that can prevent falls, the community is using innovative approaches to support comfort, safety, and connection for its residents. According to Julie Ambachew, Vice President of Clinic Operations at Aegis Living, the community’s focus is on providing a supportive environment that promotes healing and well-being. "A lot of our families and residents have concerns that the aging body doesn’t heal so well," she said. "But what we’ve seen at Aegis Living is that by having the right environment, the right support, and tools that the body can continue to heal itself while they age."
The Benefits of Red Light Therapy
One of the technologies being used at Aegis Living is red light therapy. This non-invasive treatment is being used to reduce pain and improve healing, with residents reporting fewer aches and pains and better sleep. The community uses red light therapy in several forms, including wraps that come in a variety of sizes to target pain in the back, shoulders, and even the wrist. A full red light therapy bed has also been introduced at the Aegis Living of Ballard location, providing a serene and quiet setting for residents to rest and receive treatment. "The great thing about it is it’s a centrally located community in Seattle where all of our residents at Aegis Living can go," Ambachew said. "It’s gentle, it’s noninvasive, they’re in a really serene room with the whole bed where they can rest and have a quiet setting while they get the healing."
Preventing Falls with AI Technology
Aegis Living is also among the first senior living communities to adopt AI technology designed to prevent falls. The system learns each resident’s movement patterns and alerts staff when a high-risk resident is attempting to leave a bed or chair, especially if they appear unstable. With caregivers on duty around the clock, the system helps staff intervene quickly to assist residents before they fall. "It’s not a monitoring device. It’s not a camera. So, it does provide privacy because the image that is seen is grayed out and it’s got an image of a stick figure that’s colorful," Ambachew said. "That way the families and the residents feel like they’re not being monitored, they’re not being watched." The AI technology provides an added layer of safety and security for residents, giving families peace of mind and allowing them to sleep better at night knowing that their loved one is being taken care of.
Combating Loneliness with Technology
In addition to physical health, Aegis Living is using technology to combat loneliness, which Ambachew said is "almost like another vital sign." The community recommends using digital memory boxes or frames where family members can upload new pictures from far away, allowing residents to stay connected with loved ones who may not be able to visit in person. Aegis Living also has a proprietary app that allows family members to see what the resident has been up to that day, as well as lists the residents’ interests for others in the community to read. "When they fill out their details on this app, it’ll say what they love to do. Did they used to like to hike? Did they like to paint? And that way they can connect socially in the community as well with other seniors," Ambachew said. "And so, they start making not just connections with their families, but then they have those social connections that they really, really need to have."
Conclusion and Next Steps
Aegis Living’s approach to senior living is focused on providing a supportive environment that promotes comfort, safety, and connection for older adults. By leveraging the latest technology, including red light therapy, AI tools, and digital memory boxes, the community is able to provide a high level of care and support for its residents. To learn more about Aegis Living and its innovative approach to senior living, visit their website or contact them directly. With its focus on comfort, safety, and connection, Aegis Living is setting a new standard for senior living communities and providing a model for others to follow.
