Innovation and Technology
70th AHCA/NCAL Convention and Expo
David Darr, PE
National Director of Sales and Client Relations
Avera eCARE Senior Care
Disclosure: Avera Health (Both Myself and my Spouse/Partner) : Employee (Status: Ongoing)
Joshua Hofmeyer, LNHA,
Senior Care Officer
Avera eCARE
Disclosure: Avera Health/Avera eCARE: Employee (Status: Ongoing)
Long term care involves a vulnerable, underserved population. Local providers are so busy with clinic and hospital care that they often cannot respond to SNF requests as quickly as needed to avoid an emergency room visit, increasing the cost of care. In addition to unexpected expenses, residents in SNFs often suffer discomfort and disorientation when transferred out of their home setting for medical services, hindering wellness and healing.
Telehealth adoption in nursing facilities has been limited, despite the potential benefits of better serving the health care needs of older adults. Through telehealth, long term care residents are connected to providers at virtual health centers using intuitive technology. Facility staff access the technology and, working with the remote provider, can accurately assess a resident’s condition from hundreds of miles away. This innovative health care concept keeps resident care to close to home, reducing medically unnecessary transfers while improving continuity of care and ensuring earlier treatment for acute conditions. Interdisciplinary team functions, such as medication reviews, along with admission support, discharge support, and advance care planning can also be coordinated virtually.