Understanding AI’s supportive role in clinical care 

AI technology is increasingly being designed to support and empower care teams, and as the technology develops, new capabilities will continue to surface. It can streamline time-consuming tasks, automate repetitive processes, and provide critical insights, allowing care teams to spend more time delivering meaningful, person-centered care. Thoughtfully integrating AI in senior care helps assisted living and memory care communities enhance quality, efficiency, and regulatory compliance while maintaining the personalized care that individuals and families value most. Just as important as these benefits is building trust from the start. That means implementing AI solutions on secure platforms, being transparent about how data is used, and providing the training care teams need to feel confident using new tools. 

Enhancing direct resident care with AI applications in healthcare 

Medication management is one of the most complex and critical workflows in assisted living and memory care. While support levels vary from full administration to prompting and self-management, AI is beginning to show real promise in enhancing this process. 

Early innovations in this space are: 

• Automating medication tracking: Streamlining medication workflows from ordering through administration to improve accuracy and compliance 

• Delivering real-time alerts: Mobile apps and smart devices provide timely reminders to promote adherence 

• Reducing risk of errors: AI-driven systems can support safer practices by offering prompts, confirmations, and documentation support 

At Direct Supply, we’re actively exploring AI’s evolving role in this area to help providers enhance safety, reduce workload, and support regulatory requirements. While these innovations are still emerging, we’re focused on identifying and shaping practical tools that will drive meaningful change. 

Unique opportunities with AI in assisted living EHRs 

Electronic health records (EHRs) are increasingly an invaluable tool to support assisted living providers, and AI is playing an important role in that by: 

• Resident care insights: AI is detecting trends and patterns in resident care and staff workflow, offering valuable insights into staff time allocation and resident care needs. For example, DS smart® enables vitals to transmit directly to the EMR in under 2 minutes, complete with accurate timestamps. This allows care teams to respond faster, reduce errors, and capture a more complete picture of resident health, supporting earlier interventions and data-informed decision-making. 

• Accurate billing and resource management: By understanding how staff spend their time, AI technology helps optimize resident billing based on actual care provided. Because these systems manage sensitive resident and operational data, it’s essential to choose solutions that meet rigorous security requirements, like HIPAA compliance. Clear, measurable performance metrics help ensure these tools deliver value without compromising privacy. 

• Optimized staffing decisions: AI-driven analytics can inform staffing decisions, helping management balance resource allocation against resident needs and regulatory staffing requirements. 

AI’s role in improving clinical operations 

In assisted living and memory care, clinical operations must remain responsive, agile, and supportive. AI operational tools are starting to streamline workflows and show promise for simplifying regulatory compliance by: 

For example, pac-IQ® is an AI-enabled referral management platform designed specifically for senior care providers. It helps care teams streamline one of the most complex areas of operations: care transitions from hospitals to assisted living or memory care. By reducing referral processing from hours to minutes and automating intake and eligibility workflows, pac-IQ® enables faster, more informed decisions. It integrates with existing platforms, supports HIPAA compliance, and helps staff keep residents and families at the center of the process. 

A phased rollout with thorough testing helps ensure these tools operate effectively without disrupting daily workflows. Pairing adoption with ongoing education builds trust, helps teams understand AI’s capabilities and limits, and reinforces how resident privacy is safeguarded. 

Your trusted partner in AI-driven senior living innovation 

At Direct Supply, we help assisted living and memory care communities successfully harness AI technology to optimize resident care, empower care teams, and confidently meet evolving state regulatory requirements. Our innovative senior care technology solutions are designed with your care teams in mind, ensuring technology always enhances human connections and outcomes.

Four Steps You Can Take to Enhance Your Residents’ Dining Experiences

We all know mealtimes in Senior Living communities are an opportunity to boost resident satisfaction and quality of life, but, for memory care residents, there are often additional concerns to address. It’s important for residents to stay focused and free from agitation long enough for residents to receive adequate nutrition while ensuring a positive dining experience.

We’ve identified four broad categories and some commonsense solutions to help improve the overall dining experience for residents with dementia.

1. Atmosphere: Soothe Anxiety

Create a dementia-friendly environment by using memory aids to remind residents about mealtimes. Try a clock with large numbers, an easy-to-read appointment calendar with large letters and numbers, or even a daily schedule or menu board.

Once inside the dining room, be consistent with furniture placement so memory care residents know what to expect. Then, throw on some classical or soothing music for a calming effect. It is equally important for memory care residents to avoid overstimulation caused by television, excessive noise or too many people.

A separate service time for memory care residents gives them a calmer, dementia-friendly dining room. When blended dining rooms are in operation, seat memory care residents facing away from other diners to help prevent distractions.

Browse thousands of our Senior Living foodservice products designed for seniors’ unique needs by visiting us online – we’re sure to have exactly what you’re looking for. For additional solutions for memory care residents, contact us today.

Sources:

1. https://www.sath.nhs.uk/news/blue-crockery-introduced-for-patients-living-with-dementia/#

2. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3676207/Yellow-plates-help-dementia-patients-eat.html 

3. https://www.bu.edu/cas/magazine/spring10/golomb/ 

Optimize Memory Care Design for Resident Well-being

With the demand for Memory Care communities on the rise, incorporating innovative design tricks will be key to supporting the needs of residents. In addition to reduced mobility, strength and visual acuity, residents may have added concerns, like wandering or psychological symptoms. It is important to consider integrating long-term infection control and prevention initiatives in Memory Care design and holistic Senior Living design.

When necessary due to the health climate, consider the effects of isolation within a Memory Care environment and learn proper engagement tips for this care type. 

When designing dementia care spaces, consider open-concept interior design to allow for wandering, distancing guidelines, and resident safety. Artwork plays a big role in the mood of any Senior living space. Learn to select art for your Senior Living or Memory Care community. 

Create a dementia-friendly environment by using memory aids to remind residents about mealtimes. Try a clock with large numbers, an easy-to-read appointment calendar with large letters and numbers, or even a daily schedule or menu board.

In Memory Care dining spaces be consistent with furniture placement, so residents know what to expect. Play classical or soothing music for a calming effect. It’s equally important for Memory Care residents to avoid over stimulation caused by television, excessive noise or too many people.

A separate service time for Memory Care residents gives them a calmer, dementia-friendly dining experience. When several care types are in the dining space at once, seat Memory Care residents facing away from other diners to help prevent distractions.

When caring for dementia patients, keep the table setting basic, and only offer the utensils they will need. That also means avoiding patterned plates and tablecloths as well as minimizing decorations and condiments on the table that might cause unnecessary distraction.

However, creating contrast is still a critical part of Memory Care dining room design. Many residents suffer from visual impairment so distinction between the food, the plate and tablecloth should be considered. Use brightly colored dinnerware, which will help residents identify where the food is on the plate. In fact, a Boston University study found that “older adults dining from red plates ate 25% more than those dining from white plates.”

What Memory Care residents eat with can also improve their overall dining experience. Increase independence by substituting a bowl for a plate, a spoon for a fork, or choosing from assistive dinnerware, mugs and flatware that address some physical issues associated with aging. For example, large handles offer a more comfortable grip, weighted utensils keep things steady, coated utensils protect lips and teeth and two-handed mugs with lids help reduce spills. Shop all of our dining utensil offerings. 

Just like anyone, feeling involved and part of the conversation can make a big emotional impact on Memory Care residents. With that in mind, encourage staff to greet residents and engage with them in conversation before, during and after meals – even if residents are not able to respond verbally. When possible, sit and eat with residents and offer assistance throughout the meal. Just keep in mind that while staff may be joining the meal, their focus should remain on the residents.

While residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other Memory Care concerns may need extra attention, staff and caregivers can utilize several strategies to help improve their overall dining experience.

Learn more about Memory Care dining from our Senior Living experts.

3. Encourage Proper Wayfinding in
Memory Care Design

Create a personalized entryway outside the resident’s room by using recognizable décor from home. It’ll help the resident find their way and feel more comfortable. Start by including photos, and consider adding memory boxes, so residents can add personal mementos.

Color recognition can help guide residents throughout the building. Clear signage and way finding materials, like 3D texture panels, are a good place to start. By combining color and texture into a way finding material, the panels help guide residents as well as boost mood, improve behavior and increase calmness. 

Memory care garden designs should emphasize the cycle of planting, nurturing and harvesting. This cyclical pattern reminds Memory Care residents of common cycles like seasons and days of the week. Connections like this help early stages of memory loss and decreases the risk of cognitive impairment.  Involvement in a community garden improves resident wellness and engagement by prompting communications with peers, stimulating memory and offering opportunities for individual expression. 

Make sure an outdoor space, no matter the size, offers ample opportunities to engage residents and visiting family members, encourage connection and improve wellness. 

5. Activities for Elderly in Senior Living 

Appeal to residents’ hobbies and foster an environment that promotes choice, fun and socialization by including dedicated spaces for art, woodworking, exercise, board games and other activities. For example, incorporate furnishings and equipment that accommodate a recording studio for loved ones or residents themselves to record messages or songs. Sing-alongs and performances by local musical groups are great activities for seniors. Music sparks memories and conversation among residents living in Memory Care facilities or who live with Alzheimer’s disease. 

A client shared with our team a story of compassion in the face of adversity where music really made a difference. Witness the power of music as a group of Memory Care residents transforms from passive listeners to a joyful choir. 

Another easy way to engage older adults is with a Life Station, which encourages residents to partake in familiar activities. Routines with regular activities provide great mental stimulation for residents with dementia and
memory loss.

The Importance of Staff Engagement

Staff engagement is currently more important than ever because, with the inability of family members to visit frequently, the main persons Memory Care residents will engage with are staff members. In this section, Dr. Camp shares his recommendations of how staff can lead the charge of encouraging resident engagement. He recommends that staff use nametags with a large font that residents can read, clear masks, and a photo on nametags and badges so residents can see staff members’ faces.

Engaging with the Environment

Dr. Camp explores how to best explain the coronavirus to Memory Care residents. He stresses the idea that for residents with dementia, not knowing what’s going on in the world can be scarier than having the situation explained to them in a way they understand. He offers a free Reading Group Story explaining the coronavirus that can be kept in resident rooms.

Engaging with Family

This forward-looking section of the webinar examines what the Memory Care landscape will be like when facilities begin allowing family members to visit residents. Dr. Camp shares best practices of what types of preparation should be done leading up to this time. It is important that staff help prepare family members because residents may have changed throughout the course of being isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. By that point, Memory Care residents will have likely adjusted to a quieter, calmer routine, which could be uprooted if family members rush in and attempt to resume relationships without making adjustments.

Engaging with the Community

Dr. Camp explores the following activities residents can enjoy to remain engaged with others in their community:

• Mask making
• Phone calls to other residents
• Reading roundtables
• Music

Reading Roundtables

Dr. Camp walks through a storytelling exercise example, which is available on his website for free download.

Taking Care of Oneself

Another important element of keeping Memory Care residents engaged is working with them to better understand the importance of taking care of themselves. Dr. Camp runs through some more storytelling resources that will aid residents in self-care.

To register for future webinars, visit http://www.directsupply.com/webinars or email webinars@directsupply.com.

Notice: This video is intended to provide information to Direct Supply’s customers, does not constitute medical or legal advice, and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual patients or conditions, or as a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical professional. Direct Supply specifically disclaims all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the material in this video. You may not modify, copy, reproduce, upload, transmit, publicly display, prepare derivative works based on or distribute any part of this video.

There isn’t a single perfect solution for effective isolation, but there are strategies your community can implement that will provide better communication about how quarantine regulations and social distancing will alter your residents’ daily routines.

Incorporate Visual Aids

For residents who safely yet aimlessly wander, confinement may pose a potential challenge. Hanging a poster inside their rooms can serve as a helpful, nonintrusive reminder for your residents to stay in their rooms. It also can provide information to contact a staff member if they need assistance. Signage should follow a few simple recommendations:

• Feature each resident’s preferred communication style, such as words or pictures
• Display words in a large legible font and bold lettering
• Place the visual aids near the doorway so residents will see the reminder if they attempt to leave the room

Caregivers also should have a consistent script that aligns with the messaging on the signage. Following this script on a daily basis should help lead to better outcomes.

Prepare for Unexpected Emotional Responses

Communication with residents about COVID-19 should be based on their ability to understand as well as their individualized care plans. However, it may be unrealistic to expect residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s to understand. The primary goal should be to minimize change as much as possible and help your residents participate in new routines without a significant impact to their mood or behavior.

Your residents may have unforeseen emotional responses to changing situations, so caregivers should be prepared to safely manage their behavior. For example, a typically gentle resident may become confused and respond in an angry or aggressive manner. Caregivers should practice the following techniques to effectively handle difficult interactions:

• Remain calm at all times
• Speak in a soft, soothing voice
• Validate the resident’s feelings
• Continue to reassure the resident that he or she is safe

Foster In-Room Engagement

There are multiple ways to continue to support your memory care residents with safe, engaging activities that offer self-expression. Each of these activities can function in group settings, which are critical to help manage behavior. Your residents can sit in their wheelchairs in the doorway of their room while the activity is being conducted from the hall, helping them keep their distance while enjoying social engagement.

Art

Arts and crafts are another effective way to provide residents with an opportunity to emotionally express themselves, which is vital during isolation. Choose
art supplies that can be kept right in their rooms for convenience. All you have to do is provide some initial guidance on where to begin and watch your residents create.

As an added bonus, art pieces can be sent to your residents’ loved ones as a way to communicate with the outside world.

Looking for templated resources to make things easier? Direct Supply’s free activity packet features a coloring page, word search and crossword puzzle to engage your residents in multiple ways.

Engagement Kits

Individual engagement kits offer the best of both worlds in art supplies and exercise products. These multifaceted assortments serve as a popular way to keep your residents physically active as well as mentally and emotionally stimulated while in isolation. Learn how to create yours.

As the worldwide population of older adults rises – by 2050, the figure is expected to double to 2 billion – so does the number of people living with dementia. Through the collaboration, CABHI and Direct Supply will work to clear a path for promising and proven senior-care products to enter the market quickly and efficiently. By doing so, families and healthcare organizations will have easier access to products that can improve the health and quality of life for older adults and people with dementia.

Among our goals, this new partnership aims to:

“CABHI is thrilled to partner with Direct Supply. Our collaboration is working to ensure that older adults and their caregivers in Canada and beyond will be able to access much-needed solutions that help fill a real public health need,” said Dr. Allison Sekuler, Managing Director for CABHI, Sandra A. Rotman Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience, and Vice President, Research at Baycrest.

“Innovation is critical to finding new and better ways to address the needs of aging adults and those who care and serve them. Innovating can be complex and sometimes messy. Our Innovation Team at Direct Supply is thrilled to be collaborating with the CABHI team to target a more structured approach to ideating, testing and validating new technologies and products that accelerate the best ideas to market faster,” said Liz Jensen, Clinical Director at Direct Supply’s Innovation & Technology Center.

This Direct Supply webinar features Cameron J. Camp, Ph.D. – Director of Research & Development, Center for Applied Research in Dementia, and Kelly Sullivan – Senior Product Consultant, Direct Supply.

In this session, we discuss an approach to ensuring residents can achieve the highest quality of life in Memory Care settings. We’ll focus primarily on enabling residents to make choices throughout the day, encouraging them to join committees to create a sense of community, and connecting with a large social network, including the use of inter-generational programming for persons with dementia.

Notice: This video is intended to provide information to Direct Supply’s customers, does not constitute medical or legal advice, and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual patients or conditions, or as a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical professional. Direct Supply specifically disclaims all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the material in this video. You may not modify, copy, reproduce, upload, transmit, publicly display, prepare derivative works based on or distribute any part of this video.

This webinar features Dustin Teske – Marketing Manager, Direct Supply and Cameron J. Camp, Ph.D. – Director of Research and Development, Center for Applied Research in Dementia.

During this session, Dr. Cameron Camp will present on his most current research related to the Montessori approach to dementia care. After this webinar, participants will be better able to:

• Describe the benefits of a strength-based approach to assessment
• Identify at least four capacities often available to persons with dementia and how they can be assessed
• Explain individualized interest assessments and how they relate to MAS results for creating person-centered plans of care
• Relate this approach to assessment of their own clients and residents

Notice: This video is intended to provide information to Direct Supply’s customers, does not constitute medical or legal advice, and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual patients or conditions, or as a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical professional. Direct Supply specifically disclaims all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the material in this video. You may not modify, copy, reproduce, upload, transmit, publicly display, prepare derivative works based on or distribute any part of this video.