AI in senior living: key takeaways from our latest report

Technology has long played a transformative role in senior living, from remote communication tools that promote engagement and social connection, to healthcare technology advancements in vitals monitoring and fall detection. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) represents the next major wave of innovation.

If AI adoption was in its infancy last year, this year marks its toddler stage: adoption is more widespread, comfort levels are growing, and the value is coming into sharper focus.

So where does the industry stand today, and what lies ahead? To find out, we surveyed more than 100 senior living leaders about their views on AI, how they’re currently using it (or plan to), and where they see the greatest opportunities.

While our full report explores these findings in depth, this blog post offers a quick preview of the key takeaways—and what they might mean for your community.

AI attitudes in senior living: a mix of excitement and caution

When it comes to perceptions around AI, senior living leaders reported a mix of optimism and caution. Some respondents used words like “promising,” “exciting,” and “transformative” to describe their feelings about AI, while others leaned toward “uncertain” and “risky.”

The most common concern cited was data privacy and security—an understandable hesitation when dealing with sensitive resident, staff, and organizational information. Senior living leaders are responsible not only for the safety and well-being of their residents but also for protecting their data and upholding the trust of families and staff.

To embrace AI responsibly, many leaders are turning to best practices like staff training on what types of information are appropriate to input into AI tools, and thoroughly vetting technology vendors for strong data security protocols and HIPAA compliance. These steps are essential for reducing risk and building confidence in AI-powered tools.

It’s equally important to partner with vendors committed to continuous innovation. AI technology evolves rapidly, and solutions built on modern, well-trained models are more likely to deliver accurate, relevant results. In contrast, tools based on outdated models can fall short in both performance and reliability. Vendors who prioritize ongoing development and thoughtful improvement are better positioned to offer long-term value, adaptability, and security.

From curiosity to action: how senior living is using AI today

Despite initial hesitation, AI adoption is gaining momentum. In our 2024 tech report, just 9% of senior living operators reported using AI tools. This year, that number has climbed to 36%, with another 35% planning to adopt AI in the near future.

Among current users, 47% are leveraging senior living-specific solutions like LifeLoop and SafelyYou, while 53% are exploring general-purpose tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Microsoft Co-Pilot. The use cases reflect the industry’s most pressing needs: activity and program planning, engagement personalization, staff training, and easing workloads.

Respondents see even greater potential ahead. The top areas where AI is expected to drive impact include business intelligence and data analytics, documentation and reporting, and activity planning. These insights underscore one of AI’s core strengths: its ability to process large amounts of information and streamline time-consuming tasks. 

Looking ahead: AI as a competitive advantage

More than half of survey respondents believe AI could become a key differentiator for senior living communities. And once communities begin testing its capabilities, the benefits become hard to ignore. From automating repetitive tasks to generating content with just a few prompts, AI can unlock efficiencies across operations, engagement, and care.

Some communities are already using AI to identify early signs of resident disengagement, personalize experiences based on preferences, and free up staff time for more meaningful interactions. The potential grows even stronger when AI is built into platforms teams already use—reducing the learning curve, increasing adoption, and enabling more seamless workflows.

This kind of integrated, AI-enhanced approach also makes it easier for communities to form strong, long-term partnerships with their technology vendors. The result? Fewer logins, more centralized data, and solutions that evolve alongside your needs.

Ultimately, AI isn’t just a trend; it’s a strategic investment in your community’s future. By adopting early and working with vendors who prioritize responsible development and continuous improvement, operators can unlock both operational efficiency and exceptional resident experiences.

Download the full report to explore all the insights from our AI in senior living survey.