The senior living industry can be slow to adopt emerging technology, as both older residents and community staff may take time to feel comfortable with new tools.
However, history has shown that early adoption of transformative technologies can yield significant benefits. For instance, many were hesitant to use the internet when it first emerged, yet today it’s indispensable to our work.
Similarly, artificial intelligence (AI) represents the next wave of technological innovation. From large language models (LLMs) that enable human-like interactions to AI-powered hardware that detects motion, AI is not just a standalone tool but a powerful capability that can enhance existing solutions. In the senior living industry, AI-powered technology has the potential to drive efficiency, improve accuracy, and elevate the resident experience.
But as with any transformative technology, AI comes with risks, including privacy and security breaches. Senior living operators have an opportunity to incorporate AI into their community operations, while prioritizing safety, security, and community well-being. Here are key strategies for adopting AI responsibly while innovating to create an exceptional senior living experience.
Instead of adopting AI reactively, developing a strategic approach that seamlessly integrates AI into daily operations can help operators proactively drive efficiencies and streamline existing processes.
It can be helpful to identify the most repetitive and time-consuming tasks in your community, and explore how AI technology can automate or optimize them. When we asked operators which AI use cases would be most helpful, they ranked content creation, activity planning, and answering questions, respectively.
To measure AI’s impact, establish benchmarks by tracking the time staff currently spend on these tasks. For example, one of our customers, New Perspective Senior Living, estimated that their activities staff have saved eight hours per week on activity planning since implementing LifeLoop’s AI-enhanced calendar management solution.
Many operators, like New Perspective Senior Living, prioritize creating enriching resident experiences and maximizing time staff get to spend facilitating activities and creating meaningful connections. By using AI-enhanced technology, communities like New Perspective can fulfill their goals while making the most of their financial and human resources.
Even when the benefits of AI solutions are evident, it can still be difficult to get buy-in from staff members. They may not only be resistant to learning a new tool, but could be concerned about AI’s potential to replace their job. Senior living teams are also notoriously stretched thin, and often lack the time and bandwidth to explore new technologies—even if those tools could ultimately make their jobs easier.
Part of a successful AI rollout plan is to assuage these concerns, acknowledging its challenges and creating space for staff to learn and experiment with AI tools firsthand. For many initial use cases, AI can be reframed as an assistant, taking on repetitive, tedious tasks so staff can maximize the time they spend with residents.
When given the time to integrate AI into their workflow, staff members can experience its benefits—such as reducing tedious, repetitive tasks—rather than feeling overwhelmed by another system to manage. Adoption takes time, and the sooner staff can engage with AI, the sooner communities can see real efficiency gains.
Beyond internal advocacy, it’s also important to prioritize AI vendors that offer comprehensive training and ongoing support. Effective technology onboarding should cover not just how to use AI tools, but best practices for responsible AI adoption, data integrity, and integrating AI into daily work.
Senior living communities handle sensitive personal data, making privacy and security top priorities when adopting AI solutions. Compliance with regulations such as HIPAA is critical, and operators must ensure that technology vendors uphold stringent standards around safety, reliability, privacy, and security.
One of the best ways to mitigate security risks is to consolidate technology solutions under a unified platform that seamlessly integrates AI. Managing multiple disconnected systems increases the risk of data breaches and compliance gaps. A well-integrated, security-focused tech vendor that weaves AI into its existing solutions can help simplify IT oversight and reduce vulnerabilities, safeguarding resident and company data.
Operators can also prioritize AI technology vendors that frequently update their learning models. AI that hasn’t been refreshed in four or more years likely lacks the latest advancements in data training, reducing its accuracy and effectiveness. Just as with any technology investment, AI must be built on adaptable, scalable code that evolves with changing needs. Choosing a vendor committed to continuous improvement ensures that AI remains a long-term asset, not a short-term risk.
Early AI adoption carries some level of risk, but the rewards—greater efficiency, enhanced accuracy, and improved resident experiences—can be transformative. AI should be viewed not as a quick fix but as part of a long-term strategy to maximize staff productivity and elevate the resident experience.
Choosing a technology partner over a standalone AI tool ensures ongoing value. A dedicated partner provides industry-specific solutions, engages in two-way dialogue for product improvements, and offers hands-on support to optimize adoption and ROI.
AI should serve as a connector rather than a disruptor. By adopting AI thoughtfully and partnering with the right technology providers, senior living communities can harness its potential to enhance human connection, create meaningful resident experiences, and drive operational excellence into the future.