By Kimberly Townsend
To meet the evolving needs of our local community, it’s essential to keep up with local and national trends. Various polls have shown most Americans want to remain in their homes as they get older. Statistics also show a significant increase in the number of individuals who will need dementia-related care. Meanwhile, technology continues to advance. What does this mean for Central New York?
An increasing number of community members are learning that Loretto has much to offer for those who want to remain in their homes as they age. Staying home doesn’t mean there isn’t a need for professional care and support; it just means the need is different. Loretto has seen increased demand for day programs through our Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and transportation to/from home to help care for those individuals. And when those individuals need a greater level of care, it’s easy to seamlessly transition to a variety of options within the robust Loretto system.
Loretto is also a local leader in implementing creative, evidence-based ways to use new technologies. Loretto recently started using virtual reality (VR) to engage residents in an innovative approach to therapy that fosters cognitive and physical wellness. Earlier this year, we introduced the “It’s Never Too Late” (iN2L) system, a digital platform that actively engages memory care residents in virtual experiences that align with their personal passions, in a safe and supervised environment. We will be integrating more technology to benefit our residents in the upcoming year.
Loretto is recognized as a leader in memory care in Central New York, and the demand for this care continues to increase. In addition to virtual reality, we’ve learned Montessori-based programming is another evidence-based approach to provide the highest level of memory care. Loretto is committed to expanding memory care and continuing to analyze trends for how to best care for our community in 2023.
Kimberly Townsend is president and chief executive officer at Loretto and author of “Lifecircle Leadership” and “Lessons in Lifecircle Leadership.” More information about her is available at DrKimberlyTownsend.com and LorettoCNY.org.