| Building Leadership and Trust Starts with Strong Foundation | <p><img src="/Articles/PublishingImages/2023/188902900.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:267px;" />Trust is foundational to the success of any health care organization. Particularly in times of staffing shortages and other challenges, trust can help improve retention, teamwork, and outcomes. In a recent “Leadership Development to Build Trust and Achieve Better Outcomes” panel discussion, experts offered some insights, solutions, and innovative initiatives that can help boost and maintain trust among all stakeholders over time. </p><h3>Survey Says…</h3><p>David Gifford, MD, MPH, chief medical officer at the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), cited results of a survey involving 37 buildings that showed staff trust family, health care providers, supervisors, administrators, directors of nursing, and their organization more than their coworkers. There is good news and bad news here. The good news is that trust in supervisors and other leaders is key to higher vaccination rates. However, Gifford said, “If you don’t trust your coworkers, you can’t work as a team; and how can you meet the needs of our resident the same time, facilities wither lower trust levels have higher turnover and lower vaccination rates.”</p><p>What builds trust? Courtney Bishnoi, vice president of quality and programs at AHCA/NCAL, identified three drivers of trust.</p><p><strong>1. Empathy.</strong> Defined as the capacity to understand the feelings of another person from their frame of reference, this enables people to attempt to place themselves in another’s position. Bishnoi said, “An empathetic leader meets people where they are without applying their own judgement to the situation.” She noted that this can be challenging, but she said, “We need to experience what other people are experiencing. We need to invite people to describe their feelings for themselves.” </p><p>She added, “When we make someone feel we don’t care about them, we call these ‘empathy wobbles.” These wobbles include micromanaging, multitasking during conversations, failing to ask people for their opinions, jumping to provide solutions, taking credit for others ideas, having hidden agenda, and not investing in others’ learning and growth. While it is important to try and avoid these wobbles, it is important to realize that they happen occasionally. “We all have wobbles,” said Bishnoi.<br></p><p><strong>2. Logic.</strong> This is experienced when one trusts another person’s judgement. Logic involves communicating effectively, explaining not just what to do or how to do it but why it matters, and acting in ways that are consistent with what we say or ask others to do. As with empathy, there are logic “wobbles.” These include saying one thing but doing another, exercising poor judgment, demonstrating an inability to deliver, and/or failing to communicate consistently, effectively, and regularly. </p><p><strong>3. Authenticity.</strong> This is when someone shows up as their true self. People demonstrate authenticity when they’re transparent, share how they feel, acknowledge different perspectives, accept and act on feedback from others, and make sure others understand and see them act on their values.  Jerald Cosey, BA, HFA, CNA, operational leadership development director at American Senior Communities, said, “Authenticity is a group activity. We need safety to disagree and express ourselves.” </p><p>Authenticity wobbles include lack of transparency or withholding information, lying or manipulating others, and not being open to feedback. Sometimes, unfortunately, people find themselves behaving in inauthentic ways. This is due to factors such as existing norms within the organization or society at large, fears to push the envelope regarding our ideas about professional expectations, and common gender, cultural, or racial stereotypes.</p><h3>Using Drives to Build Trust</h3><p>Everyday interactions can present chances to build trust. For instance, said Cosey, “If someone comes in your office to talk about something that is important to them, this is an opportunity to build trust.” This can be done by communicating clearly that you believe in their abilities, reasoning, and judgment and that you care about their success. However, he noted that when leaders have so many things happening at one time, it can be easy to wobble. So, he suggested, “Ask questions and really listen.” Do what is necessary to make this happen, such as shutting your laptop or putting your phone in a drawer. He further offered, “Asking questions and listening to understand allows leaders to build trust and talk about change ideas.”</p><p>Change ideas, Cosey said, are learned from what is going well but also what is not going well. “Observe your system and what you can see when you are quiet,” he said, adding, “Talk to everyone, including people outside of your system. Ask a lot of questions and listen for themes. Thank about where you have seen solutions.”</p><p>You’re not going to find change ideas, Cosey said, when you jump to a solution, believe there is just one solutions, fail to recognize the depth of the problem, frame your ideas for change as solutions not change ideas, believe you experience is the same as the experiences of those around you, and/or believe that all the actors in the system have the same understanding of the problem or that there is a problem. At the end of the day, Cosey said, “It’s not rocket science. You just look for opportunities for improvement. We do this all the time.”</p><p>There are six steps to scaling up trust: <br></p><ol><li>Set a clear aim. </li><li>Identify stakeholders and build your strategy around your people. </li><li>Recruit peer influencers and co-design relational tactics. </li><li>Test and measure the efficacy of your tactics. </li><li>Apply learning to improve your approach.</li><li>Use trust (as you build it) to advance other system-level strategies. </li></ol><p>Start by knowing what you want to accomplish, then build a strategy with stakeholders, Cosey concluded. </p><h3>Checklist: Are You Committed to Building Trust?</h3><p>If you can’t honestly answer “yes” to all of these questions, it may impact your ability to fully build trust. Go back and look at areas where you may have organizational weaknesses and see how you can strengthen your skills, strategies, and culture:<br></p><ul><li>Are you ready to make the commitment that trust takes?</li><li>Are you ready to build trust over time?</li><li>Are you willing to focus on the person, not the outcome?</li><li>Are you patient and willing to listen?</li><li>Do you use time to build trust now?</li><li>Do you have sources of emotional support?</li></ul><p></p><h3>Need More Help? Training Program Can Help</h3><p>Through a grant from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), AHCA/NCAL is offering an online course, “Building Trust: A Strategy to Improve Patient Safety, Staff Wellbeing & Vaccine Uptake in Long Term Care.” This free, four-lesson virtual program is for long term care leaders and offers numerous tools and resources to equip participants with skills and practices they need to build trust with staff to improve outcomes. <br><br>Learn more at <a href="http://www.ahcancal.org/buildingtrust" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">www.ahcancal.org/buildingtrust</a>. <br></p> | 2023-12-05T05:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Articles/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/trust.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Caregiving | Joanne Kaldy | Trust is foundational to the success of any health care organization. Particularly in times of staffing shortages and other challenges, trust can help improve retention, teamwork, and outcomes. |
| Opportunities Abound with LTC-Focused ACO Model | <p><img src="/Articles/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/senior_nurse_1.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:200px;height:140px;" />As providers adapt to changing dynamics in care and payment models, Fred Bentley, MPP, MPH, managing director, ATI Advisory, said, “There are some very real opportunities for providers to partner with accountable care organizations (ACOs).” Speaking about “From Threat to Opportunity: The LTC-Focused ACO Model” at the 2023 AHCA/NCAL Convention and Expo, Bentley talked about some of these opportunities as well as some pitfalls to avoid.</p><p>While ACOs and value-based care are certainly not new, there is a new urgency for providers to understand them and their role in post-acute and long term care. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a goal of all Medicare beneficiaries being involved in a value-based care model by 2030.</p><p>The world of value-based care can seem like multiple puzzle pieces that are challenging to put together. Bentley offered a few basics to pull the pieces together. First of all, he noted that primary care is at the center, with entities accountable for efficiency, quality, and associated costs of care delivered for a population of patients. Fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries are assigned to ACOs based on where they receive primary care. This alignment can happen prospectively or retrospectively based on who was seen. ACOs, he said, receive FFS payments throughout the year and then receive their bonus at the end of the year after the reconciliation process.</p><p>The goal, he said, is to keep costs below benchmark. “Annual spending targets are based on historical and geographic spending patterns,” Bentley said, adding, “Participants generate bonuses—or penalties—based on actual spending relative to predetermined targets. Providers still receive regular fee-for-service reimbursements throughout the year.” However, he added, “If your spending exceeds the benchmark, you may be on the hook for penalties. This is a typical model.”</p><h3>The Alphabet Soup of ACOs</h3><p>There are several types of ACOs, Bentley noted, but he focused on two. First, he said, there is the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MMSP) ACO. This has all the hallmarks of a traditional ACO, he said. “This is a lower risk-lower reward model and the most common form of ACO you will encounter. It has essentially been around since 2012, yet we are just starting to see it in long term care.” He noted that one challenge is that this model is rooted in primary care. So, Bentley said, unless you own a primary care practice, you may have a hard time participating in this model. However, he added that this is starting to change. Today, he said, there are a few different MSSP ACOs getting involved in long term care.</p><p>The hallmark of these types of ACOs include voluntary provider participation, provider accountability for efficiency and quality, payment incentives to improve care and slow cost growth, performance measurement to ensure optimum care delivery, and defined patient population (assigned or enrolled). The care delivery design involves access and continuity, care management, comprehensive coordination, and patient and caregiver engagement.</p><p>Bentley then talked about the REACH ACO model, which is both high risk and high reward. “This is for providers who don’t have or need training wheels. This is not for the faint of heart.” However, he noted that there are flexibilities such as they can apply for a three-day waiver so you can do direct admissions. This model targets the high-needs population—the most expensive, clinically complex Medicare beneficiaries. Starting next year, CMS will allow beneficiaries who have 90 days of home health or who have been in a nursing home for 45 days to apply for this track. “These are long term care residents—the sickest of the sick. That is an important development in the ACO space,” said Bentley. </p><p>To be part of a REACH ACO, providers must agree to participate in the model and contribute to the REACH ACO’s goals, and they can participate as either a “participant provider” or a “preferred provider.” Participant providers are used to align beneficiaries to the ACO. They are required to accept payment from the ACO through their negotiated payment arrangement with the ACO, continue to submit claims to Medicare, and accept claims reduction. A preferred provider can contract with the REACH ACO, accepting payments from it through a negotiated payment arrangement. They will continue to submit claims to Medicare, but they aren’t used to align beneficiaries to the ACO.</p><p>It is well documented, Bentley noted, that when a typical ACO launches, and they are looking for savings, “They look to you. It’s low-hanging fruit to divert patients away from skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) or shorten their SNF stays to reduce spending.” To connect effectively with ACOs, he suggested, “The easiest way to shift your mindset is to think about the two different resident populations you manage. ACOs have been going after short-stay post-acute business, but your long-stay population is where there are interesting opportunities.” There is a lot of spending involved for these long stays, so there are “meaningful opportunities to eliminate some of that spend. If you can reduce hospitalizations, emergency department visits, specialist visits, etc,,” Bentley said, noting that there are a growing number of organizations getting into this space and looking to set up ACOs and partners with SNFs.</p><h3>Finding the Right Fit</h3><p>It is important for providers to know what they have in terms of capabilities, outcomes, and resources and what type of ACO might be the best fit for them. Toward that end, they should consider evaluating potential partners’ core competencies regarding electronic connectivity, patient engagement, clinical operations, business operations, network development, and data and analytics. “Operators also need to assess ACOs’ experience, track record, and cultural fit,” Bentley said.</p><p>This all may sound complicated and like a lot of work at a time when staffing and other challenges continue. However, Bentley noted that are numerous benefits of an ACO-SNF partnership. For instance, multiple studies of ACO performance have determined that ACOs achieve savings by driving down SNF utilization. Elsewhere, some ACOs can negotiate and manage FFS payments for providers, including SNFs; and there are many examples of ACOs offering discounted rates to SNFs to be part of their network.  One “absolute benefit” of working with an ACO, Bentley said, is access to more clinical data and resources. These are incredibly valuable, he said, and can help reduce staff burden and improve care coordination.</p><p>“You can earn performance incentives. If the ACO achieves their share of savings and you hit certain performance targets, you get a portion of savings,” Bentley said. “You can use this money to bump salaries, hire new staff, or other efforts. That is one way you benefit financially.” However, he noted, “For a variety of reasons, the anticipated increase in referrals often does not materialize for SNFs.”</p><p>An ACO could set performance benchmarks and “ask you to have more skin in the game, though this generally doesn’t happen,” Bentley said. However, he stressed that the ACO has to generate savings to have shared savings. “If they hit their targets and you hit yours, you qualify for bonus payments.” The most common target is hospitalizations. He said, ACOs want everyone laser-focused on preventing hospitalizations because they are one of the most expensive cost centers.</p><p>Providers need to weigh the strategic, financial, and clinical value of an ACO partnership against the potential downsides. Ultimately, however, “accountability is coming,” said Bentley. Post-acute and long term care organizations that resist the call of ACOs will still be held accountable by CMS. It behooves every provider to position themselves to take on accountable care partners and start incorporating a value-based care mindset into every aspect of daily work.</p><p><img src="/Issues/2023/Spring/PublishingImages/JoanneKaldy.jpg" alt="Joanne Kaldy" class="ms-rtePosition-1" style="margin:5px;width:175px;height:219px;" />Bentley said, “Getting into risk-based care without taking a lot of risk can help you manage patients effectively while keeping the costs of care down. This is fundamental to doing well in value-based care.”</p><p><em>Joanne Kaldy is a freelance writer and communications consultant based in New Orleans.</em><br></p> | 2023-11-28T05:00:00Z | <img alt="" height="519" src="/Articles/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/senior_nurse_1.jpg" width="740" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Caregiving | Joanne Kaldy | While ACOs and value-based care are certainly not new, there is a new urgency for providers to understand them and their role in post-acute and long term care. |
| 4 Key Factors in Evaluating an On-Demand Staffing Platform | <p><img src="/Articles/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/staff_1.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:200px;height:200px;" /><strong class="ms-rteForeColor-2" style="">ADVERTORIAL</strong></p><p>Are you struggling to find nursing staff for your facility? You’re not alone. The national nursing shortage continues to be a major challenge. This is especially true for the long term care sector, where nurses and nursing assistants provide the majority of care. According to AHCA/NCAL’s latest survey: <br></p><ul><li>95% of nursing homes are having a difficult time finding staff</li><li>More than half are limiting admissions.</li><li>72% are concerned about having to close their facility.</li></ul><p>Understandably, health care providers want their own staff. But sometimes, outside help is needed. Temporary staffing firms play a critical role in meeting nurse staffing needs, and today, this vital industry is in transition. Traditional staffing companies, which often work on a small scale using manual, time-consuming processes, are being displaced by a new generation of digital staffing platforms that can connect providers to a vastly larger network of clinicians.</p><p>Just as Amazon has transformed how we shop, these new staffing platforms make it quick and easy to find exactly what you need. If you’ve not yet made the switch, you should know that all platforms are not the same. Here are some of the key factors to consider when evaluating a potential platform staffing partner. </p><h3>Price Transparency</h3><p>With cost concerns top of mind for most communities, it’s critical to know how you will be charged for platform services. Some platforms charge you for each shift that is filled. The cost includes the nurse’s pay plus the platform’s marginal fee for facilitating the work. Others may add a flat fee to use the platform or impose minimum use requirements. These additional fees can add up. Make sure you review closely what fees are a part of the platform.</p><p>The advantage of platforms is their tremendous efficiency. Watch out for platforms that want to charge you for “cool features” you don’t want or need. Review the fee structure closely to ensure you get a cost-effective solution that meets your needs and works for your budget. </p><h3>Risk Management</h3><p>One significant difference between staffing platforms is how they classify their workers. There are generally two options. Some hire nursing staff as their own W-2 employees, covering taxes, workers’ compensation insurance, unemployment, and other employer responsibilities. This is consistent with long-standing practice in health care, and reflects the highly-regulated, supervised work environment.</p><p>In contrast, a few of the newer platforms send clinicians to you as “independent contractors.” Their model is based on the premise that because they are only matching clinicians with providers, they are not an employer and bear no responsibility for the worker. This model is a big change for our industry, as it puts health care providers, clinicians, and patients at risk.</p><p>Under the Department of Labor rules, health care providers that rely on temporary staff can be considered a joint employer of those workers. Because W-2 platforms are operating as employers and handling employer-related responsibilities, the risk for your community is much lower. </p><h3>Customer Service</h3><p>You may be eager to leverage the speed, scale, and efficiency that platform staffing provides, but worry about one thing: what if I need to talk with a person? This is another issue to consider, as some platforms rely almost entirely on technology-based communications. Got a question? Send a message to the chat box. Others augment their technology with customer support teams that are available to answer your calls and talk through whatever issue you may be having. Before you sign on the dotted line, ask who your contact will be and whether you can expect to talk with a member of their team when needed. </p><h3>Readiness to Respond</h3><p>When choosing a platform, a final factor to keep in mind is whether they are set up for immediate response to your needs. Ask how many clinicians they have available on the platform, what their average fill rate is in your area, and how quickly most shifts are filled. Because they are digital platforms, they should have this type of data readily available. The answer will give you a good indication of just how quickly they can provide the help you need. </p><p>With more than 30 years in health care staffing, I have seen just how powerful platform staffing can be. For decades, I supported clients the “old school” way. In 2016, we launched Gale as the first platform for our industry. Today, Gale Healthcare has more than 70,000 W-2 clinicians on our platform who are available to meet our partners’ temporary staffing needs. We have no minimum use requirements or hidden fees, and no charge if you want to hire one of our staff for your permanent team. We also have a highly responsive customer support team that is available to you 24/7, 365 days a year.</p><p>At the end of the day, we know that nurse staffing is still a people business. With Gale, you get the power of technology, plus a great team that is available to provide whatever support you need. </p><p>Find out why so many health care providers choose Gale. Contact us <a href="https://info.galehealthcaresolutions.com/facility-landing-page?utm_source=facility-trades&utm_medium=mcknights-ltc&utm_campaign=december-weekly-round-up&utm_term=lets-talk" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">here</a> to learn more about how we can provide an efficient, flexible, high-quality solution to your staffing challenges.</p><p><em>Tony Braswell is president and founder of Gale Healthcare, a leading staffing platform for the post-acute health care industry. </em><br><span><br></span></p><h4 class="ms-rteElement-H4B">The First in Platform-Based Staffing<br>●    The nation’s largest per diem nursing workforce for the post-acute health care industry.<br>●    Absolute price transparency—set your own rates and no hidden fees. <br>●    W-2 nursing staff.<br>●    Open shifts filled in seconds! <br>●    24/7/365 customer service. </h4><p><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="/Articles/PublishingImages/2023/gale.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:180px;height:76px;" /><br></p> | 2023-11-28T05:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Articles/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/staff_1.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Workforce | Tony Braswell | Understandably, health care providers want their own staff. But sometimes, outside help is needed. Temporary staffing firms play a critical role in meeting nurse staffing needs, and today, this vital industry is in transition. |
| Artificial Intelligence Helps Meet the Changing Needs of the Aging Population | <p><img src="/Articles/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/senior_computer1.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:200px;height:200px;" />One of the most pressing issues societies worldwide must confront is adapting to the changing needs of older adults as the global population continues to age. Thanks to the rapid advancements in technology—particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI)—we're in the midst of a transformative era where AI's capabilities intersect with the new digital approach to senior care.</p><p>From addressing social isolation head-on to cultivating digital environments tailored to seniors, AI offers innovative solutions that significantly enhance the quality of life for older adults. Let's discuss these solutions in greater detail.</p><h3>Reducing Social Isolation</h3><p>The aging process inevitably results in a number of physical limitations and health concerns that can restrict a resident's ability to engage in social activities. This gradual withdrawal from social interactions can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and even cognitive decline. As societies become more digitally connected, the paradox of social isolation becomes even more profound, with seniors feeling left behind in an increasingly interconnected world.</p><p>Artificial intelligence helps to reduce social isolation by giving seniors access to virtual companions that provide constant camaraderie to older adults. These companions are not just programmed to provide information or perform tasks; they are designed to engage in meaningful conversations, share stories, and offer emotional support. Through advanced natural language processing, machine learning algorithms, and neural networks, these companions can simulate genuine human-like interactions.</p><p>But the potential of AI goes beyond individual companionship. AI algorithms can also facilitate the creation of online communities tailored to older adults' interests. Imagine a platform where seniors can connect with peers who share similar hobbies, passions, and experiences. Through AI-driven matchmaking, these platforms can recommend potential friends and group activities, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Virtual events, discussion forums, and support groups can transcend physical limitations, enabling seniors to build meaningful relationships.</p><h3>Creating Digital Environments Where Older Adults Can Thrive</h3><p>One of the primary barriers preventing older adults from fully embracing technology is the complexity of user interfaces. AI bridges this gap by enabling intuitive, user-centric design principles. Voice commands, gesture recognition, and simplified navigation can replace intricate touch interfaces, making digital interactions more intuitive and accessible to those with limited technical experience.</p><p>AI-driven health monitoring systems have the potential to revolutionize health care for the elderly. Smart devices equipped with AI can continuously monitor vital signs, detect anomalies, and even predict potential health risks. For instance, a wearable device could detect irregular heartbeats and alert medical professionals in real time. Machine learning algorithms can analyze data trends to provide personalized health recommendations, empowering older adults to make informed decisions about their well-being.</p><p>Cognitive decline is one of the most prominent disorders senior care centers have to specialize in for the well-being of their residents. AI-powered applications provide cognitive assistance by offering memory prompts, reminders for daily activities, and assisting with financial management. These tools, designed with empathy and understanding, can help seniors maintain their independence while managing the challenges associated with memory loss. Through continuous learning and adaptation, these AI applications can evolve alongside their users, offering tailored support.</p><h3>Enhancing Independent Living</h3><p>AI-enabled smart home technologies hold immense potential in enhancing the quality of life for older adults. Sensors and smart devices can monitor daily activities within the home environment, such as cooking, medication intake, and movement patterns. When irregularities are detected, AI systems can send alerts to caregivers or emergency services. Furthermore, smart homes can adjust settings like lighting, temperature, and security based on individual preferences, providing a seamless and comfortable living experience.</p><p>For older adults with limited mobility, AI-driven mobility solutions offer a new level of independence. Self-driving cars equipped with AI can safely transport seniors to appointments, social gatherings, and recreational activities. These vehicles are designed with user-friendly interfaces, making them accessible to individuals who might not be comfortable with traditional driving technology. Moreover, AI-powered mobility aids, such as exoskeletons and smart walking assistants, can help older adults maintain mobility and balance, preventing falls and improving overall quality of life.</p><h3>Holistic Mental and Emotional Well-being</h3><p>AI technologies can provide continuous emotional support and mental health monitoring for older adults. Chatbots equipped with empathetic algorithms can engage in conversations that promote positive emotional well-being. These virtual companions can lend an empathetic ear, offering a space for seniors to express their thoughts and feelings. Additionally, AI can detect patterns indicative of mental health challenges, enabling timely interventions by mental health professionals and caregivers.</p><p>Cognitive decline is a common concern among the elderly, but AI-powered entertainment platforms can help mitigate its effects. These platforms offer personalized content that stimulates cognitive functions. Virtual reality experiences, brain-training games, and interactive storytelling applications provide engaging activities that promote mental agility and creativity. Through regular use, these applications can contribute to maintaining cognitive vitality.</p><h3>Ethical Considerations and Human-Centric Approach</h3><p><img src="/Articles/PublishingImages/2023/MelissaPowell.png" alt="Melissa Powell" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin:5px;" />As we embrace AI to address the needs of the aging population, it is crucial to maintain a human-centric approach. Ethical considerations should guide the development and deployment of AI technologies for seniors. Privacy, data security, and consent must be at the forefront of these innovations, ensuring that older adults' dignity and autonomy are respected. Transparent communication about how AI is being used and the benefits it provides is essential to foster trust between seniors, caregivers, and technology developers.</p><p>It is possible for advanced technology and human connection to coexist harmoniously, enriching the lives of older adults around the world.<br><br><em>Melissa Powell is the COO of Genesis Healthcare, a network of 250 facilities across 22 states.</em><br></p> | 2023-11-14T05:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Articles/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/senior_computer1.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Technology | Melissa Powell | One of the most pressing issues societies worldwide must confront is adapting to the changing needs of older adults as the global population continues to age. |