Successful long-term care facilities in the future will expand their use of technology and services, according to Newt Gingrich, who spoke Thursday at the annual conference sponsored by the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing and Care Industry.

Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, also said that long-term care facilities will operate on four key pillars: physical, mental, social and spiritual programs. He also said that Medicaid rules will need to be changed to encourage more family participation. Gingrich currently serves as co-chair of the National Commission for Quality Long-Term Care.

Approximately 1,600 are attending the NIC conference – a record number for this show. The three-day conference runs through today at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.