» The 2020 winners of the McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards, sponsored by Stanley Healthcare, have been posted online at www.mcknights.com. Be sure to also check out profiles in the December issue of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News of all of the winning organizations that have been honored for the way they are using technology to improve eldercare.

» Anthem agreed to pay a $39.5 million settlement to a group of states attorneys general following an investigation into a 2015 cyberattack on the firm. It said that it does not believe it violated data security laws and is not admitting any violations in the settlement. Anthem also reported that no evidence has been found to indicate the hack had resulted in fraud.

» A new ultra-affordable and accessible hearing aid made from open-source electronics could soon be available worldwide, according to a study by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Findings were published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.

» Social engagement technology has the potential to broaden older adults’ social networks, enhance their social interactions and reduce feelings of social isolation, a study by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign finds. Results appeared in Gerontechnology.

» Artificial intelligence firm
SafelyYou has partnered with nonprofit senior living operator HumanGood to pilot real-time fall detection technology in several long-term care facilities. The pilot program will focus on reducing response time as well as time spent on the ground, minimizing unnecessary ER visits and adhering to fall protocol compliance. 

» A new study suggests that frail older adults are good candidates for digital technology training and support to further improve their access to these resources.  This may explain why some elders have quickly adapted to virtual care during the COVID‐19 pandemic, but also underscores the need to continue addressing barriers to gaining web‐based health information and advice. Results appeared in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

From the November 2020 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News