The Future of Senior Living: Insights from Michael Skaff of Sequoia Living

In a recent episode of the AgeTech Podcast, Michael Skaff, CIO of Sequoia Living, shared his perspectives on the role of technology in transforming senior living. With 30 years of experience in the tech industry, Michael provided a unique look at the challenges and opportunities in integrating technology to enhance the lives of older adults.

Early Tech Industry Experiences

• Michael's career started in the 90s, working for early software companies. He was involved in one of the first AI chatbot companies and an early digital signage company.
• These early experiences taught him valuable lessons about the importance of timing and understanding market needs.
• He believes that the senior living industry is in the early stages of seeing the full potential of technology.

The Evolving Role of the CIO

• The role of the CIO has shifted from a utility provider to a strategic asset in organizations.
• CIOs are now moving into chief operating officer and chief executive officer roles as technology becomes integral to operations.
• In senior living, CIOs are vital in leveraging technology for shift management, resident engagement, and new revenue opportunities.
• Senior living operators are recognizing the strategic value of technology beyond basic infrastructure like Wi-Fi.

Focusing on Care and Services

• Michael emphasizes that technology should enhance care and services, not be the primary focus.
• The "why" behind technology adoption is more important than the "what" or "how".
• He stresses the importance of improving both the staff and resident experience.
• Staff retention is a crucial metric in the industry.

Technology's Role in Addressing the Staffing Crisis

• Technology can optimize labor delivery and bring in outside labor when necessary.
• Robotics and automation can alleviate the burden of day-to-day maintenance.
• Technology should enable staff to focus on face-to-face caregiving.
• Some companies are using EHR data to optimize staffing and send staff where they are most needed.
• There is a need to support caregivers due to the stress and exhaustion that caregiving can cause.

The Ideal Technology Procurement Process

• It's essential to spend time with the people who will be using the technology, both residents and staff, to understand their needs.
• Gathering requirements, understanding use cases, and understanding the user journey are key.
• Technology initiatives should be a partnership between the IT department and the end-user departments.
• Involving people early in the process is critical for successful technology adoption.

Change Management

• Good project management and communication are crucial for managing change.
• Involving people early on in the process makes them feel invested in the outcomes.
• Working with people rather than for or against them is the best way to implement change.
• Change management is successful when there is good communication with the people who will be affected by the change.

The Role of AI

• There is a wide range of opinions on AI, from fear to excitement.
• AI has the potential to change how we live and work in positive ways.
• There are real use cases for AI in senior living, such as resident safety, revenue enhancement, and operational streamlining.
• Data organization and hygiene are essential for AI to be effective.
• Investing in data layers is a foundational element to optimize the potential outcomes of AI.

Advice for AgeTech Entrepreneurs

• Entrepreneurs should spend time in the aging space to understand the complexities and needs of the industry.
• Opportunities exist in areas like compliance, staff experience, resident experience, and care coordination.
• Care coordination is a major area for growth due to new reimbursement models and mature technologies.
• It's crucial to solve for the right pain point and understand the details of the industry.
• Entrepreneurs should consider participating in programs like the entrepreneur in residence program offered by United Church Homes.

Looking Ahead

• There is a hope to see more startups tackling dementia and Alzheimer’s due to the significant challenges and costs associated with these conditions.
• More solutions to tackle scams are also needed because scammers are increasingly sophisticated.
• More support for caregivers is essential.

Conclusion

Michael Skaff’s insights highlight the critical role technology plays in the future of senior living. His emphasis on the importance of care, staff experience, and data-driven solutions provides a valuable roadmap for senior living operators, AgeTech entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in creating better solutions for older adults. By focusing on the “why” and involving people in the process, technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing the lives of residents and staff alike.