Joan Ekobena is the CEO of Homecare Solutions, dba Visiting Angels, CEO of Premiere Destiny, an international best-selling author and coach.
While many view artificial intelligence as having an unparalleled advantage, others perceive it as a potential threat to their businesses. Some home care business owners are concerned that AI-driven devices may replace the need for their services, essentially putting them out of business. As a home care business owner of over 21 years myself, I have experienced firsthand both the positive and negative impact of AI on my business.
However, I believe that AI should not be seen as a threat in the home care industry but rather as a valuable tool that can enhance service quality and efficiency, result in positive client outcomes and boost overall profitability while complementing the irreplaceable human touch.
The Benefits Of AI In Home Care
The role of AI in home care is broad, ranging from simple medication reminders to sophisticated monitoring systems. This technology can provide constant surveillance, thereby helping to ensure patient safety and offering peace of mind to seniors living independently and family members who cannot always be present. Some companies can use 4-D imaging with sensors and algorithms to detect abnormal behavior patterns and changes in movement and immediately alert caregivers or medical professionals for quick intervention to prevent or report falls. These services have been a lifesaver for our clients.
Smart medication devices can provide reminders and track medication intake to significantly reduce medication errors and improve medication compliance. This can be a lifesaver for seniors with complex medication schedules.
AI’s analytic capabilities can also help anticipate potential health issues. The use of telehealth, remote monitoring systems such as digital companionship from AI chatbots, and the use of virtual nurse assistants can allow for timely interventions and continuity of care, reducing the need for frequent and expensive hospital visits. For home care business owners, hospital visits usually equate to lost service hours and revenue.
Back at the home care agency office, AI has proven useful in streamlining and promoting efficiency in the areas of recruitment, scheduling and case management. Savings on time and costs associated with administration can lead to a more efficient and profitable operation. Through the implementation of geo-locator technology from scheduling software, business owners can easily monitor caregivers’ homecare visits and swiftly respond to alerts, thus boosting client satisfaction.
AI Vs. The Human Touch
While AI in-home care brings numerous benefits, it is crucial to acknowledge those unique elements of home care that cannot be replicated by AI. Caregiving is inherently a human-centered profession, demanding compassion, empathy and emotional intelligence—traits that AI lacks. AI cannot replace the emotional support, empathy, comforting touch and companionship provided by human caregivers.
The unique ability of caregivers to connect on an emotional level, empathize and offer companionship is irreplaceable. Research shows that these human interactions significantly contribute to the overall well-being and happiness of the care recipients, especially seniors. The human touch transcends the mere act of physically touching another human being. It encompasses the emotional bond and mutual understanding that a caregiver and care recipient can share.
Consider the case of a dementia patient who becomes agitated or confused. An AI or robotic assistant may be programmed to recognize the signs of agitation and might even be equipped to administer medication to alleviate the symptoms. However, it is the human caregiver who can sit with the patient, engage in soothing conversation, offer a calming touch and provide reassurance that eases the patient’s fear and confusion. Even when a painful procedure is necessary, the presence and reassurance of a human caregiver can make the experience less stressful.
How AI Could Affect The Home Care Industry
For home care business owners, a pertinent question arises: Should they be concerned with the emergence of AI?
Instead of seeing AI as a threat, I think business owners should see it as a gateway to potential opportunities. One such opportunity is the potential to offer more services to clients who may need extended care but are unable to afford it. Remote monitoring may be used (for a fee) to cover those times a caregiver is not available and provide another revenue stream—creating a win-win situation.
While the apprehensions of some business owners are not entirely unfounded, it is essential to view AI as a tool that enhances rather than replaces human care. Utilizing AI is not a question of success or failure but a focus on efficiency. It’s wise for owners to start thinking now about how they will integrate AI into decisions related to their clients and operations, including any sensitive topics and ethical considerations.
In conclusion, while AI has the potential to greatly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of home care, it should be seen as a tool that assists human caregivers and not a replacement. The human touch remains an irreplaceable aspect of patient care. Finding a harmonious balance where AI and humanity coexist can improve the quality of care and be financially beneficial for the business owner. And I believe this harmony will become the foundation of successful home care services in the future.
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