Via Elegante Assisted Living and Memory Care, a family-owned provider of luxury senior care in Southern Arizona, has significantly improved its fall management system, thanks to a $460,000 grant. This grant has allowed Via Elegante to implement SafelyYou, a cutting-edge AI technology that has revolutionized the way falls are detected and managed in senior living facilities.
Reduced response time, enhanced safety
The integration of SafelyYou has resulted in a remarkable reduction in fall response time at Via Elegante facilities. During a three-month pilot program, the time it took for staff to respond to falls was reduced to under 60 seconds—an astonishing improvement compared to the industry average of 40 minutes. This rapid response is critical in reducing the risks associated with falls, such as fall-related injuries and prolonged immobilization, which can double the risk of death.
"Response times are critical to better outcomes for residents after a fall. Ensuring communities can detect an event as quickly as possible, which helps empower them to respond as quickly as possible, is crucial to seniors’ well-being," said George Netscher, CEO of SafelyYou.
Advanced AI for person-centered care
SafelyYou uses advanced AI and in-room sensors to detect falls with over 99% accuracy. The system immediately alerts on-site staff, providing them with clear video footage of each fall. This allows for a more accurate assessment of the fall’s severity and enables better-informed clinical decisions. In many cases, this technology helps avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room, ensuring that seniors receive the right care at the right time.
Via Elegante's adoption of SafelyYou aligns with its mission to offer top-tier, person-centered care. The AI technology supports caregivers in developing personalized interventions that further reduce fall risks, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
Distinguishing memory care from assisted living
While both memory care and assisted living facilities aim to provide a comfortable, healthy environment for seniors, there are key differences between the two. Memory care facilities, such as those at Via Elegante, are specifically designed to cater to residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These facilities feature enhanced safety measures, such as locked entrances and exits, and are staffed by professionals trained to handle the unique challenges associated with cognitive decline, including unexpected aggression and wandering.
Moreover, memory care facilities typically have a higher staff-to-resident ratio to ensure that residents receive the constant care they require. The design of these facilities also includes color-coded common areas to help residents navigate their surroundings more easily. Although memory care is more costly than standard assisted living due to the specialized care provided, it offers an essential service for families dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Future-focused with innovative solutions
The grant from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), has secured SafelyYou's innovative fall management system across Via Elegante communities for nearly three years. This initiative is part of Via Elegante's broader strategy to enhance the lives of seniors through advanced care services.
"Via Elegante’s vision has always been to enhance the lives of seniors through top-tier care services, and SafelyYou is a technology that helps us align with that goal," said Zach Briefer, COO of Via Elegante. "It makes us better able to respond when falls occur and therefore able to provide higher-quality care."
Commitment to excellence in senior care
Via Elegante, with locations in Tucson and Sierra Vista, has been a leader in senior care since 2003. The family-owned and operated provider is dedicated to delivering exceptional care in a home-like environment, offering personalized services tailored to the needs of each resident. With the implementation of SafelyYou, Via Elegante continues to set the standard for quality care in assisted living and memory care.
For families navigating the challenging decision between assisted living and memory care, Via Elegante offers a range of services designed to meet the specific needs of seniors. Whether it’s the comprehensive support offered in assisted living or the specialized care required for memory care, Via Elegante ensures that each resident receives the attention and care they deserve.
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