Someday, when we look back on 2020, we might well say it was the year of technology in senior living.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, of course, all types of technology ranging in price, size and scope helped providers keep residents safe and healthy and helped them keep track of their efforts toward these ends. Since coronavirus became a part of our everyday vocabulary, however, operators have found new and creative ways to integrate technology into their workplaces and into the lives of staff members and residents — whether it’s using desktops, laptops or tablets to help residents connect with their loved ones; commissioning robots to keep residents engaged and connected; embracing telehealth to ensure that residents get the care they need; or something else.

We’ve shared some of these stories via our award-winning Daily Briefing e-newsletter, website, and print magazine, in our photo-centric In Focus online feature, and in our recent technology supplement, and we know there are more stories to share as well.

We want you and your staff to get the recognition you deserve for your efforts, and the McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards is one way we can help. The entry deadline for the awards is July 24, and there is no charge to enter.

Take a look at these six categories in the senior living track and think about what initiatives your organization has undertaken — before or during the COVID-19 pandemic — that include technology and fit into one or more of them:

  • Quality. Winning entries will describe the technology involved and how it was applied, describe and document how care quality improved, and address the overall effect of the change.
  • High-Tech/High-Touch. Winning entries will describe the technology involved and how it was applied, describe and document how this change improved interaction between residents and staff, and address the overall effect of the change.
  • Innovator of the Year.  Winning entries will describe how innovation was key, and how it made a difference in caregiving and/or the bottom line.
  • Keep It Super Simple. Winning entries will describe a simple but effective technology-related application that improved care and/or operations.
  • Safety. Winning entries will describe the technology involved and how it was applied, describe and document how this change improved safety for residents and/or staff, and address the overall effect of the change.
  • Activities. Winning entries will describe the technology involved and how it was applied, describe and document how this change improved activities, and address the overall effect of the change.

The awards have a skilled nursing track with six categories as well; the Transitions category takes the place of Activities, but all other categories are the same.

For more information, visit mcknightstechawards.com. You can submit entries here. Please note that entries must be submitted by provider organizations, not vendors.

Stanley Healthcare is the Platinum sponsor of the program this year. MatrixCare is the Gold sponsor for the senior living track.