The potential of technology in assisted living facilities with 24/7 service for older people

Abstract Background Technology in care services is increasing rapidly. The evidence of the impact of technology decreasing the need for personnel in long-term care is scarce. Staffing levels are regulated by law in Finnish assisted living facilities with 24/7 care. Despite good intentions staffing levels have become an issue because of shortage of personnel and missing incentives to develop technology. Our aim was to assess the impact of technologies on the staffing ratio required. In addition, the potential problems and the impact of technology on work stress and work environment is examined Methods Qualitative and quantitative data was collected in 2024 through a personnel survey and week-long time measurement study. The employees recorded their actions during the working day. The study was carried out in 62 service housing units for older people with 24/7 service, half of which used technology, and half were reference units without these technologies. The technologies were night monitoring using smart bracelets or motion censors and secondly medication dispensing. The medications are machine-packed into dose bags in the pharmacy instead of being manually dispensed by the staff in the medication room into pill organizers or onto a tray. The survey measured stress and work environment. Results The results showed that technology had apr. 0,03 (employee per resident) impact on staffing needed in the facilities. The employees experienced both benefits and challenges. Technology frees up time for other tasks and improves medication safety, but in some cases may increase workload and decrease the medication safety (in changes of medication). Also the checking if the medication is correct may take more time. Results on stress and work environment are available during summer 2025. Conclusions Our results showed that technology has effect on required staffing levels in 24-hour assisted living, but can also have challenges. Key messages • Technologies can decrease the personnel needed in round a clock services for older people. • Technologies may help employees and free their time for other issues, but there are also challenges in technology.