How can AI Technologies in LTC be Addressed Responsibly?

AI technologies use a set of defined objectives to make predictions, recommendations, or decisions to perform tasks such as image, speech and pattern recognition, and natural language processing. They can use pre-programmed or self-learning algorithms to execute activities.

In LTC, AI is designed to improve remote monitoring systems, support decision-making software, automated communications, and virtual assistants interacting with older adults and their caregivers. Monitoring systems can be programmed to evaluate actions such as lying, sitting, standing, and walking to predict potential risks that suggest declining mental or physical health.

More Safety, Less Privacy

Automated alerts sent to the older person or their caregiver may ensure timely care to prevent further problems and delay or avoid the need for a nursing home facility. This should inspire a greater sense of safety and well-being. However, it also affects privacy, dignity, autonomy, and trust concerning care.

The adoption of AI in LTC has sparked an ethical debate. While the use of AI can lead to more effective and efficient decisions, it can also lead to harmful consequences when finding the proper solution for specific problems, defining the need for medical treatment, and stigmatizing old age, not to mention the danger of depersonalizing and dehumanizing care. Innovators, users, and stakeholders must look at the social and ethical consequences of AI technologies for older people, their environment, and society. Would we feel comfortable using AI technology for LTC for ourselves, parents, and grandparents? If a skilled nursing facility replaced a portion of its staff with AI-powered monitoring systems, would we feel secure about the quality of our loved one’s healthcare experience?

Frameworks, Principles, and Guidelines for Responsible AI Innovation

Studies highlight the importance of high-level principles, such as transparency, justice, fairness, and quality of care. Problems arise when there is too much room for interpretation to determine proper and ethical LTC uses. It’s unclear how AI design in LTC will continue to unfold. We still need more studies evaluating the potential risks and impact of AI technologies used by older adults and their caregivers. Technology is advancing rapidly, but we must take the time to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. Adopting it too quickly and relying on it too heavily initially could have severe consequences.

If you have any questions regarding what you have read, please contact our office to speak with an elder law attorney. We are happy to help you evaluate in-home, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities in your area to ensure you or a loved one are getting the care you need and deserve.

We hope you found this article helpful. Contact our office at (740) 947-7277 and schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal matters. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

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So, listen to mother. Plan ahead with your parents, if possible, so you will have your strategy ready when it’s needed.

Would your parents want to stay home? Move to a retirement community? Relocate to be closer to children?

Research the options. You might be surprised at how attractive many retirement communities are. There are increasing opportunities for independent or assisted living. Some facilities also offer transition into memory care, if that becomes needed.

Look into Caring.com, or call 800.973.1540. This is a comprehensive resource that offers information and guidance nationally, for living options and caregivers. Then, when you have researched what’s out there, talk with your parents about the pros and cons of the various choices.

Most people want to stay home for as long as possible. In-home care might be an option.

To connect with caregiving services for older adults and families, consult Eldercare Locator, a service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, online at eldercare.acl.gov or at 1.800.677.1116. The Eldercare Locator also provides information on local Area Agencies on Aging. These can be very helpful.

A care manager might be an option. These people have the experience and expertise to coordinate the many elements involved in elder care: medical providers, financial planners, elder-law attorneys, and rehabilitation specialists. Or, such people can work on an hourly basis, to pick up prescriptions, accompany your parent to doctors’ appointments, and coordinate communication with long-distance family. Find care managers through the Aging Life Care Association, aginglifecare.org, or at 520.881.8008.

If possible, urge your parents to get their legal documents in order while they are still in good health.

That is the best time to make sure that your parents have done the necessary legal documents. They may want to visit our office by themselves but suggest to them that they provide you with copies of the documents. That way you will have the papers ready when you need them, and you won’t have to search for them under time pressure.

You can hope for the best, or you can plan for your parents’ well-being. Do both. Call our office at (740) 947-7277 and schedule a free consultation to discuss your particular situation.

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