Industry Updates
How Modern Technology Empowers Independence, Connection, and Well-Being for Older Adults
How Modern Technology Empowers Independence, Connection, and Well-Being for Older Adults
How Modern Technology Empowers Independence, Connection, and Well-Being for Older Adults
December 28, 2025
Modern technology is transforming the lives of older adults by enhancing independence, safety, and social well-being. Today’s tools are designed for accessibility and everyday usefulness, not just for convenience or entertainment.
Key Benefits
- Independence: Smart home devices allow seniors to control their environment easily, fostering autonomy and peace of mind for families.
- Safety: Devices such as doorbell cameras, motion sensors, and fall detectors provide faster emergency response and reassurance.
- Health & Wellness: Wearable fitness trackers and telehealth platforms encourage healthy routines and enable remote medical access.
- Daily Living: Voice assistants and medication reminder apps simplify routines and communication.
- Social Connection: Tablet-based video chat tools help maintain family ties and combat isolation.
- Mobility: Ride-share and assisted driving apps expand independence and access to community activities.
How Modern Technology Empowers Independence, Connection, and Well-Being for Older Adults
How Modern Technology Empowers Independence, Connection, and Well-Being for Older Adults
August 1, 2025
SNF Prospective Payment Final Rule includes a 3.2% Increase for FY 2026
On July 31, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule updating Medicare payment policies and rates for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) under the Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) for fiscal year 2026, which begins October 1.
This is higher than the proposed 2.8% proposed in April. Other key highlights include:
Value-Based Purchasing Program:
A new policy allows SNFs to appeal decisions made on review-and-correct reconsideration requests before data is made public.
Quality Reporting Program
CMS is removing four standardized patient assessment data elements related to social determinants of health (living situation, food, utilities).
These elements were deemed not reflective of or impacted by the SNF stay, and their removal was supported by LeadingAge.
Changes also include updates to the CMS reconsideration policy for noncompliance determinations.
To read the full article go to the link below:
SNF Prospective Payment Final Rule Includes 3.2% Increase for FY2026