Study Shows Seniors Harmed by Caregiver Shortages

PALO ALTO, California—Artificial intelligence (AI) company Sensi.AI released insights from its latest research, Sensi Care Intelligence Research, which aims to demonstrate the challenges and triumphs of senior care.

According to research results, older adults who need care are alone in their homes 91% of the time, which is often driven by growing caregiver shortages and rising care costs. It is projected that by 2030, 73 million older Americans will make up more than one-fifth of the U.S. population; however, the caregiver workforce is struggling to keep up with these care demands. As a result, seniors are often left unsupervised during critical moments, including urgent care events such as falls or medical emergencies, which can occur as frequently as every other day. These results aim to highlight a need for technology to support caregivers and bridge this gap.

Sensi’s Care Intelligence Research found that during the 91% of the time in which seniors are alone:

•    8 in 10 urgent calls for help go unanswered, often leaving seniors vulnerable in critical moments.

•    6 out of 10 cardiac-related events go unnoticed, often posing risks to seniors’ health.

•    77% of falls happen with no one around to assist, which can increase the risk to the seniors’ well-being.

According to the study, during the other 9% when caregivers are present:

•    7 in 10 moments of care resistance occur between caregivers and seniors, which illustrates an often-unseen emotional strain on caregivers. For example, a senior with dementia may refuse to bathe due to fear or the belief they’ve already done so, requiring caregivers to respond with patience and empathy.

Through this research, the company said it aims to lend visibility into unsupervised times when seniors are alone or without direct caregiver engagement in order to improve care agencies’ insights. 

“When it comes to our parents and grandparents, why should care stop when the caregiver leaves?” said Romi Gubes, co-Ffunder and CEO of Sensi.AI. “This study confirms that technology must bridge the gaps that human care alone cannot address, and we are glad that Sensi’s mission is helping achieve that. Our technology helps shine a light on caregivers, honoring their quiet heroism that might otherwise go unnoticed.”

Sensi’s Care Intelligence Digest analyzed data points from older adults who are receiving homecare services. The study was powered by Sensi’s 24/7 audio AI technology, aiming to elevate care standards through predictive analytics and educate the care ecosystem on the realities of the aging population. The company said its technology is trained with more than 1,000 years of audio data and includes more than 100 care insights.