David Chandler, with over 15 years of healthcare leadership experience, holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oral Roberts University and an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Eastern University. He is certified as a Franchise Executive and licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN). Chandler’s career began as a private caregiver and evolved into management roles, where he significantly improved operations at skilled nursing communities, notably reducing hospital re-admission rates.
Currently, with over two decades of experience in the healthcare and hospitality industry, Chandler serves as the VP of Clinical Services and Business Development for Senior Helpers. He is a dedicated and cause-driven leader whose passion is equipping other healthcare leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to provide the highest standard of care for seniors.
Early Beginnings in Senior Care
My career began as a private caregiver in an assisted living community, helping older adults with daily activities such as dressing, bathing and meal preparation. As an RN, I worked extensively in hospital and skilled nursing settings, managing fast-paced environments where patients transitioned rapidly from hospitals to rehabilitation and home. Recognizing a critical gap in post discharge care, I moved into executive roles in senior living communities and in-home care, where the need was for additional support, particularly for older adults with specific care needs.
Technology and AI advancements promise to improve predictive capabilities, enhancing our ability to prevent health crises and support seniors in maintaining their independence and quality of life at home
My career path led me to Senior Helpers, where I discovered innovative tools like our LIFE Profile assessment, which predicts older adults’ hospitalization risk and supports proactive care strategies. My focus is on ensuring our clients receive the necessary support to remain safe and independent at home, effectively bridging the gaps in care that often emerge between hospital discharge and ongoing support.
The Transformative Impact of Technology on Senior Care
Technology is transforming senior and home care in remarkable ways. Tele health and remote monitoring systems are at the forefront of this transformation, allowing for real-time tracking of seniors’ activities and health metrics directly from their homes. These technologies can detect anomalies and potential falls through sound or motion sensors, instantly alerting caregivers or family members. They also track daily routines and behaviors, offering insights into possible health issues. For example, increased nighttime bathroom visits might signal a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Tele health extends to monitoring vital signs like blood pressure and weight, crucial for managing conditions such as congestive heart failure. Wearable technologies have advanced beyond traditional alert systems to continuously monitor pulse rate and oxygen levels, enabling proactive health management and early risk detection.AI advancements are further refining predictive capabilities, enhancing our ability to prevent health crises and support seniors in maintaining their independence and quality of life at home.
Stay Informed and Select Wisely
I recommend a focused approach to implementing new technology. Stay informed about current trends, but select technology that addresses specific concerns or opportunities in your caregiving environment. Start with a pilot program involving a smaller group to understand how the technology integrates into daily routines and benefits both seniors and caregivers.
Education and training are crucial. Ensure that everyone involved—whether it’s the older adults themselves, their families, caregivers, staff, or all the above—is thoroughly trained to use the technology effectively. It’s essential to clearly communicate the benefits of technology, explain how to interpret its results, and outline the appropriate actions to take based on those findings. As technology advances rapidly, continuous education and support are vital to fully leverage its benefits. This approach will help ensure that technology enhances seniors’ quality of life and effectively supports their independence .
