b'HEALTHCARE INNOVATIONApps such as ArtontheBrain, an affordable online recreation activity designed for all older adults, present visual art in an interactive online environment through a series of enjoyable learning tools. ArtontheBrain offers older adults a way to stay informed and connected while maintaining their social and cognitive health. This scientifically validated innovation also helps build relationships between older adults and their circle of care through a virtual platform. The app is easy to use and can be accessed and enjoyed at Technology can help seniors in long-term care homes stay connected to family and friendsany time. Through the use of conferencedementia at risk of becoming isolatedcollaborate on the innovation design call technology, Seniors Centreduring COVID-19. The solutionsand validation process. Through these Without Walls (SCWW) enablesidentified from this call will helpengagements, residents, staff and seniors to obtain pertinent health- seniors stay connected for years decision-makers at long-term care related information and socialto come. homes can provide critical insight connections through direct accessand feedback directly from the point and conversations with peers andPandemic-ready solutionsof care, helping innovators improve professionals from their community.Despite their increased receptivity tothe usability and efficacy of their This innovation allows seniors to stayuse technology and innovation, long- solutions. By exchanging ideas and connected from anywhere, increasecare homes may find it difficult tolearnings with innovators and other later-life learning opportunities,balance the demands of the pandemichealthcare leaders in the Network, participate in brain-stimulatingwith dedicating the resources neededpartner organizations can discover activities and, most importantly, createto adopt innovations. As a result, therecollaborative opportunities to amplify new and meaningful friendships.remains a gap between the promisingtheir collective impact. Connecting with this technologysolutions being developed and their not only decreases social isolationuptake by staff and residents.Now, more than ever, we need to for older adults, but also increasesensure that Canadian long-term care cognitive health and the ability to To address this gap, CABHIshomes are equipped to address the age well. Innovation Network supports long- needs of a rapidly aging population term care organizations so that theydealing with the ongoing impact of Another solution helping connectcan build their capacity for rapidCOVID. The good news is that the residents with limited speech abilitiesinnovation adoption and improvelong-term care sector is uniquely with their loved ones is the COMPAsquality of care for their residents.positioned to accelerate innovations app. This app works like an onlineThe Innovation Network is madethat address these needs. Yet thistreasure chest to store images, musicup of organizations across Canadawill require moving away from and videos from significant momentsand the U.S. that access CABHI- the status quo and adopting new in a persons life. Family membersvetted innovations to address theirapproaches to care. By incorporating and caregivers can use these specialstrategic priorities, improve theirinnovations into their facilities, moments to spark genuine, person- organizational performance, andorganizations can become better centred moments of engagementenhance client care, safety and qualityequipped to tackle the healthcare with people experiencing verbalof life. The goal of the Network is toneeds of older adults head-on during communication challenges as a resultmatch organizations with promisingand beyond the pandemic.LTCTof advanced dementia. solutions that address their pain points, including their COVID-related Recognizing the ongoing need forpriorities, while also enhancing theArielle Townsend is a Mar-innovations, the Centre for Aging +culture of innovation in the long-termketing & Communications Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), incare sector overall. Content Specialist with the its most recent call for innovations,Centre for Aging + Brain Health Spark-ON, sought to address socialOrganizations that join the InnovationInnovation (CABHI). To learn isolation in long-term care homes.Network gain access to training, Spark-ON introduced a targetedtools and technical assistance tomore about aging and brain theme to seek solutions that combatget them ready to adopt innovativehealth innovations and CABHIs loneliness, address the digital divide,ideas, programs and practices.Innovation Network, visitand promote social engagementThey also receive opportunitieswww.cabhi.com.for older adults and persons withto be brokered with innovators to www.oltca.com LONG TERM CARE TODAY 51'