Finding the Perfect Side Gig for Senior Caregivers

As a caregiver, you’re already working hard to support your senior loved ones. But what if you
could supplement your income by giving a bit more of your time and energy? Along with
financial freedom, working a side gig can be an excellent opportunity for personal growth and
enrichment. Today, WytCote Technologies takes a close look at how senior caregivers can
benefit from taking on a side gig and provides some simple tips for success:

Why Work a Side Gig?

Working a side gig allows you to explore different interests and discover new skills while
improving your short- and long-term financial standing. If you enjoy the challenge of learning
something new, starting a project on the side can help you improve your resume and remain
marketable should you ever decide to leave your current position as a caregiver.

Moreover, having extra money coming in can help cover unexpected expenses or help you save
up for larger purchases you otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford!

Starting an E-Commerce Business

Launching an e-commerce business is one of the best ways to make extra money as a senior
caregiver. BDC notes that this type of business requires minimal start-up costs and offers
immense potential for earning an income from home.


If starting an online store appeals to you, it’s essential to research the industry and create a
business plan before diving in; this will help position your business for success from the very
beginning. Also, try setting yourself apart from other e-commerce stores by selling niche
products that are unique or hard to find. Just remember that it’s critical to meet or exceed your
customers’ expectations. The importance of a brand promise cannot be overstated!


Using a unified platform with commerce features appealing to potential customers can make
running an online business more accessible and efficient. With this kind of platform, you can
access a variety of functionalities, such as inventory management, payment processing, order
fulfillment, and more.


The right e-commerce platform can reduce the amount of manual work required to manage your
store and give your customers an elevated user experience. Ultimately, a unified e-commerce
platform can save you significant time and money in the long run.

Other Types of Side Gigs

Many people are finding success through e-commerce, but there are many other types of jobs
to consider for boosting your income and enriching your life. A few of them include:

The possibilities are virtually endless. If you don’t have much experience with technology or are
more comfortable with traditional work environments, know that there are plenty of part-time
gigs available as employees. You might flourish in retail sales, marketing, or customer service at
a local store or business.

How To DIY Market Your Business

If you choose to start your own company, you’ll quickly discover that marketing is key to running
your business. No matter how unique and high-quality your product or service is, you won’t be
successful if nobody knows about it!


It may seem intimidating at first, but marketing doesn’t need to drain your budget or consume all
your time. WordStream points out that there are a wealth of marketing tactics you can learn to
do yourself, such as creating social media accounts, setting up a blog, building a website, etc.
Do some online research as you begin to develop your side gig business. You’ll find tons of
helpful tips and tricks to kickstart your DIY marketing adventure!

Summary

If you would like more financial freedom, to achieve personal growth, or to make your skill set
more marketable, taking on a side gig could be the ideal path. There are plenty of jobs available
depending on the type of work that interests you the most. Consider starting an e-commerce
business or exploring the other ideas above, and remember to learn as much as possible about
DIY marketing. The best part is that you don’t have to compromise your caregiving duties to
flourish in your other job!

Helping Senior Loved Ones From Afar: Tips for Family and Friends

Aging isn’t easy — and it’s even more complicated when seniors live more than a few miles from their family and friends. Seniors tend to require more support from their loved ones while living independently and performing everyday tasks, which can pose a challenge for those without close friends or relatives nearby. There’s housework to be done, meals to prepare, lawns to maintain, and other responsibilities to attend to — and age-related health conditions and impairments can make these daily tasks much more of a challenge than they used to be. 

Fortunately, it’s still possible to lend a helping hand to the seniors in your life, even if you can’t physically be there to help your loved ones each day. Check out these tips from WytCote Technologies to learn how to help your senior loved ones from near or far. 

Compare Senior Services and Programs

When seniors live more than an hour away from their loved ones, they can’t always rely on their friends and relatives for help with errands and doctor’s visits. But thanks to home delivery, errand running, and senior transportation services, friends and family members can help their senior loved ones in other ways — even when they can’t physically drive them to appointments or drop off groceries each week. 

To help your senior loved ones from afar, take some time to compare local programs and services that offer meal or grocery delivery, errand running, companion care, or senior transportation services. Personal care services, housekeeping, and specialized home health care are also available. 
If your loved one needs help preparing meals, for instance, you might consider signing him up for a healthy meal delivery service through Snap Kitchen or Freshly. Or, if your loved one needs help getting to and from doctor’s appointments, you could explore senior-friendly transportation options such as GoGoGrandparent or Veyo. There are lots of ways to lend a helping hand to your loved one, regardless of how far away you may live.

Rely on Senior-Friendly Tech

Like the senior services highlighted above, different types of technology can help your loved ones to live independently at home. Ring Doorbells, for instance, can help your senior relatives to feel safer in their houses — and make it easier for them to answer their doors to strangers when home alone. You can even be added to your loved one’s account so you can keep an eye on your senior’s Ring camera and track who’s coming and going. 

Setting up smart home devices in your loved one’s home is another great way to help him or her from afar. The Amazon Echo, for instance, is a hands-free smart home device that can be used for everything from checking the weather to listening to the news. Your loved one can use it to make and receive phone calls, listen to music, set reminders and alarms, and get recipes and cooking tips. 
The Amazon Echo Show is another great option for seniors, as this device features a smart display and can be used to stream movies and videos, video chat with loved ones, and play classic games like Jeopardy! and 20 Questions. You can even give yourself access to your loved one’s device so you can share photos and videos with your senior at any time.

Keep Senior Stress to a Minimum

As we age, the negative effects of stress become much more profound. Chronic stress can increase our risk of developing heartburn, insomnia, and heart disease — and it can lead to a myriad of symptoms ranging from back pain and headaches to irritability and concentration issues. This is why it’s so important to help your senior loved ones to manage their stress: teach them to calm down when they’re feeling overwhelmed, encourage them to exercise regularly, and remind them to step outside each day for some fresh air and sunshine. 

Some other things seniors can do to relieve stress include:

Though you can’t be with your senior loved one each day, you can still help him or her to live a happy, stress-free life from afar. Regularly check in with your loved one via phone call or email, and video chat with your parent, relative, or friend if he or she uses technology. You could also check in with your loved one’s neighbors and care team to see if they have any concerns about your senior’s health and well-being.

Know When It’s Time for Senior Living

As much as you’d love to keep your senior loved one at home for the rest of his or her life, aging in place isn’t always possible. Your loved one may get to a point when he can’t perform his activities of daily living (ADLs), keep up with household tasks, or take his medications as directed. Your loved one may also live in a home that requires extensive modifications for aging in place, and perhaps transitioning into senior living would be a more cost-effective option. 
Whatever the case, it’s important to know when it’s time for your loved one to transition into senior housing. Maybe your loved one’s physical or mental health is declining rapidly, or your own health is suffering and you can no longer care for your loved one from afar. There are several different types of senior housing communities for you and your family to consider, including assisted living, senior condos, and skilled nursing home facilities.

Be There for Your Senior, Even When You’re Miles Away

Aging has its challenges, and it’s normal for seniors to rely on their younger relatives for more things as time goes on. But when seniors have few relatives living nearby, it can be difficult for them to find the help they need to live independently at home. 

This is where you come in. You can help your senior loved one no matter where you live by teaching her stress-reduction techniques, signing him up for meal or grocery delivery services, and teaching her to use smart devices like Ring Doorbells and the Amazon Echo Show. There are lots of different ways to help your senior relatives each day, even when you’re living many miles away!
WytCote Technologies offers software solutions for senior care facilities. Visit our website to learn more about our services!

Will Blockchain Survive the 2022 Cryptocurrency Crash?

Yes. Blockchain will not only survive the crypto market crash 2022, but it’s also about to surge in many different industries. The future may not be as bright for crypto just yet, no matter how much Elon Musk continues to throw his support behind Dogecoin.

Blockchain Is Not Cryptocurrency, And Crypto Is Not Blockchain

When it comes to worldwide mass excitement, be careful who you bring to the party. If things go bad, you might be found guilty by association. Blockchain and crypto exploded onto the general public’s consciousness at fundamentally the same time. It’s no wonder many people have trouble seeing the difference.

There was so much excitement and money surrounding both crypto and blockchain that investors and enthusiasts alike didn’t bother to investigate the details. Fast forward to the cold hard reality of the crypto winter. The price of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have plummeted so fast, many people are too shocked and afraid to draw any distinctions.

personal-finance-bear-market-big-data-wall-street-crypto-crash-2022-financial-institutions

The Main Differences Between Blockchain And Crypto

In the simplest terms, blockchain is a way to store data on a digital file. It’s an open database that is duplicated among many, many computers. This open distribution makes it completely transparent so that the data contained therein can be verified by many users.

This widespread ability to be verified means no one central agent can change the data. This decentralized ability to verify makes the data contained in the blockchain extremely secure.

Blockchain was originally conceived as a technology to manage a cryptocurrency. If you think of blockchain as the tool and bitcoin as the product, it’s easy to see they are related but distinct. Here are some other differences:

Blockchain is an open form of big data – Cryptocurrency is a virtual form of money.

Cryptocurrency is based on anonymity -- Blockchain is all about as many people as possible having exactly the same information.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, USD Coin, and BNB are all forms of cryptocurrency that rely upon blockchain technology – Blockchain is a tool that is used in many different industries.

The blockchain solution is unaffected by stock market fluctuations – cryptocurrencies are susceptible to wild swings in value like a bear market on Wall Street.

Blockchain is intended to keep things like personal finances secure – Cryptocurrency is promoted by people who want to increase value.

Elon-Musk-Bitcoin-Cryptocurrency-Digital-currency-market-crash-2022-data-security-safety-industrial-applications

The Different Types Of Blockchains

There are four different types of blockchains and each one has both pluses and minuses:

Public Blockchains – This is the type of blockchain that is most closely associated with Bitcoin and other forms of digital currency. Public blockchains provide a ledger that is easily accessible to anyone who has registered as an authorized user or node. Everyone shares the same information.

PROS: Highly secure. As long as users employ the protocols sincerely, it is difficult for hackers to target.

Transparent. Everyone gets the same information, and the more people that have it, the more secure it is. Transactions of any kind are instantly available to everyone.

CONS: Slow rate of transactions. Transactions Per Second (TPS) are slower than other blockchains because there are so many nodes, and it’s time-consuming for every node to process the same transaction

Significant use of energy. Here again, so many nodes have to process/verify data, and this can mean millions of computers using up energy.

Private Blockchains – Private blockchains are a closed systems accessible only by authorized users. The entity that owns the private blockchain controls the security of the network. An example of a private blockchain would be an organization that enables only verified participants to interact with its own supply chain of products.

PROS: Lightning fast. Because of the limited number of nodes, each transaction is distributed to the network instantly. Private blockchains have an extremely high TPS.

Size doesn’t matter. The number of nodes can scale up or down as needed depending on what is called for by the owner of the blockchain.

CONS: Centralized control. One agent controls many factors. This central control runs counter to the decentralized inspiration of a blockchain; however, within the closed system, there are many benefits.

Security questions. Since all control is centralized, a private blockchain doesn’t benefit from the same dispersed transparency. By its very nature, a private blockchain is more susceptible to hackers. The owners of the private blockchain must take precautions.

Consortium Blockchains – More than one company, agrees to manage and operate the blockchain according to their joint needs. This type of blockchain is still a closed system, although it does answer many participants.

Hybrid Blockchains – Many consider this a closed system; however it benefits from the advantages of both private and public blockchains. Based on the protocols, some of the data is made public, and some of it remains private. Confidentiality stays high for certain private data, and security increases for public data because it’s so transparent to so many users.

proof-of-stake-smart-contracts-blockchain-solution-healthcare-senior-care-WytCote-Technologies

Smart Contracts And Proof Of Stake

Smart contracts and proof of stake are two popular topics when it comes to blockchain and cryptocurrency. Proof of stake is a way to achieve consensus to validate cryptocurrency transactions. Smart contracts are programs that are triggered to run if and when a set of agreed-to conditions are satisfied. In this way, all parties are notified immediately.

Banks And Financial Institutions Are Just the Tip Of the Blockchain Iceberg

To learn just how many industries are racing to adopt blockchain technology, click here.  

Healthcare is one of the industries that is gaining the most benefit from blockchain capabilities. 

Imagine having every single detail of your entire healthcare history accessible in seconds only to those of which you approve. As healthcare becomes more and more sophisticated, so too does the amount of data increase. Keeping all this data current, organized and secure is a big challenge. And yet, the rewards to the patient can be phenomenal.

Companies like Wytcote are revolutionizing the quality of healthcare for seniors so that they can lead safe and independent lives while staying connected to their loved ones.

The Difference Between Blockchain Technology & Cryptocurrency

It seems like everywhere you look these days, someone is talking about blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. But what do they actually mean? And are they the same thing?

This blog post will break down the differences between blockchain technology and cryptocurrency and explain why businesses should be paying attention to both. We’ll also give some examples of how businesses use both technologies to power their operations. So read on to learn more.

What is blockchain technology?

Blockchain technology is a distributed ledger technology (DLT) that records transactions in a digital public or private database in chronological order. “Blocks” of verified transaction data are added to the chain, creating an immutable record of all activity on the blockchain.

Blockchain technology can create both public and private blockchain networks. A public blockchain network is one where anyone can join and view the transaction history, while a private blockchain network is “permissioned,” meaning only authorized users can access it.

blockchain-technology-crypto-exchanges-private-blockchain-networks-security-in-cryptocurrency-healthcare-data-security-supply-chain-management

Blockchain is distributed across a network of computers, with each computer or “node” having a copy of the entire database. This makes it incredibly difficult for someone to hack or tamper with the data, as they would need to update the copy on every node in the network simultaneously. In addition, blockchain technology enables users to anonymously record and verify transactions without a third-party intermediary. This not only makes transactions more secure but also reduces transaction fees.

Blockchain technology came to the surface with Satoshi Nakamoto’s white paper in 2008. It has vast applications, including in cryptocurrencies supply chain management and voting.

What is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Most cryptocurrencies are decentralized and not subject to control by the government or financial institutions. They’re often traded on decentralized exchanges and can be used to purchase goods and services. Some popular cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash.

The organic nature of cryptocurrency is its most defining feature. It is not issued by any central authority and is therefore immune to government manipulation or interference. Cryptocurrency is based on blockchain technology.

Blockchain constantly grows as “completed” blocks are added with a new set of recordings. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. Cryptocurrency nodes use the blockchain to differentiate legitimate crypto transactions from attempts to re-spend coins that have already been spent elsewhere. This can’t be possible with a credit card.

Essentially, blockchain provides the backbone for cryptocurrency transactions by allowing for a decentralized ledger of all crypto exchanges. Cryptocurrency is built on blockchain and allows for digital currency transactions without a third-party intermediary.

What Are The Key Differences Between Blockchain Technology And Cryptocurrency?

There are a few key differences between blockchain technology and cryptocurrency.

Nature of blockchain vs. cryptocurrency

Blockchain is a decentralized technology with no central authority that controls it. On the other hand, Cryptocurrency can be decentralized or centralized, depending on the currency. Bitcoin, for example, is a decentralized cryptocurrency, while Ripple is a centralized cryptocurrency.

Use

Blockchain is the underlying technology that powers cryptocurrency. It is a digital ledger of cryptocurrency transactions. Cryptocurrency is built on blockchain and is primarily used for digital financial transactions (storing wealth, making payments, or investments).

Blockchain has a wide range of other potential applications beyond powering cryptocurrency. It could be used to create a decentralized database of medical records or track the movement of goods through a supply chain.

Value

Blockchain doesn’t have monetary value and, therefore, cannot be used to measure wealth. On the other hand, cryptocurrency has monetary value and can be used to measure wealth.

 

Potential Security Risks Associated With Blockchain Technology Or Cryptocurrency

As with any new technology, there are always potential risks associated with implementing blockchain or cryptocurrency into business operations.

a.    One of the biggest concerns of security in cryptocurrency or blockchain is the possibility of hacking. Because blockchain is a decentralized system, it is less vulnerable to hacking than traditional systems. However, there have been cases where hackers have been able to access wallets and steal funds.

b.    Another risk to consider is the volatility of cryptocurrencies. The prices of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can fluctuate wildly, making them a risky investment for businesses.

c.    Finally, businesses should be aware of blockchain and cryptocurrency's regulatory environment. In some countries, such as China, ICOs are banned outright. In others, such as the United States, regulations are still being developed.

 

How Businesses Are Already Using Blockchain Technology Or Cryptocurrency To Power Their Operations  

healthcare-senior-care-data-security-privacy-protections-supply-chain-management-solutions-speed-WytCote-Tech-California-USA

While still in its early stages, blockchain technology is beginning to be adopted by businesses across various industries. Here are a few examples of how businesses are using blockchain to power their operations:

Get Blockchain Technology for Healthcare

Blockchain technology is something that is often misunderstood. However, it has the potential to revolutionize how data is shared in a secure way between different parties. If you are looking for a way to use blockchain technology in your business or industry, please contact us. We have experience implementing this cutting-edge technology and can help you get started on using it in your organization.

Tracking Vaccinations In A Senior Living Community

Immunization records are essential records that track your vaccination history from when you were a baby to the present. It is essential for older adults, especially those 65 and older, to have an immunization record. Additionally, the record should be up to date.

This article discusses immunization records for seniors. We will discuss its importance, tracing vaccination records, and what to do if you don’t get any records. Additionally, we will discuss the best way to keep track of vaccinations in senior living communities.

Importance of vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that every year, thousands of people are hospitalized, develop long-term illnesses, and even die after contracting illnesses that could have been avoided had they been vaccinated. Older adults are especially at high risk.

Some of the vaccine-preventable diseases that prove fatal are; flu viruses (including seasonal flu), pneumococcal disease, HPV (which is a risk factor for cancer), tetanus, influenza viruses (including influenza flu), shingles, and pertussis, among others.

senior-living-community-vaccine-shot-records-data-management-medical-records-privacy-healthcare-senior-care-older-adults-65-and-older

The CDC ensures that the vaccines people get are safe. Some studies suggested there is a link between the flu vaccine and Guillain barré syndrome (GBS), especially in older adults. Research has shown that the exact cause of GBS is still unknown, and there is no evidence that the flu vaccine causes GBS.

Are vaccination records vital?

Most people assume that vaccines are just meant for kids, but that is not the case. Although you will receive most vaccines when you are just a few months of age, you may require booster shots when you become an adult.

Vaccination records are critical for seniors because other than health care providers in senior living communities knowing which vaccines they require, they can also give them booster shots for vaccines administered when they were younger, some of which are relatively new.

Tracing vaccination records for seniors

Unfortunately, no organization maintains vaccination records, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The only records you may find are those parents or caregivers are given when the vaccines were administered and the medical records of the clinic where the vaccines were administered. Therefore, it is up to every individual to gather their vaccination records.

tracking-vaccine-records-for-older-adults-senior-living-communities-assisted-living-nursing-home-residents-elder-care-healthcare-industry-solutions

Tracing vaccination records for seniors can be a daunting task. Therefore, it would help to have a comprehensive plan on how to go about it.

To trace vaccination records for seniors, there are specific places you can check. Here are a few tips.

  1. Ask whether they have records of their childhood immunizations. Most times, the records are passed on from their parents or caregivers.
  2. Check documents they saved from their childhood; this includes any baby books.
  3. Check with their previous employers. Some employers have specific vaccination requirements, so you’ll be able to tell which vaccines the senior got.
  4. Check with schools that the seniors attended. Some high schools and colleges keep such records for several years.
  5. Check public health clinics where the seniors frequented.
  6. Consult their doctors.
  7. Check with state health departments. Some of them keep immunization records, but they may not be for people of all ages.

Once you get all the necessary vaccination records possible, take them to the senior’s doctor and request that they be compiled and uploaded on an official immunization record and other relevant registries.

After that, store all the documents you gathered in a safe place for future reference.

What if you can’t get any records?

If you tried all means but couldn’t get any records, consult your healthcare provider. There are specific blood tests that can reveal whether or not the senior received certain vaccinations.

However, there are instances when the senior will have to be vaccinated again, especially when there are no records and the blood tests do not prove that the senior is immune to specific vaccine-preventable illnesses. 

Note that the vaccines are safe whether or not the senior received them earlier. In the long run, the vaccine will reduce the risk of them succumbing to various illnesses.

Keeping track of vaccinations

medical-records-vaccinations-tracking-status-vaccination-data-reduce-the-risk-privacy-HIPAA

Today, most people move every few years and change healthcare providers in the process. Therefore, getting old vaccination records may prove difficult as well as time-consuming.

You must keep track of the vaccinations of seniors in senior living communities. The records should also be accurate and up-to-date.

Draw up an immunization record for each senior and store them safely together with other vital documents. Alternatively, you can ask a vaccine provider, pharmacist, or doctor for a vaccine record form and use it to fill in the necessary details for each senior.

It would be best if you had the vaccine record form present during any hospital visits. Ask the vaccine provider to sign the form any time you receive a vaccine. They will sign against the type of vaccine the senior received.

Note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently started an initiative to store immunization records. Therefore, it would be best to ask the vaccine provider to update the seniors’ information on the CDC Immunization Information System (IIS). This way, the senior’s vaccination records will be readily available on the system.

Another advantage of the IIS is that it makes it easy for a vaccination provider to determine the appropriate vaccinations for the senior. It combines all vaccination records into a single record so that they can access them easily.

Covid -19 vaccinations for seniors

Most seniors live in senior living communities. More often than not, the seniors in these settings have underlying conditions since they belong to a specific age group. Therefore, they are at a higher risk of contracting the virus that causes COVID-19.

The CDC recommends that all seniors get COVID-19 vaccines. Seniors have two options: schedule a vaccination appointment and get the vaccine from a health facility or request an on-site vaccination. Note that they may experience a few side effects after getting the vaccine, but it will be beneficial in the long run.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require senior living communities to upload COVID-19 vaccination data for their residents. Therefore, you must keep track of COVID-19 vaccination data for all seniors in your community.

Conclusion

Vaccine records are vital. It would be best to keep track of all seniors’ vaccinations in your senior living community. By doing so and keeping your information up to date, you can ensure the seniors get the vaccines they require and dodge potential complications from flu, COVID, & more.

What is the Best Way to Order Medical Supplies for My Senior Community?

If you plan to order medical supplies for your senior care home, you’ll be faced with two choices. You’ll either buy your supplies online or buy them at a local medical supply store. Local stores are convenient and easily accessible. You can walk right in, order a product, check it out, and leave knowing it’s exactly what you need. However, buying online offers even greater benefits. For example, you will:

With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why many senior living homes are replacing a trip to the local drugstore with a click onto the internet. But despite the convenience and access, ordering medical supplies online can be challenging, even to the most experienced shopper. Here are some challenges that senior care homes encounter when they try to order medical supplies online.

how-to-order-medical-supplies-online-patient-needs-senior-care-procurement-for-assisted-living-facilities-in-home-healthcare

 

Not being able to try out the product

One of the greatest challenges senior care homes face when ordering medical supplies online is that they can’t try out the items. This can be tricky, especially when buying supplies and equipment like wheelchairs, mattresses, and cushions. For the most part, they don’t have the freedom to try a product, and return it if it doesn’t match the need.

Luckily, some stores have taken online shopping to the next level. They recreate a brick-and-mortar ambiance by integrating high-res images, product descriptions, specifications, and videos for a seamless customer experience. They also provide stellar customer service, ensuring you get what you were looking for, the first time – whether it’s surgical masks, an n95 respirator, or personal protective equipment (PPE).

Not knowing the right product for a medical condition

Older adults in a senior care home or memory care facility have different medical needs. Some will need standard supplies or equipment, while others more custom solutions to fit their unique medical needs. This can pose a challenge when ordering medical supplies online.

In this case, it’s beneficial to find online stores that can help you identify the right supplies. Work with a store that provides plenty of resources and guides on different products that your residents might need. The guides and walkthroughs will point you to getting the ideal product. You can also check out an online resource site like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that provides helpful information.

Problems selecting the right incontinence products

Many seniors struggle with incontinence issues, which make incontinence products a top priority for senior homes. But the problem is that it’s hard to tell the absorbency of a pad, diaper, or pull-ups via a computer. And the worst part is that incontinence products, once bought, cannot be returned. This can pose a challenge for senior facilities, seeing they buy these products in bulk. 

The best way around this is to work with an online store with an effective customer support service department. You can also try sites that have a free sample program. They send you various products to try out and decide which one has the best style and absorbency for your needs. 

Essential medical equipment for seniors

order-medical-supplies-for-senior-care-facilities-assisted-living-procurement-healthcare-industry

Senior living communities offer a range of medical supplies and equipment for their residents. But from time to time, seniors may need additional supplies to enhance their quality of life & increase customer satisfaction. Here are some types of essential medical equipment for seniors.

1.     Assistive equipment

Assistive equipment like grip bars in the bathroom and toilet risers are helpful to seniors because they protect them from falls and give them extra stability. Walkers, wheelchairs, and canes also let seniors continue being mobile as they age.

2.     Personal alert system

If a senior is living alone, they need a personal alert system that lets them contact emergency services if anything happens.

3.     Medication reminders

Reminders are essential because seniors take medication regularly. You can get an automated reminder or a simple pill counter online, depending on your budget.

4.     Hearing and vision aids

These aids help seniors remain aware of their surroundings. They are critical when the senior losses their sense of vision or hearing. Hearing and vision aids allow them to enjoy a higher quality of life.

Tips on shopping for medical supplies

best-way-to-order-medical-supplies-online-in-store-healthcare-senior-care-facilities

1. Talk to the patient’s doctor.

If you want to order medical supplies for older adults, you must talk to their doctor first. This is essential as you may need a doctor’s approval, especially when shopping for condition-specific equipment. Besides, the doctor may make recommendations on where to get the supplies you need. Most healthcare workers know the suppliers you need to reach out to and whether there are lower-cost options available.

2.     Consider using lending programs.

Local lending programs come in very handy when you can’t afford to buy an item outright or when you will only need a specific item for a short while. For instance, lending can suffice when a resident only needs a wheelchair for a short period after surgery. The programs allow you to hire medical equipment or supplies at a small fee, which is cost-effective. You will manage to acquire medical equipment and supplies that the elderly need at a lower cost.

3.     Keep the senior’s budget in mind.

Most seniors spend their savings on buying medical supplies. It is therefore essential to consider their budget before ordering for them. If they cannot pay for the supplies, you can seek assistance from non-profit organizations, missionary organizations, or healthcare foundations. Low payment plans also come in handy in managing the senior’s finances better.

4.     Check the technical aspects of the equipment

Consider technical aspects like the support a senior may need, height, weight, size, and accessories they prefer before you order medical supplies. For example, if you’re looking for a rollator or walker for an obese resident, you should ensure it will support their weight. Also, you want to check the hand brakes and grips and the height to avoid accidents. 

Conclusion

Self-dependence is very crucial for the well-being of seniors in a community. Choosing the right medical equipment encourages independent living and motivates them to get better. If you work in senior community service or senior living communities, you can empower older adults by giving them the best medical supplies. This way, they will regain their confidence, stay happy and healthy. 

5 Tech Gifts for Seniors That Could Save Their Life

Tech gifts for seniors are great gifts – modern technology even has the potential to save a life. Seniors are embracing technology at a fast rate, and it’s changing their lives for the better. According to one study, the use of technology by the elderly population significantly contributes to a better quality of life; ensuring seniors are happier, healthier, and safer.

Many tech devices exist in the market today, and people are taking advantage of them. Care communities are already using a range of artificial intelligence-powered tools like sensors, robots, and software to address various senior needs. For example, they’re using monitoring devices to collect residents’ data more easily. Sensors and other AI-powered devices also give healthcare professionals better visibility into resident’s health and so on.

While it comes to tech for seniors, there’s nothing like one-size-fits-all. It’s therefore essential to consider the physical needs, lifestyle, and interests of the senior before picking a tech gift. A good example is a GPS for dementia patients or webcam for isolated residents in senior living communities. With that in mind, here are the top 5 tech gifts for seniors that could save their lives.

Fall monitor

A fall monitor is one of the best tech gifts for seniors since it could save their lives with emergency response. That’s because falls – or the fear of them – can have a heavy impact on the quality of life of older adults. Your loved one, like other seniors, may be afraid of falling and, as a result, limit their social activities and engagements.

This may result in forced social isolation, physical decline, feelings of helplessness, and depression. But with a fall detection device at hand, your loved one might feel free to move around, knowing that help is just around the corner, should they fall.

fall-monitor-wearable-device-tech-gifts-for-seniors-nursing-home-assisted-living-care-quality-of-life

A fall detection device is a thoughtful tech gift for seniors, especially since slips and falls are prevalent as adults age. According to the CDC, an adult aged 65+ suffers a fall every second in the US.

From these falls, more than 32,000 die, and 1 in 5 end up with an injury like a head injury or broken bone. An automatic fall detection system ensures older people get help fast when they fall. This could mean the difference between life and death.

The best part is that fall detection devices are often built into wearable bracelets, watches, hip-worn devices, or pendants. So, they aren’t just a lifesaver but also a beautiful addition to their overall look. Most fall detectors automatically detect falls, making them a perfect gift for the elderly.

Easy Webcam

An Easy webcam is yet another best tech gift for seniors that can help with recording video or webcam monitoring. Studies have shown that older people who regularly communicate with their loved ones are generally happier and healthier. They also experience low anxiety, depression, and chronic illness and have better cognitive health, increased longevity, and improved mobility.

Staying connected is especially critical to the quality of life in memory care. According to an Alzheimers.net post, dementia patients can recall how an event made them feel, even when they can no longer remember names and faces.

But maintaining close contact with your loved one who lives far away or in an assisted living home can be hard. That’s when an easy webcam can make a huge difference. Gifting your loved one with a webcam shows your desire to engage them face-to-face.

With such a tech gift, you can keep in touch with the seniors in your life while seeing their faces and expressions. It’s a more personal experience than a traditional phone conversation and a perfect way to maintain a long-distance relationship.

With a webcam in place, your loved one will be able to interact with the rest of the family and see everything as though they were there in person. But most importantly, it will give you a glimpse into the level of care your loved one is getting. With webcams, you could tell whether they are neglected, abused, or well-cared for.

Smartwatch

smart-watch-tech-gift-for-seniors-elder-care-assisted-living-homes-nursing-home

Watches have always been a great gift choice for years. They are one of those gifts you’re confident your loved one will appreciate. Smart watches are trendy and thoughtful but could also be a lifesaver, especially for seniors. Those designed for seniors can monitor vital signs, play music, answer voice messages, detect falls, track senior location, measure workouts or walks, etc.  

A smart device can handle a range of critical things that matter in the life of an adult. For instance, it will remind independent seniors of important events like doctor appointments or time to take drugs, and so on. A smartphone could do all these things – but a smartwatch is more beneficial since it’s wearable and always with your loved one at all times.

On top of that, a smartwatch provides an early alert of incidents ranging from high stress to heart rate. It also provides continuous daily risk assessment and detects warning signs of deteriorating health issues in independent living patients and those in care services. Some watches can even be set up as fall detection technology. This allows medical attention to be offered at the earliest opportunity.

Home security

If your senior loved one lives independently, then a gift that enhances their security can be a great idea. Seniors often feel vulnerable at home and worry about break-ins and intruders. They may also overlook health and safety hazards like carbon monoxide, smoke, or frozen pipes because of age-related issues. Home security can come in handy in such cases and give you and your loved one some refreshing peace of mind.

A home security system is a significant investment, but one that’s absolutely worth gifting your loved one. This is especially true for seniors with mobility issues, delayed reaction times, and deteriorating hearing. With such a system in place, you can easily monitor the home and allow your loved one to be more independent. Seniors can also easily alert authorities about any medical emergency – all with a tap of a button.

Examples of home security systems in the real estate industry include video cameras, glass and motion sensors, home automation, alarms, lighting, etc.

Smartphones and virtual assistants

top-5-tech-gifts-for-seniors-smart-phone-virtual-assistant-technology-quality-of-life-for-elderly

Virtual assistants (VA) like Siri and Alexa can be great tech gifts for the elderly. Once set up, these technologies can do so much for the senior. For instance, one could use the tech to call for help, communicate with loved ones, or learn anything. Some assistants can be used as medical alert systems.

The interaction, albeit with a virtual assistant, may reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Social isolation increases a person’s risk of premature death.

In addition to VAs, you can buy smart tools like smartphones or Kindles for senior entertainment. This will open up your loved one to a whole new world that’s engaging, fun and diverse.

There you have it, the top 5 tech gifts for seniors that could save their lives. Whether your loved one is getting home care services or is in a short-term or long-term stay facility, these products and services will help ensure a better quality of life.

Why Memory Care Communities Are Growing

Every day, Grace visits her 78-year-old husband, Andrew, who lives in one of the memory care communities, just a few miles from her home. Andrew has severe Alzheimer's disease and needs 24-hour supervised care in a secure environment.

"It is the most exciting part of my day," says Grace, 75. "I take advantage of that time to feed him and make sure he's comfortable. I don't think he recognizes me, but we still share that special bond," she adds. “Each time I visit, we put in earbuds and listen to music from a single iPod, just like we did back in the day."

For many years, Grace and her two daughters took care of Andrew at home. When he was first diagnosed with Alzheimer's eight years ago, they hired a nurse to provide home care. But they later put him in a day program for seniors with memory loss.

"The arrangement was great at first, but as the disease progressed, it was no longer viable. So we opted to move him to a retirement home. That too, couldn't work because he started to wander," says Grace. "Our daughters and I decided to move him to the closest senior living home for specialized care. We're happy that he’s getting the best level of care."

memory-care-communities-baby-boomers-Alzheimer-disease-cognitive-decay-dementia-senior-living
Many senior living homes offer specialized care for people with memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer's.

Grace's story depicts what millions of other American families go through trying to care for a loved one with dementia. At some point, they will have to seek professional help, as home care becomes impractical. And that's where memory care communities come in.

What are memory care communities?

Memory care communities are residential spaces that provide intensive specialized care for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. They are designed to offer safe, structured environments with routines to lower stress for people with memory problems. Many nursing homes and assisted living facilities have special memory care units for patients with memory lapses. But some memory care communities are stand-alone.

Memory care is a growing segment of the senior housing sector. According to Senior Housing Business, the number of memory care units increased by 55% from 2013 to 2018. And this number is set to rise since World Health Organization projects that dementia cases will hit the 82 million mark by 2030 and 152 million by 2050. Today, there are around 50 million people with dementia globally.

Construction of memory care facilities overheats

A growing number of seniors need memory care services to help live with memory issues. If not for medical success, the number of seniors 65+ with Alzheimer's in the US is projected to grow to nearly 13 million in 2050. This is a significant rise from about 5 million in 2013, as per a report published by the Alzheimer's Association. The report further reveals that more than 6 million Americans are living with Dementia Alzheimer's.

This is a considerable number. But it still doesn't capture the entire need. Alzheimer's is only a single cause of dementia. But there are risk factors like Parkinson's, Huntington's disease, Traumatic brain injury (TBI), and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

senior-care-facility-memory-care-activities-reduce-symptoms-of-Alzheimer's-disease-memory-loss-dementia
Highly specialized memory care facilities strive to offer their patients 24 hour supervision, while using the latest technology to help reduce the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

What's driving the growth in memory care communities?

A McKnight Senior Living post shows a rising trend in occupancy for memory care communities. According to the post, there was an 82.7% occupancy rate for stand-alone memory care facilities in the 1st quarter of 2019, an increase from 81.5% in the 2nd quarter of 2018. It further explains that occupancy in freestanding facilities was 85.7% in the 1st quarter of 2019, 300 basis points higher than total occupancy. This growth indicates a strong year for the property type. This growth is attributable to a range of factors, including the following:

A growing population of baby boomers

The senior population 65 to 74 years is set to increase faster than any other demographic segment in the US between 2015 and 2030. The US Census Bureau's 2017 National Projections indicates that all baby boomers will be 65 or older by 2030. This will expand the senior population's size so that 1 in 5 residents will be of retirement age.

But as the number of seniors increases, so too will the number of dementia cases. By 2050, the number of seniors age 65 and older with Alzheimer's may hit the 12.7 million mark. This translates to a massive need for memory care communities. On top of the impact Alzheimer's has on the senior demographic, many people are diagnosed with other types of dementia at a rising rate.

With such cases on the rise, there’s an ever-growing demand for memory care homes. The available units might not be adequate to cater to the increasing need. This explains why dementia care developers are moving fast to build more units across different states in America.

Varying needs for seniors

Currently, those searching for memory care homes for a loved one have a hard time finding facilities that offer the most appropriate combination of care services, culture, and activities of daily living. Each person is unique. And about 25% of residents in senior facilities have three or more medical conditions that make a living without professional care impractical.

Memory care communities are not created equally. The culture, atmosphere, and cost of some facilities may appeal to some residents but not others. So, developers are trying to come up with diverse facilities to match different needs and preferences. They are not only striving to meet the growing demands for units, but also the specific needs of individuals.

senior-care-assisted-living-community-dementia-resources-help-with-Alzheimer's-disease-technology
Many families simply cannot take care of their loved ones with memory loss issues. Luckily, some great facilities are out there to help take care of your loved ones.

The use of technology such as Apple watches, fall monitors, heart rate monitors can help reduce care costs but still rely on battery life and some technical knowledge to protect senior living communities of all kinds.

Families need help

The Facts and Figures report by Alzheimer's Association reveals that more than 11 million Americans offer unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias. For some, this is a way to protect their loved ones for as long as they can. But for others, it's a way to navigate the cost concerns. The cost of memory care is substantial. Dementia is among the costliest conditions in society.

Home care can be a great way to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. But at the end of the day, most families always end up moving their loved ones to a memory care community. Memory issues need a level of care that’s not easy to provide in home settings.

Although costly, these communities offer specialized care that dementia patients need. They have well thought out a care plan to ensure that all residents are comfortable. They also have technologies and processes to ensure senior safety. For example, they have wearables like fall monitors to alert caregivers in case of a fall and so on. We cannot say the same for home care.

Senior living homes have been expanding their memory care communities to meet the demands of an aging population. Through effective treatments and services, these facilities report improvements in different aspects of residents’ quality of life.

Best Accreditations for Senior & Assisted Living

Long term care facilities offer a range of services to those who aren’t able to live independently. Mostly, these are people aged 65+. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 to 3 million serious infections occur every year in nursing homes, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. That’s why the importance of working with an accredited facility can never be overstated. So what is accreditation, and what are the best accreditations for senior and assisted living facilities to obtain?

Accreditation helps determine if a senior living home meets or exceeds minimum quality standards. When a facility is accredited by a reputable organization, you can rest easy knowing your loved one will be safe and well-cared for. Without such systems in place, it would be impossible to tell the excellent facilities apart from the average ones.

Many accreditation bodies exist in the United States. But as with any other system, these bodies are not created equally. Some are certainly better than others. When it comes to your loved one’s level of care and safety, it’s always a good idea to go with the best. It is hard to imagine your loved one going into an understaffed, or outdated facility that didn’t offer high-quality senior care. This article will highlight the best accreditations for senior and assisted living facilities to guide you. But before that, let’s make sure we’re on the same page.

best-accreditation-for-senior-assisted-living-facilities-United-States-certification-quality-standards
Knowing the best accreditations for senior care and assisted living facilities can help your business stand-out, as one of the best in your field.

Senior living licensure vs. accreditation

Senior care providers may get three recognition levels: certification, licensure, and accreditation. Licensure is a type of recognition used in most government systems. It has set rules and directs providers to abide by specific local codes. Providers need to have a license before they can operate. But they must pass some basic licensure test that covers the regulations and rules for operation to get their license. The test also includes an inspection of the facility.

Certification recognizes personal achievements. It’s a proof that a person has attained certain education level or skill set by an institution. Certificates are given to those who successfully finish a specific training or work experience. It shows that the experts can offer nursing care or medical care to older adults.

On top of meeting all the certification and licensure requirements, some providers may voluntarily choose to go through the accreditation process. The main difference between licensure, certification and accreditation is that accreditation is given only after a provider is shown to conform to a set of specific standards. Certification and licensure are, however, needed upfront before services can be performed. Accreditation helps establish whether the provider’s processes produce positive results.

The conformance to standards is typically measured by a third-party body that goes to the senior living facility to review materials and talk to family members, nursing home residents, administration boards, and the staff members. So, accreditation is the recognition by experts that a senior living home meets the highest industry standards.

With that out of the way, here are some of the best accreditation for senior and assisted living.

nursing-home-senior-care-assisted-living-accreditations-business-support

Accreditation Commission for Home Care, INC. (ACHC)

ACHC is a nonprofit accreditation body that has stood as a quality and excellence symbol for over three decades. The organization has CMS approval for hospice, home health, renal dialysis, and DMEPOS accreditation. Over the years, ACHC has created the best accreditations for senior and assisted living facilities, that have positively impacted countless organizations. Its standards are built by experts and promote quality services, enhance organizational operations and ensure optimal care. ACHC:

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Accreditation

CARF is a nonprofit that sets very high standards for care and service. It is a well-known independent accreditation body for human and health care services providers across the United States and Western Europe. CARF accredits continuing care retirement communities and related services that offer hospital, community, and home-based care. The accreditation process starts with a range of steps that include:

CARF has one of the most stringent peer-review processes, making it an admirable accreditation for senior and assisted living facilities. In fact, its standards were set over five decades ago by global partners of policymakers, service providers, and family members. These standards have been subjected to public review to verify the applicability and ensure all stakeholders contribute.

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO)

JCAHO is an independent, nonprofit body that accredits skilled nursing facilities and some continuing care retirement communities. But it does assess assisted living homes. The nonprofit tries to consistently enhance care homes by:

JCAHO is a respected body in the health care industry. It has a reputation for its high standards in grading long-term care facilities, hospitals, and service providers.

Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP)

CHAP standards are specific to the community and home-based care. They offer a practical, straightforward guide as per the facility’s specific model. The organization has deeming authority issued by the CMS to determine whether it meets their quality standards and Medicare Conditions of Participation. CHAP:

elder-home-health-care-senior-assisted-living-best-practices-accreditations-certifications-licensure

Benefits of accreditation

Long-term care facilities use accreditation to improve their performance and display their commitment to safety and quality to external stakeholders. The latest studies show that long-term care accreditation is a risk reduction activity that minimizes the chances of adverse resident outcomes and incrementally enhances a facility’s performance. Besides, accreditation improves community confidence, supports staff education and recruitment, and offers a structure for organizing business and care processes. But most importantly, it enables facilities to set themselves apart in the market of more than different 15,000 nursing homes in the US.

 

How Secure is Blockchain Technology?

Blockchain is spreading across all industries far beyond its initial fintech applications. Companies in different sectors are expanding and diversifying their blockchain initiatives. Indeed, blockchain appears to be entering a new era of broader, more practical adoption, even as those who were skeptical start to grasp its long-term potential. So, how secure is blockchain technology?

The demand for blockchain is soaring at an alarming rate as companies see it's potential. Blockchain promises transparency, scalability and, most importantly, security. Let's take a look at the challenges and vulnerabilities of this burgeoning field of technology.

Security by the blocks

The term blockchain refers to a chain of digital blocks with transaction records. Each block connects with other blocks on either side to form a chain. This makes it hard to alter a single record as one would have to change the block with the record and those connected to it to avoid detection. In addition to this, blockchain has other built-in characteristics that offer extra security. These include:

how-secure-is-blockchain-technology-data-security-cryptography-consensus-decentralization-code

Cryptography

Cryptography seeks to prevent third-parties from accessing data from private messages during a communication process. Blockchain uses two types of cryptographic algorithms: hash functions and asymmetric-key algorithms.

Asymmetric cryptography (or public-key) securely encrypts messages between two computers. Anyone can use another person’s public key to encrypt a message. However, one can only use a corresponding private key to decrypt an encrypted message.

Paired private and public keys let users send and receive payments. Private keys generate digital signatures for the transaction. Network members then use the wallet's public key to confirm the signature’s authenticity before adding the transaction to the blockchain. After approval, the transaction is immutably recorded into the ledger, and balances are updated.

On the other hand, the Hash function receives data input of any size and returns an output with a predictable and fixed size. Irrespective of the input size, the output will always have the same size. So, for as long as the input remains constant, the resulting hash will be the same. Hashes are used as unique data block identifiers in the blockchain. Each block's hash is created in relation to the previous block's hash, creating a chain of blocks. If someone changes a block, they will also have to change the entire history of that blockchain. The hash identifiers are what make blockchain secure and immutable.

Decentralization

Blockchain technology relies on a decentralized, digitized, and distributed ledger model. Meaning, it distributes data to nodes (users) on the blockchain network. When a user makes a change, the network validates it; then, miners add the transaction into a new block that’s then added to the blockchain. Miners are users rewarded for updating the blockchain.

Decentralization makes blockchain more robust and secure than proprietary centralized models that are currently in the market. If a user attempts to change a single block, they'd need to change the previous blocks before any new blocks could be mined. If not, the nodes would detect the fraudulent behavior and discard the changes. And since thousands of nodes confirm new blocks, it's less likely for anyone to beat their computing power to add a bad one.

Consensus

Consensus is another attribute that makes blockchain technology secure and fault-proof. It involves all peers of a blockchain network coming together and agreeing about the distributed ledger's present state. Consensus ensures that every new block added to the chain is the only version of the truth agreed upon by all the nodes in the blockchain.

The consensus protocol is reliable as it bases on goals like mandatory collaboration, cooperation and participation of every node. It also ensures that every node has equal rights and that a joint agreement is achieved. Consensus is the brain of blockchain. Without it, blockchain would fail. A good example of consensus is the Proof of Work (PoW). In PoW, 'miners' in a network have to provide the computing power needed to verify transactions and maintain the blockchain – which is a lot. They also need to ensure the network's immunity against hackers. Miners compete to chain the blocks together and can achieve that if they get 51% of votes from the nodes.

But the 51% vote is perhaps the biggest threat to this model. If a minority of colluding nodes own more than 50% of the mining power, they will control the network. They could prevent other nodes from adding new blocks. They'd also expose the network to fraud. But the good thing is that consensus is too expensive. It needs lots of energy and computing power to succeed.

Security challenges

Blockchain produces tamper-resistant ledger transactions that make it immune to fraud and hacks. But people with bad intentions can manipulate the known vulnerabilities in the blockchain infrastructure. In fact, they've been successful in a range of scams and hacks over the years. Some common examples include DAO's code exploitation, Bitfinex's stolen keys, and Bithumb's insider hacks. These security issues have been a point of concern for many businesses that want to explore blockchain technology. Blockchain creates unique security challenges for a range of reasons:

Blockchain security threats

how-secure-is-blockchain-technology-security-challenges-cybersecurity-data-privacy

Blockchain security threats fall into three main groups:

Endpoint vulnerabilities: this is where technology and humans meet. Think devices, digital wallets, private key and password, breach, client-side of the application. A hacker can gain access to an account if any of this endpoint is compromised. But the threat is only limited to a victim's account and nothing further. Besides, companies are now using cold wallets along with hardware security models (HSM) that are difficult to compromise.

Untested code: the original code by Satoshi Nakamoto that resulted in the creation of Bitcoin Blockchain is unbreakable. But the same cannot be said for all code in apps built upon the blockchain. Developers who are in a rush to outdo their peers risk producing inadequately tested code on the live blockchain. Considering the decentralization aspect, the risk is higher because of the irreversibility of blockchain.

Ecosystem/third-party risks: the security of this technology relies on the entire ecosystem. This includes other solution providers like smart contracts, payment platforms, fintech, wallets, etc. With other parties in play, a blockchain application's security is only as strong as its weakest link within the ecosystem.

blockchain-cybersecurity-technology-data-tech-hardware-engineer-healthcare-industry-solutions-senior-care

Does this mean blockchain is not immutable?

No network is 100% secure. And blockchain is not any different. But since the nodes in a blockchain network are distributed, it is almost impossible to alter the chains. It takes a consensus of more than half of the nodes in the same distributed ledger to make any changes. And the fact that all this has to happen within 10 minutes makes it virtually impossible for a hacker to make changes.

Security and privacy

Blockchain technology resolves the security and privacy issues that most organizations struggle with today. Its public key infrastructure maintains the ledger size and prevents any ill-attempts from changing data. Inasmuch as the large and more distributed network makes blockchain more secure, there are concerns around various aspects. For example, by default, the blockchain design doesn't have confidentiality. All data on-chain is visible to all peers in the network.

Blockchain is hard to crack

The blockchain is still in its infancy stages. And like any technology, it is bound to encounter hurdles along the way. But the good thing is that the security issues are addressed quickly. Developers are also coming up with new versions of blockchains to ensure security. Besides, when compared to other technologies, blockchain does a great job storing and exchanging digital value. This explains why health care, supply chain, Wall Street companies, etc., are all adopting the technology.