Integrating Technology in Rehabilitation for Older Adults: Cognishine at Beit Balev
Based on a poster presented at the National Conference on the Future of Aging and Rehabilitation (Eldertopia, 16-12-2024), organized by Beit Balev, part of Maccabi Healthcare Services.
Authors of the original poster:
Keren Frank, LL.M; Meital Karni Buchman, BOT; Dr. Karen Rose, PhD, SLT; Omri Obeida, BOT; Ina Chudis, SLT; Biana Schneider, BA, RNA; Riki Biton Cohen, RN,MHA, PhD.
Bringing Digital Innovation to Therapy for Older Adults
As the demand for rehabilitation and care for older adults grows, integrating technology into therapy can help therapists deliver engaging and effective interventions. In early 2024, Beit Balev, a leader in older adult care and part of Maccabi Healthcare Services, launched the implementation of Cognishine, a digital therapy platform, across its rehabilitation centers and assisted living facilities.
The platform offers thousands of interactive and engaging multilingual therapy tools for occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. Cognishine is designed to complement traditional therapy approaches, improve accessibility, and reduce session preparation time.
Implementation and Evaluation
A structured implementation process helped ensure the successful adoption of Cognishine, including:
✅ Training Implementation Leaders across facilities.
✅ Ongoing support from Cognishine representatives.
✅ Establishing a professional WhatsApp group for ongoing communication and support.
✅ Holding regular meetings to refine content and improve usability.
The implementation of Cognishine was assessed through a structured evaluation process:
📊 First half of the year: Online surveys measured therapist and patient satisfaction.
📈 Second half of the year: Focus groups gathered qualitative insights, alongside feedback from Implementation Leaders to assess the user experience.
📊 Throughout the year: Platform analytics tracked activity usage.
Key Findings
📌 Widespread Adoption
✅ 6,000+ therapy activities conducted using Cognishine by October 2024.
📌Therapist Experience
✅ High ease of use reported by therapists.
✅ Reduction in session preparation time compared to traditional tools.
📌Client Engagement
✅ Older adults reported high satisfaction with the content and found the activities
accessible.
Challenges and Next Steps
1. Adapting to New Technology
Some therapists needed time to become comfortable with digital tools.
🔹 Next Steps:
• Provide video tutorials to support learning.
• Encourage peer mentoring, allowing experienced users to support colleagues.
2. Variation in Adoption Across Sites
While Cognishine was widely used, some therapists and institutions integrated it more fully than others. Adoption rates varied due to factors such as technological adaptation challenges and staff shortages.
🔹 Next Steps:
• Highlight time-saving benefits to demonstrate how Cognishine can ease workload pressures.
3. Supporting Older Adults with Advanced Cognitive or Behavioral Needs
While Cognishine was indicated to be effective for many older adults, feedback suggests that staff needed support in adapting the activities with individuals with advanced cognitive impairment or complex behavioral needs.
🔹 Next Steps:
• Provide video tutorials on the available accessibility features to enhance inclusivity.
• Continue gathering feedback from therapists to refine content.
Looking Ahead
The first year of implementation has shown high engagement and positive feedback, and there is potential for expanding the platform’s role in group therapy. With ongoing training, adaptation, and support, Cognishine can continue to be a valuable tool in rehabilitation for older adults.
