The future of senior living isn’t years away, it’s happening now. Technology is transforming senior living, making communities more connected, efficient, and engaging for both residents and staff.
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For IT professionals in senior living communities, managing a growing portfolio of technologies is a daily challenge.
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In today’s society, two crucial issues are becoming intertwined: the rising costs of student housing and the increased social isolation of older adults in senior living communities. A creative solution that aims to tackle both these problems is intergenerational living, where students and seniors share living spaces. This approach not only provides affordable housing for students, but also fosters a sense of companionship for older adults, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The intergenerational living model offers two primary solutions. The more common one is Home Sharing, where students in need of affordable housing are paired with older adults who have extra space. In exchange for reduced rent, students can offer companionship or assistance with household chores. This allows older adults to combat loneliness and social isolation by gaining companionship, while students receive housing at a lower rate compared to dorms or high-rent apartments.
The second model allows students to live in senior care communities or retirement homes at a reduced cost in exchange for volunteering for a certain amount of hours. These students volunteer by engaging with the elder residents through activities such as conversations, and assistance with everyday tasks. This not only creates an affordable living option for students, but also fosters deep emotional connections between the younger and older generations.
The benefits of intergenerational living extend beyond the financial relief for students. For older adults, social isolation is a growing concern, especially as their mobility decreases or after the loss of a spouse or close friend. Studies have shown that social isolation can lead to mental health decline, including depression, and even physical health risks like increased blood pressure or weakened immune responses. Living with younger students offers seniors regular social interactions, which can significantly boost their mental health and reduce feelings of loneliness.
On the other hand, student housing crises have reached critical levels in many cities, where the demand for affordable housing far exceeds the supply. Rising tuition costs and increased rent places an enormous financial burden on students. Through this program, students can alleviate these financial pressures, focus on education, and, in turn, provide meaningful companionship and assistance to their senior housemates. But beyond the affordable housing, students can gain valuable skills like empathy and a better understanding of older generations. Furthermore, intergenerational programs have positively affected students, including improved academic performance and reduced anxiety.
Several successful intergenerational living initiatives worldwide demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating students and older adults under one roof. These case studies show how intergenerational living can be a mutually beneficial solution to housing shortage and social isolation.
As the housing crisis worsens in many cities, intergenerational living is becoming a popular and effective solution. With programs like Canada HomeShare scaling up across the country, and universities launching more intergenerational housing projects, this model could become a significant part of the solution to both housing shortages and the social isolation of older adults.
By addressing the unique needs of both demographics, intergenerational living is providing a win-win solution for today’s housing crisis and social challenges. This model not only eases financial burdens on students but also strengthens community ties to create a more connected and supported society.
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By Ria Madan
We have all seen in recent years how technological advancements have made our lives easier including healthcare, and especially for older adults. Connected medical devices and wearables have altered the way seniors live daily by promoting independence, enhancing wellness, as well as altering the way caregivers predict and react to critical issues. Offering new and improved devices and features will continue to enhance the way older adults stay connected and engaged in their own healthcare, and how those who care for them can make better informed decisions that positively affect longevity and quality of life.
When wearable technology was first introduced to consumers, it focused primarily on physical activity and tracking simple metrics like step count. Since then the wearable technology market has expanded exponentially and is expected to reach $70 billion by 2028. A significant part of the rising market is medical grade devices and wearables that focus on monitoring the safety and wellness of individuals. The most prevalent users of such devices are older adults who may have recently had surgery, are prone to falls, or those who have conditions that need to be continuously monitored such as diabetes, hypertension, dementia, and other cognitive issues.
As the wearables market is projected to reach $70 billion by 2028, we can expect significant advancements in wearable medical devices. With the integration of predictive analytics and AI, these devices will increasingly anticipate patient needs, enabling highly personalized health plans. This evolution will address key patient concerns, including usability and cost, leading to more effective and accessible healthcare solutions.
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By Brianna Thompson
Recent advancements in modern healthcare has meant that more and more people are living longer than ever, and with that comes a need for high-quality senior living communities. Technology has become an integral part of senior living environments because it has allowed residents to stay connected and manage their health, simplified the process of collecting and storing resident data, and enhanced their overall quality of life. However, the adoption of new technology in these senior living communities has presented unique challenges due to the varying degrees of tech literacy, physical limitations, over complicated UX/UI design, and cognitive changes among older adults.
We are going to explore the main hurdles in technology adoption in senior living, the role of user-centered design in overcoming these challenges, and the exciting potential for custom-designed apps tailored to the senior living market.
Older adults are typically less familiar with the latest technology, having not grown up around computers, smartphones, and the internet. This lack of exposure leads to a steeper learning curve when introducing new apps and platforms. Many can find unfamiliar interfaces overwhelming and struggle to navigate complex menus or multifaceted functions. In addition, many older adults may find that using smartphones or other technology is intimidating due to the complexity of these devices, and this can lead them to miss opportunities to stay connected with their loved ones, access important information, and even manage their health.
Older adults often face physical challenges, such as decreased motor skills and visual impairments, which makes using standard digital devices much more difficult. Small icons, complex gestures, and low contrast designs can be especially challenging. Many also experience cognitive difficulties that slow down their ability to adapt well to new technologies.
Technology can play a key role in helping older adults overcome social isolation by keeping them connected to friends, family, and the wider community. However, many may find it challenging to navigate social media platforms or video chat applications. To address this, senior living communities offer social engagement programs that teach older adults how to use these digital tools. These programs foster social interaction, reduce feelings of loneliness, and improve overall well-being.
Overcomplicated UX/UI design can create significant challenges for older adults who may struggle with technology due to less familiarity with digital interfaces and cognitive limitations that can make understanding complex information harder. When designs involve excessive steps, unclear icons, or hidden features, it becomes difficult for seniors to navigate devices and online services; ultimately leading to frustration and disengagement. Simplified and more intuitive designs with clear navigation and large, readable text can make technology more accessible and empower seniors to use it with confidence.
When introducing older adults to technology, it is important to begin with the basics. Start by teaching them simple tasks like making calls, sending text messages, and browsing the internet on a computer or smartphone. This approach can help build their confidence and create a solid foundation for learning more advanced features over time.
In user experience (UX) design, simplicity and clarity are essential, particularly when designing for older adults. A streamlined and simple design reduces cognitive strain, allowing older users to navigate platforms with ease. Two key aspects of this are intuitive interfaces and clear, concise content. The principle of “less is more” is especially important here, as many older users find it extremely overwhelming when there are too many options or technical language that can hinder their engagement. Using straightforward language, brief sentences, and clear instructions greatly improves the user experience.
It is imperative to build interfaces with older adults in mind while creating designs. A layout that is consistent across the platform or emulates real-world interaction can greatly lower the learning curve. For instance, icons should be easily identifiable, and navigation should follow a logical sequence. In addition, the design should be flexible enough to accommodate different physical abilities with options for text size and contrast. An easy-to-use interface serves as a thoughtful host by providing guidance without being too demanding.
Flexibility and customization are essential in age-friendly UX design as older adults have diverse needs, abilities, and preferences. Adjustable font sizes and adaptable color schemes allow users with vision impairments to tailor their digital experience, improving readability and visibility. High-contrast color options also enhance accessibility for those with color vision deficiencies. Additionally, offering multiple interaction methods, such as voice commands, mouse, or keyboard shortcuts, accommodates varying dexterity levels. The option to switch between simple and advanced interfaces further ensures that users with different levels of tech literacy can personalize their experience, making technology more accessible and empowering.
Conduct Hands-On Training and Workshops
Older adults seem to learn best through practical experience, therefore workshops and hands-on instruction are particularly successful. Organizing sessions where staff or tech-savvy residents guide others in using devices and applications can boost their confidence while fostering social interaction and community building. Providing one-on-one help is quite beneficial for people who require more individualized care. Seniors can benefit immensely from the personalized attention that comes with being assigned staff or volunteers to assist with activities like device setup, troubleshooting, and application learning.
Providing immediate feedback on user actions, such as button clicks or form submissions, instills confidence in seniors that they are using technology correctly. This feedback can be delivered through visual cues like color changes, animations, or audible notifications, enhancing their interaction experience. Using resident feedback in the design of apps is another smart move in senior living tech. Seniors’ specific demands are met when they participate in focus groups, beta tests, or continuous feedback, which makes the app more user-friendly. This method makes technology more approachable and easier to embrace by empowering older adults by including them in the design process and creating configurable interfaces that accommodate varying levels of tech skill.
It is critical to establish a welcoming and supportive community to assist older adults in navigating the digital world. Encourage the inhabitants to share knowledge and assistance with each other as needed. For example, you can plan technology-focused group activities like online reading clubs or family video chats. Older adults might feel more connected and inspired to learn and adjust to new technology by creating a feeling of community.
The future of technology in senior living communities lies in creating custom-designed apps that are tailored in the specific needs of this demographic. Some developers are paving the way forward for custom-designed apps by creating a seamless transition from existing apps, personalized features based on specific needs, and ongoing education and training.
The challenge of switching between apps is one of the main issues for older adults. Custom-designed apps that offer an easy migration from existing platforms are essential. For instance, an app can provide the option to import settings or preferences from a previously used app, ensuring a much smoother onboarding experience for residents. Depending on physical and cognitive conditions, older adults have a variety of needs. Future apps should be customizable, allowing users to adjust settings like font size, color contrast, or interface complexity according to their personal preferences. Additionally, developers can offer different interaction methods such as voice commands for those with limited vision or simplified complex workflows for ease of use.
In addition, involving residents in the app development process is essential to guaranteeing that the finished product genuinely fulfills their needs. Custom apps that prioritize resident input are likely to see higher adoption rates and sustained use. Continuous improvement is made possible by an iterative feedback loop, which makes sure that the app changes to meet the community’s evolving needs.
Technology can significantly enhance the quality of life for seniors in living communities, but adoption is often hindered by physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. By embracing inclusive design principles like simplicity, real-time feedback, and user customization, developers can create apps tailored to seniors’ unique needs. Incorporating resident feedback into the design process ensures that technology evolves with its users, boosting engagement and satisfaction. The future of senior living technology lies in custom-designed apps that emphasize ease of use, adaptability, and smooth transition from older systems, fostering greater technological inclusion and enjoyment for seniors in their daily lives.
Citations:
By Brianna Thompson
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, K4Connect knows how vital it is that senior living communities keep up with technology that adds value, enhances quality of life for staff and residents, and improves operational efficiencies for operators. The integration of well conceived, planned and deployed technology can truly transform senior living communities for all stakeholders.
Making sure that your senior living community has the right technology can be daunting, not only because your community is unique, but because your residents and staff have unique needs, as well as varying degrees of technology understanding. It is imperative that you identify an actual need, and that the technology addresses that need, rather than proves to be of no significant benefit. Some questions to consider when assessing whether your community needs a technology solution and whether all stakeholders will benefit from it:
Once you can identify and understand the clear needs of your community, it is time to explore the types of technology solutions that are available. These technologies are generally categorized into key areas: health monitoring systems, security and safety solutions, communication platforms, and operational management tools.
Health Monitoring Systems: Healthcare needs are a top consideration and great example of how technology can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of senior living care. Technologies in health monitoring can include wearable devices and remote monitoring systems that help track residents’ health metrics, medication adherence, and overall well-being. When considering healthcare technologies for your community, look for solutions that manage your EHR/EMR data properly and streamline healthcare processes by reducing data entry and errors.
Security and Safety Solutions: Also a top concern for senior living communities is the safety and well-being of residents, so security systems are a crucial aspect for their technology stack. Some key features to look for in security systems include robust access controls, smart surveillance, and emergency response integration. Robust access controls regulate and track who can access which areas at what times, adding an additional layer of security to protect residents and property with devices like automated door locks. Smart surveillance systems like cameras can be used to identify potential security threats and alert staff in real time. This helps prevent incidents before they occur and allows for swift emergency response. Emergency response integrations allow for devices like fire alarms or call-for-aid buttons so that in case of emergency, these systems can quickly notify staff and first responders for prompt assistance. All of these systems not only protect residents but also give families peace of mind.
Communication Platforms: Effective communication is essential for senior living communities, especially in communities where residents may have limited mobility or are isolated from their families and loved ones. Engagement platforms that facilitate easy communication between residents, staff, and families can enhance their overall day-to-day experience, health and wellness. To ensure seamless and accurate communication, you should look for technology solutions that offer user-friendly interfaces, multifaceted communication channels, and integration with assistive technologies; all of which the K4Community Platform and Plus App offers. User-friendly interfaces allow for reducing the learning curve for residents and staff, making it easier to adopt and utilize the technology effectively. Multifaceted communication channels allow for channels like video and voice calls, and instant messaging; ultimately providing options for residents to connect with their families and friends in ways that suit their personal needs.
Operations Management Tools: Tools that assist with daily operations, such scheduling, content creation, electronic health records management, maintenance work orders, and staffing management systems, can streamline processes, improve efficiencies, and save costs. Most importantly, they free up staff to spend more quality time with the residents they are caring for.
After considering all of the needs and the varying devices for senior residents, you should bear in mind these several key factors when choosing technology for these environments.
Ease of Use: Technology should be user-friendly for both residents and staff, even for individuals with limited technical skills or cognitive impairments. Complex systems that are too difficult to navigate can lead to frustration and decreased adoption rates, not just amongst older adults but also younger users as well. Involving residents in the evaluation phase cannot only provide insights into what really matters to them, but more importantly buy-in which leads to better adoption. Masonic Villages of Pennsylvania shares what it’s like working with K4 to evaluate senior living technology for their unique community needs.
Integration Capabilities: Senior living communities often utilize multiple systems and platforms for different purposes like resident check-in and dining. At K4Connect, the Fusion Enterprise Operating Platform, with its patented ”one-to-many” API integration capability, allows third party applications to communicate and update each other. With over 50 integrations from leading technology providers like Canva and MealSuite for example, you can manage and incorporate your community’s digital signage and food service without the hassle of having to input data on several different platforms. The technology your community utilizes should integrate seamlessly with existing systems and processes to ensure that there are no inconsistencies for residents and that the new technology complements current operations. Staff should not have to copy and paste the same data into multiple platforms; the right technology should solve this.
Accessibility: Whether its physical accessibility for residents with mobility impairments or digital accessibility for those with visual and hearing impairments, the technology must be designed to accommodate a wide range of needs for residents. Voice assisted and Smart Home technologies are great options for accessibility solutions.
Cost and ROI: As with any technology investment, cost is a big consideration. It is important to assess the cost of the technology in relation to the expected return on investment and the additional value it will add overall for staff, residents and families. Look for solutions that offer long-term savings through increased efficiency and reduced labor costs, and add value through improved work-life for staff and enhanced resident outcomes. For example, automated systems and technology that reduce manual paperwork and administrative tasks can save significant time and reduce errors, especially in labor short communities; ultimately translating into cost savings and adding more time for caregivers to care for residents. Look at your technology investment over 3 years and reassess your needs regularly. It is also helpful to seek out communities who have successfully implemented technology strategies with measurable outcomes.
Implementing the right technology in your community can have significant impacts across all aspects of your senior living community.
Enhanced Safety and Security: Having technology like emergency response systems and surveillance cameras helps ensure resident safety on a consistent basis. These systems provide quick access to help in case of emergencies, improving residents’ sense of security and providing peace of mind.
Improved Health Monitoring: Having wearable devices and health monitoring systems allows for real-time tracking of health metrics, leading to timely interventions and personalized care plans. This proactive approach can enhance residents’ overall health and well-being and save considerable expenses on reactive care.
Increased Efficiency: Technology such as electronic health records and staff management systems streamline administrative tasks, allowing staff to focus more on direct care for residents. With the on-going labor shortage that is affecting all aspects of senior living and healthcare, it is growing more and more important for staff to be able to optimize their time rather than spend it on repetitive administrative tasks. This also improves job satisfaction and reduces burnout.
Better Communication: Platforms that facilitate communication among staff members can improve coordination and teamwork, leading to more efficient care delivery and reduced errors.
Transparency: Technology that allows clear access to care plans, health updates, and other relevant information promotes transparency and trust between the senior living community and families.
Enhanced Engagement: Communication platforms and family portals allow resident families to stay connected with their loved ones, receive updates on their safety, well-being, and participate in their care. Having technology like this fosters a sense of involvement and reassurance for families.
Investing in technology positively impacts the bottom line for senior living communities. Technology solutions for staff improve operational efficiencies by reducing redundant tasks, minimizing errors, and streamlining processes. Happy, well supported staff leads to higher retention rates and easier recruitment. Technology that enhances resident wellness, care and safety contributes to better health outcomes and longer stays, which in turn leads to higher satisfaction scores and improved reputation. A strong reputation attracts more residents and their families, and drives sustainable revenue growth. Advanced technologies also provide valuable data and insights that help operators make informed decisions for their communities. Centralized data from connected services, systems and devices can reveal trends, identify areas of improvement, and make it easy to quantify and qualify the impact of investments in technology solutions.
Senior living communities are embracing technology to enhance their operations and resident experience. A great example of cutting edge, resident-empowering technology is K4Community Voice that brings voice assistance to life with Amazon Alexa, promoting independence and connection for residents by making their home and living community accessible simply by using their voice. This integration was also an easy adoption because according to Sheri Peifer, Chief Strategy Officer at Eskaton, “When we can use our voice, it really does break down the barriers of adoption. Voice-first technology is extremely interesting because it reduces the friction of technology adoption.”
Overall, choosing the right technology for your senior living community requires a lot of careful consideration based on the specific needs of your staff, residents and their families. By evaluating the types of technology available, understanding their potential impacts, and assessing the ROI, communities can make the most informed decisions about how to enhance residents’ quality of life, improve operational efficiency, and drive business success. As we move forward in this ever evolving technological world, we must empower older adults with solutions that transform their lives in meaningful ways; that improves wellness and happiness, enhances connection and engagement, and helps them maintain independence and quality of life.
K4Connect can help you assess your technology needs. Let’s connect!
The senior living industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the rapid advancements in technology. As the population ages and the demand for quality senior care continues to rise, technology is playing an increasingly vital role in meeting the complex needs of seniors and their caregivers.
In order to fully comprehend the future of senior living technology, it is essential to first understand the current landscape. Technology has already become deeply integrated into many aspects of senior living, enhancing the overall quality of life for seniors and enabling caregivers to provide better care.
Senior living technology is a rapidly evolving field that is reshaping the way seniors experience their golden years. From smart devices that remind seniors to take their medications to virtual reality systems that transport them to far-off places, the possibilities are endless. These technological advancements not only improve the safety and well-being of seniors but also foster a sense of connection and engagement.
Technology has become a lifeline for seniors, empowering them to maintain their independence and stay connected to their loved ones. From wearable devices that monitor health parameters and detect falls to smart home systems that enable easier access to essential services, technology is revolutionizing the way seniors live.
Furthermore, technology is not just a convenience but a necessity in senior living communities. It serves as a proactive tool in preventing emergencies and addressing health concerns before they escalate. By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning, senior living technology can anticipate the needs of residents and provide personalized care solutions.
Several key technologies are currently being utilized in senior living communities. Electronic medication management systems ensure accurate medication administration, while telehealth platforms enable remote consultations with healthcare professionals. Sensor-based monitoring systems provide real-time data on residents’ activities, helping caregivers detect any changes in health or behavior.
Moreover, robotic companions are gaining popularity in senior living facilities, offering companionship and assistance with daily tasks. These robots are equipped with advanced capabilities such as voice recognition and emotional intelligence, making them valuable members of the caregiving team. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for enhancing the lives of seniors in residential settings are limitless.
The evolution of technology in senior living has been remarkable, with advancements shaping the industry in various ways.
As technology continues to progress, the landscape of senior living is undergoing a transformative shift. Innovations are not only enhancing the quality of life for older adults but also revolutionizing the way care is delivered in senior communities. From wearable health monitoring devices to virtual reality therapy programs, the possibilities for improving the well-being of seniors through technology are endless.
Initially, technology in senior living focused on basic necessities such as emergency response systems and electronic medical records. Over time, the capabilities expanded, integrating smart devices, voice assistants, and personalized communication platforms. This evolution has led to the creation of smart homes and communities designed specifically to meet the needs of seniors.
Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms is paving the way for predictive healthcare analytics in senior living. By analyzing data from various sources, these technologies can anticipate potential health issues and provide proactive care, ultimately improving outcomes and reducing hospitalizations among older adults.
Technological advancements have had a profound impact on the quality of life for seniors. They promote independence, enable better communication with caregivers and loved ones, and provide access to comprehensive healthcare resources. These advancements have also helped to address the increasing demand for senior care by improving efficiency and reducing reliance on traditional caregiving models.
Furthermore, the implementation of robotics and automation in senior living facilities is streamlining tasks such as medication management, housekeeping, and meal preparation. This not only frees up staff to focus on more personalized care but also ensures that residents receive timely and accurate assistance, enhancing their overall living experience.
Looking ahead, the future of senior living technology holds great promise, with new innovations set to revolutionize the industry even further. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the landscape of senior care is poised to undergo significant transformations, enhancing the quality of life for older adults and improving the efficiency of care delivery.
One of the key areas driving this transformation is the integration of cutting-edge technologies that cater specifically to the needs of seniors, ensuring a more personalized and holistic approach to their well-being. From smart home devices that monitor vital signs and detect emergencies to wearable technology that tracks activity levels and medication adherence, the future of senior living is increasingly becoming interconnected and data-driven.
Emerging technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of senior living. Virtual reality can transport seniors to different environments, promoting mental stimulation and preventing loneliness. AI-powered systems can assist with monitoring health conditions and identifying potential risks, while IoT devices can seamlessly connect various aspects of daily living.
Furthermore, the rise of telemedicine and remote monitoring solutions is revolutionizing how healthcare is delivered to seniors, enabling timely interventions and reducing the need for frequent hospital visits. These technologies not only empower older adults to take control of their health but also provide healthcare providers with valuable insights to deliver more proactive and personalized care.
AI and robotics are expected to revolutionize the way senior care is delivered. Smart robots can assist with household chores, provide companionship, and even offer physical support to seniors. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to personalize care plans and predict potential health issues, enabling proactive interventions and reducing healthcare costs.
Moreover, the integration of voice-activated assistants and smart sensors in senior living environments is creating a more intuitive and responsive ecosystem that caters to the unique needs of older adults. These technologies not only enhance safety and security but also promote independence and social engagement, fostering a sense of community and well-being among seniors.
While the potential benefits of senior living technology are enormous, there are challenges that must be addressed for successful implementation.
One key challenge in implementing new technologies in senior living communities is the need to ensure that the solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of older adults. This requires a deep understanding of the diverse capabilities and limitations that come with aging, as well as the importance of user-friendly interfaces and intuitive design.
Resistance to change, lack of digital literacy among seniors, and concerns about privacy and security are some of the barriers to technology adoption in senior living communities. It is essential to address these concerns through education, training programs, and robust data protection measures.
Moreover, the cost of implementing new technologies can be a significant barrier for many senior living communities, especially smaller organizations with limited budgets. Finding cost-effective solutions and exploring opportunities for funding and grants can help make technology more accessible to a wider range of seniors.
Effective communication and engagement strategies can help overcome resistance to new technologies. Creating a positive and inclusive environment that fosters collaboration between seniors, caregivers, and technology providers is crucial. Additionally, showcasing success stories and providing ongoing support can encourage greater adoption and ensure the benefits are realized by all.
Furthermore, building a strong network of peer support among seniors who have successfully adopted new technologies can be a powerful way to inspire others and create a sense of community around innovation. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, senior living communities can embrace new technologies with confidence and enthusiasm.
As senior living technology continues to evolve, the benefits for seniors and caregivers alike are significant.
Technology enhances seniors’ quality of life by enabling them to age in place, remain connected to the outside world, and engage in various activities. Smart home systems can automate everyday tasks, making daily living more convenient and enjoyable. Social media platforms and video calling applications help seniors stay connected with family and friends, reducing feelings of isolation.
For caregivers, technology provides essential tools and resources to deliver high-quality care. Automated monitoring systems optimize caregiving workflows, allowing more time for direct interactions with residents. Remote access to healthcare professionals and the availability of real-time health data enable timely interventions and better coordination of care among multidisciplinary teams. Ultimately, by reducing the administrative burden, technology empowers caregivers to focus on providing personalized and compassionate care.
In conclusion, the future of senior living technology is brimming with possibilities. From the current landscape to the predicted advancements, technology is transforming the way seniors live, enhancing their quality of life, and supporting caregivers in delivering exceptional care. By understanding the challenges, embracing innovation, and fostering collaboration, we can create a future where technology continues to enrich the lives of seniors and revolutionize the senior living industry.
By: Sarah Adams | Client Success Specialist
August 9, 2022
With K4Community, community staff members can now create and manage events in their community better than ever.
With our robust events feature, staff can go beyond simply creating event calendars. You have the ability to manage sign-ups and waitlists, track attendance (even from your mobile device), and learn more about your residents’ interests through our newest Data and Insights feature. Once an event is created, staff can seamlessly make event information accessible via Voice, Mobile App, Digital Signage, Direct Broadcast (in-room TV), as well as add to printable calendars. Put another way, staff enter events into K4Community one time and the event information is shared in multiple ways so that residents can stay connected with their community. We like to call it, “create once, publish everywhere.”
However, event management is only as good as the events themselves. And we are here to help! According to one of our recent Data Insights Reports, 89% of residents say a variety of content/experiences to choose from is important to them.
Below are five examples of standout events that are sure to increase your community’s engagement and resident happiness. Each of these options can be streamed virtually in order to meet the expectations of all who might be interested or benefit from these offerings – even from the comfort of home.
“Virtual experiences provided a dependable and scalable way to curb resident social isolation while in quarantine. While residents are eager to return to socializing in-person, a hybrid offering of both virtual and in-person events will meet the new expectations for residents who want to maintain that connection to community programming while at home.” – K4Connect’s Summer 2021 Data Insights Report
Guest Speaker Lecture Series
Consider scheduling a variety of popular to unusual topics to appeal to different resident interests! A free community service offered by AARP provides guest speakers
who speak to a wide range of subjects. You can find more information by visiting AARP.org.
Spice things up for your residents by introducing a teaching kitchen! This can be a great opportunity to introduce healthy lifestyles, unique cultural dishes, or even revisiting basic cooking techniques. Who doesn’t love good food?
A long time favorite, DIY tutorials can be as simple or as creative as you wish to be. A few examples are basic woodworking, painting, or even creating suncatchers!
Writing is an art form that belongs to everyone, no matter the age or skill level. Provide a creative outlet to your residents through a writing club. Each week, new writing prompts or creative writing techniques keep residents engaged and connected with each other and themselves.
In order to lean into your community’s equity, diversity and inclusion, consider partnering with local organizations or universities to expand inclusive cultural programming and services for residents.
Looking for more inspiration? Reach out to a client success specialist for a one on one consultation via this link.
By: Sarah Adams | Client Success Specialist
July 15, 2022
Resident safety is a primary advantage of living in a care community. Thanks to new advances in enterprise technology in the senior living industry, residents are increasingly gaining access to smart home systems — designed specifically for seniors — that further promote independence and greater well being.
At K4Connect, our mission is dedicated to continuing these advancements in a market that is not only helping the residents of today, but also in preparation for the generations to come; all in partnership with the senior living communities we serve. Below, we will dive into three key benefits of K4Community Smart Home.
Resident Check-In
With K4Community Resident Check-In, residents benefit from a passive check-in system that works behind-the-scenes to keep staff aware, while promoting resident independence and happiness. Delivered through integrated smart home devices and voice activation with Amazon Alexa, residents simply move about their home and community teams are alerted of daily resident activity through our software-based system.
With this automated well-check system, residents feel safer and community teams increase daily efficiency — a win-win. In fact, one K4Connect community partner is able to automatically perform 97% of its wellness checks on a daily basis, leaving only 3% of the resident population to manually check on. Hundreds of senior living residents also took part in a K4Connect survey about this solution, resulting in 80% saying K4Community Resident Check-In makes them feel safer and 89% applauding the convenience of the tool.
Motion Scenes
With the assistance of motion scenes, residents can customize lighting and/or temperature in their home based on their individual preferences. Automated home features can aid residents by empowering them to manage settings in ways that are easiest to manage for them. Please note, the ability to customize motion scenes is based on the current smart home features installed in the home. However, a few examples include:
This customizable element of our smart home automation solution creates a personalized technology experience that encourages increased usage and value over time.
To install personalized scenes for a smart home system, residents or staff can reach out to our K4Support team who will happily edit your settings remotely.
Access via Remote, Voice, or App
In addition to these great features, residents can access their Smart Home systems through a variety of user interfaces, including a remote, K4Community Voice, or through the K4Community Plus App — whichever works best for them!
Smart home is clearly no long an amenity of the future or reserved for luxury living, it’s more accessible and adaptable than ever before. We at K4Connect can’t wait to see where home automation advancements for older adults take us next!
Tips and Tricks
By: Sarah Adams | Client Success Specialist
June 27, 2022
Thanks to Amazon’s groundbreaking release in 2014, scores of people have become familiar with the term “Alexa.” Alexa is a virtual assistant that can help users with a variety of tasks, such as reporting the weather and news, playing radio stations, and more. But did you know that Alexa can be of great service in senior living as well? With K4Community Voice, Alexa voice assistance is brought to life for senior living residents of all ages and acuity, promoting independence and empowerment.
“When we can use our voice, it really does break down barriers. Voice-first technology is extremely interesting because it reduces the friction of technology adoption.”
– Sheri Peifer, Chief Strategy Officer, Eskaton
With K4Community Voice, communities can opt for K4Community enterprise-managed Alexa devices for the most capabilities. Our enterprise Amazon Alexa integration allows residents to confidently and securely experience voice technology. No personal information or individual accounts are required as K4Connect anonymizes devices to ensure your privacy is kept intact. Alternatively, as we know many residents are already using Alexa in their homes, and residents have the ability to download the K4Community Public Skill to their own Alexa device. Today we will cover commands you might not have known that will apply to both scenarios.
*Please note: you are only able to fulfill the commands listed below if the community has published the necessary information to K4Community.
By simply asking “Alexa, what are today’s events?” residents are seamlessly provided a list of the day’s events. Additionally, residents are able to ask about future events as well. For example, “Alexa, what are the events scheduled for this Saturday?”
Similar to events, Alexa has the ability to read menu items when requested. Alexa gathers menu information from posts created in the Post Manager in Team Hub. Specifically, Alexa reads the text in the description of the post. This gives community staff the greatest flexibility on how and what Alexa reads.
Have you noticed this button on your Team Hub’s home page, but aren’t entirely sure what it means?
By pressing “Notify Residents,” residents are able to call on Alexa to report whether the mail has arrived. When used consistently, this feature works to foster further independence for residents as they can rely on Alexa for accurate and timely information.
Built in by Amazon, Alexa features a variety of standard features; such as reporting the weather, setting alarms, sharing fun facts, and more! Additionally, enterprise-managed devices are able to opt for community-specific phone numbers for Alexa to dial by voice command. For example, “Alexa, call the Front Desk.” This popular feature is not only easy to use, but also relieves the burden from residents to dial by phone if there is an urgent need.
If you are a community staff member and have not been taking advantage of these opportunities for your community, give it a try! For more information or for resources available to provide to residents, please contact your Customer Success Manager.
Please note: Smart Home commands depend on the availability of connected devices/services in your specific community. If you are unsure of your community’s current setup, please contact K4Connect Support.
K4Community Voice turns into an incredible accessibility tool for residents when integrated with our Smart Home solution. If y
ou or a friend’s residence is equipped with K4Community Smart Home dimming lights, you might not have realized that Alexa can dim the lights for you! Simply ask Alexa to dim the lights to your preferred preference,in percentage format. For example, you can say: “Alexa, set the Kitchen Light to 80%” or “Alexa, set the Bathroom Light to 20%.”
Likewise, K4Community Smart Home packages typically include a smart thermostat. If you or a friend’s residence is equipped with a smart thermostat, simply ask Alexa to set the thermostat to your preferred degree setting.
Need Assistance? As always, if you are in need of assistance please contact our Support Team by either emailing support@k4connect.com, or by calling (855) 876-9673.
Not yet a K4Connect customer? Reach out here to schedule a demo or to learn more about our K4Community Digital Signage solution and more ways we can help your community create great technology experiences today.
