Senior Living Providers Rolling Out Resident-Friendly Tech

Tech companies are realizing that technology use and adoption shouldn’t be bound by age limits, evidenced by many continuing to introduce innovative, care-oriented products specifically geared toward older adults. 

Senior living providers have also taken notice and are rolling out some of the latest tech initiatives within their communities to keep their residents safe, engaged, and connected to family and friends. Here are a few of the most recent:

1. New Perspective Rolls Out Senior-Friendly Computer Systems

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New Perspective Senior Living announced this month that it will be rolling out a new computer systems designed specifically for seniors in all of its Lighthouse Communities in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. 

The user-friendly, touchscreen technology was developed by Colorado-based It’s Never 2 Late (iN2L), a company dedicated to making the computer accessible and enjoyable for older adults, regardless of physical or cognitive limitations. 

The iN2L systems can be customized to suit the unique preferences of each and every resident, highlighting only the content that appeals to them. Family members can also participate in creating resident profiles from anywhere in the world. 

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“From using e-mail and video chat to connect with family and friends, to enjoying mind-stimulating activities and games, to sensory experiences, spiritual content, and video exercise programs, elders with a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities, most of whom have never used a computer, are now enjoying technology systems adapted especially for them,” said Ryan Novaczyk, president of New Perspective Senior Living. 

2. Status Solutions’ Wristwatch Monitoring Device Adopted by Tenn. CCRC

Appalachian Christian Village, an East Tennessee continuing care retirement community (CCRC), has rolled out Status Solutions’ Motion into Meaningful Information (MIMI) mobile health monitoring solution to residents in its Personal Care Plus program. 

Powered by AFrame Digital, a company specializing in wireless health monitoring, the MIMI device tracks resident vitals and daily activities via a wristwatch device to create personalized care models and trend reports. 

If any change in a resident’s conditions occurs, a notification automatically goes to caregivers to assist them in determining if modifications to an individual’s health care are needed. 

MIMI can also log blood pressure, capture sleeping patterns and track glucose levels. In addition to alerting community staff, the non-intrusive MIMI system provides health alerts that can also be available to family members to proactively monitor the needs of their loved one from afar. 

“We anticipate broader adoption of mobile health monitoring across the health care spectrum because of the increased focus on quality and cost reduction,” says Eric Miller, director of technology for Status Solutions. “Senior living services will be considered incomplete without the sort of real-time health metrics that MIMI provides. Real-time data about a senior’s activity, coupled with his or her vitals, gives caregivers a better picture of overall health and wellness. MIMI is another tool for helping to manage chronic diseases, prevent falls, reduce hospital readmissions, and enable seniors to age in place with greater dignity and independence.”

3. Mobile PERS Device Enables GPS Connectivity for Care Specialists

Securus, Inc., maker of personal mobile safety and security products, offers a mobile solution for personal emergency response systems (PERS) that does away with having to rely on a traditional landline telephone connection to request help in the event of an emergency. 

eCare+Voice harnesses mobile communication and GPS technology to enable seniors to call for help anytime, anywhere without a landline phone connection.

The compact device can be worn as a lanyard around an individual’s neck and is portable enough to be stored in a handbag or clipped to a keychain.

An S.O.S button on the device connects the user with an emergency care center, allowing for two-way voice communication. The device’s GPS capabilities allow emergency center specialists to track the eCare+Voice user and dispatch local EMS as well as relay critical medical information to first responders. 

Caregivers can also locate the eCare+Voice user online at any time via a free mobile app or by simply sending a text message.

Written by Jason Oliva

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