The reality of the current landscape has meant a disruption to the status quo and how we go about our lives. Leadership teams within retirement communities are looking for ways to future proof and improve communications within a newly emerging world of social distance practices. Here are some of the top 5 technological trends and tools that Program Directors, Innovation, and Life Enrichment teams are utilizing to drive communications & resident engagement.
1. In-suite TV channel
In support of safer living environments, many Activity Director’s are requesting all community news, (and increasingly even activities such as in-suite BINGO, LIVE performances, or chapel service, pre-recorded events, youtube streams, etc) be delivered directly into the resident suites. At times when social distancing practices may be required, these initiatives are driving significantly higher levels of resident engagement as noted on resident satisfaction surveys- (an average of 52%)
2. INSTANT messages pushed to lobbies and resident suites by smartphone.
Rather than updating old fashioned bulletin boards at multiple locations /floors and run the risk of transmission with printed materials, admin teams are able to simply push instant color-coded messaging to lobby TVs, common room areas such as dining rooms, or more importantly directly to a dedicated in-suite channel-from any device.
3. Technology that addresses the resident need state.
It’s been a challenge for many within life enrichment to navigate the current pandemic while maintaining high or even adequate levels of resident engagement. One of the most significant technological shifts we have seen in retirement communities in the last 6 months has been observed through case studies that demonstrate the importance of using technology to cater to the resident’s well being. This is done partially by paying particular attention to the types of content that can best resonate against a resident need state (physical, mental, and spiritual). Innovation teams are looking for creative ways and thought leadership on how how to best manage one or multiple locations with customized activity programs and initiatives that can be programmed directly into the resident suites at specific times of the day and that cater to all needs.