IT Support for Senior Living: Why Tech Help is Essential for Senior Living Communities
IT support for senior living is becoming more critical as residents are relying more and more on technology in their daily lives. According to a recent LeadingAge Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) survey, residents are moving into senior living communities with 5-7 devices, but they often need assistance setting them up.
Often, it’s the activities staff, nursing or front desk who are asked by residents to help with technology. Sometimes, it’s the IT department, who are usually busy helping staff with IT issues. So, staff often don’t have the time or sometimes the skills to offer tech help to residents.
Using existing staff to support a resident's tech help needs is not only costly from a labor perspective, but staff (other than IT staff) aren’t often knowledgeable on how to help residents. And more often than not, IT staff doesn’t have the training to focus on residents’ tech needs.
As the aging population becomes more tech-savvy, the demand for IT support in senior living communities is only going to increase. Families expect their loved ones to have access to the latest technologies and the support needed to use them effectively. In fact, for many families, IT support is a deciding factor when choosing a senior living community for their loved ones. By offering resident IT support, senior living communities can not only meet but exceed the expectations of their residents and their families, and set themselves apart from competitors who may not offer this service. In today's digital age, staying competitive means providing the necessary resources to help seniors thrive in the tech world, and IT support is a critical component of that equation.
How Technology Can Help Seniors
Residents often need assistance with daily activities, and technology can help make their lives easier, safer, and more comfortable. A recent Candoo Tech survey that asked respondents about tech help in senior living communities found that 94% of respondents believed technology to be important in their daily lives. Here are some reasons why tech is essential for senior living communities:
Communication: With technology, residents can easily communicate with their loved ones, friends, and healthcare providers. Video calling applications, including Zoom, social media platforms, and messaging apps make it easy for residents to stay connected with others, reducing social isolation and loneliness.:
Health and Wellness: Technology can help seniors monitor their health and wellness, from tracking their medication schedules to monitoring their blood pressure and even trying meditation. This information can be sent to their healthcare providers in real-time, allowing for early detection and intervention of any health issues.
Safety and security: Technology can enhance safety and security in senior living communities. This includes everything from physical security to scam prevention. For example, smart home devices can be used to monitor activity levels, detect falls, and alert caregivers in case of emergencies. Be sure to check out Candoo Tech’s tips for staying safe online here for more on scam prevention.
Quality of Life: Technology can provide seniors with entertainment and help them stay engaged in activities they enjoy. Streaming services, audiobooks, and games are just a few examples of how technology can help seniors stay entertained. More than ever, senior living residents are using video stream services like Netflix and Hulu to enjoy modern stream content, tv shows and movies.
Technology can make daily tasks more convenient for residents. For example, smart home devices can be used to control lighting, temperature, and appliances, making it easier for residents to manage their homes.
Technology has revolutionized the senior living experience by providing access to services such as resident engagement portals, dining menus, and work orders. To ensure residents can comfortably use these tools, it's crucial to offer personalized tech support. This not only satisfies residents’ needs, but it also maximizes the potential of your technology investments. By investing in IT support, senior living communities can ensure that their residents are happy, engaged, and their technology investments are utilized to the fullest.
The power of technology goes beyond convenience and entertainment. Investing in it can improve senior living residents' health, safety, and overall well-being. However, technology can be overwhelming, especially for those who aren't tech-savvy. That's where Candoo Tech comes in! We recognize the importance of IT support in senior living communities, and our team of experts is here to provide reliable and efficient assistance to help residents navigate their devices and systems with ease.
Don't let your senior living community fall behind in the digital age. Let Candoo Tech help you enhance the technology experience for your residents. Contact us today to learn more about how our IT support services can help your residents thrive.