Resident Tech Support and Training: Benefits and Questions to Consider
Tech support and training has gone from a “nice to have” to a “must have” for many senior living communities. For many families, IT support is a deciding factor when choosing a community.
Senior living residents are moving into communities with 5-7 devices, according to a LeadingAge Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) survey. But new technology often bring frustrations, lots of questions and more work for senior living staff, which is already stretched thin. 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. Staff often don’t have the time or sometimes the skills to offer tech help to residents.
A recent survey of senior living residents by Candoo Tech, one of the leading providers of tech support and training for older adults, showed that with specialized training and on-going support, residents were able to use technology to improve their lives.
Almost 40% learned a new skill or hobby
Over 30% learned how to communicate using their device
Almost 30% participated in an online program or event.
The most requested topics that residents requested help with were:
Staying safe online
Using Zoom
Using social media
Interacting with a doctor or healthcare professional.
Over 53% of respondents used a laptop or desktop, and 30+% used an iPhone. Residents demonstrated that it’s never too late to learn—over 50% of respondents were over 80 years old.
If you are considering adding resident tech support and training to your community, here are some key questions to consider:
Do you want in person or remote service? Remote service often offers faster response time and more immediate access to help plus more safety and security.
Do you want to invest in a full time resident IT person?
Are you relying on your current IT team? Does your IT team to have the time and are they trained to handle residents’ needs along with staff requirements?
Do you have budget available to support this offering or will you ask residents to pay a portion or all of the expense?
Are you relying on a local “tech guy”? If so, what happens if he’s on vacation, sick or can’t handle multiple requests at the same time?
Do you have a plan to train your residents to use new technology that you’ve invested in like resident engagement platforms?
How are you supporting new move-ins to make sure their technology is set up?
Does your resident tech support address the needs of older adults—like adjusting accessibility settings, connecting hearing aids, speaking in non-technical jargon?
How do your residents learn best? In groups? Individually? On their own? Does your training solution address all three ways to learn?
Don't let your senior living community fall behind in the digital age. If you have questions, Candoo Tech help you assess the needs of your community and come up with a plan. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can help your residents thrive.