Refinement of Networking Infrastructure Enhances Services and Improves Living Conditions for Caregivers and Seniors
In the heart of assisted living, St. Mark Village and senior care provider Enlivant are leveraging technology to improve the lives of their residents and staff.
St. Mark Village, a vibrant community in [location], has identified resident ambassadors who are tech-savvy and eager to share their knowledge, offering peer-to-peer training to other residents. This initiative is part of a larger digital transformation strategy.
The transformation involves a comprehensive upgrade of the core networking equipment, including firewalls, switches, cabling, and access points. St. Mark Village is currently in the process of expanding its Cisco Meraki Access Points (APs) to 250 across both campuses.
Enlivant, headquartered in Chicago, has also standardized on Cisco Meraki equipment, making network management more streamlined. The primary driver for this upgrade was the need for residents to connect with their families during extended COVID-19 lockdowns.
The digital transformation has brought about several benefits during the pandemic. Enabling telehealth and remote monitoring has allowed residents to safely access medical consultations without leaving their facilities. Enhanced communication between staff, residents, and families has been made possible through improved video conferencing and digital platforms. Operational efficiency has also been boosted with better access to cloud-based systems for care coordination and documentation.
Looking ahead, the long-term benefits of these network improvements are promising. Sustained use of telemedicine is expected to improve access to specialized healthcare services for seniors. Enhanced emergency response capabilities will be achieved with real-time data and communication systems. Improved resident engagement and quality of life are anticipated through digital activities and connectivity with loved ones. Lastly, increased resilience of care facilities to future health crises or disruptions is expected.
St. Mark Village is also working on upgrades to its affordable housing portfolio to provide Wi-Fi connectivity in every apartment. Technology adoption by older adults has numerous advantages, including improved access to health information, tools, and content, digital resources for financial management and e-commerce, opportunities for civic engagement, and new avenues for creative expression and learning.
Enlivant residents are now enjoying consistent Wi-Fi coverage and improved user experience, enabling new initiatives like putting Apple iPad devices in every community. Residents can now connect with family members via videoconferencing and on smart TVs, thanks to the improved Wi-Fi connectivity.
Enlivant has completed upgrades in one-third of its communities, with the remainder slated for the next two to three years. The move towards standardization has benefited network administration and support, particularly because IT staffers work out of Chicago.
Network upgrades at St. Mark Village have also supported safety measures like COVID-19 questionnaires and thermal cameras. Residents can now use translation apps to communicate with neighbours who speak different languages, facilitating social connections.
As we navigate through these challenging times, St. Mark Village and Enlivant are setting a commendable example of how technology can be harnessed to improve the lives of seniors and enhance the quality of care in assisted living communities.
Science and health-and-wellness are being advanced through the increased use of technology in senior care, as St. Mark Village and Enlivant incorporate digital tools to improve the lives of their residents. This includes the implementation of telehealth and remote monitoring systems foraccessing medical consultations, as well as digital activities and connectivity with loved ones that promote resident engagement and quality of life.
In the realm of aging and technology, St. Mark Village is working on expanding its Wi-Fi connectivity in every apartment of its affordable housing portfolio, enabling seniors to access a wide range of digital resources that can improve their health, financial management, and opportunities for creative expression and learning.
