Innovation is happening all around us, and that impact can be seen across industries. From artificial intelligence (AI) to 3-D printing, countless breakthroughs have changed the way we live—improving efficiency in our daily routines and also in the workplace. Many industries have embraced these technologies, but what does innovation look like for the senior living industry?
The exponential growth in connected devices has put an immense strain on the complex infrastructures of commercial properties in recent years, especially multifamily housing complexes and senior living communities. Add in a pandemic to accelerate the need for hybrid workspaces and virtual communication, and many properties have experienced a technological nightmare.
As a real estate and technology professional, when I had the opportunity to tour a brand-new multifamily apartment complex, I was excited to see the types of property technology,also called “proptech,” that the developer installed and what new tech would be available to the residents in this beautiful, well-constructed building. As I entered into a model unit, I was impressed with the FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) finishes, the high quality, and the attention to detail of the unit layout. It was easy for me to envision the elevated experience anyone would encounter while calling this place home.
The exponential growth in connected devices has put an immense strain on the complex infrastructures of commercial properties in recent years, especially multifamily housing complexes and senior living communities. Add in a pandemic to accelerate the need for hybrid workspaces and virtual communication, and many properties have experienced a technological nightmare.
Innovation is happening all around us. From artificial intelligence (AI) to 3-D printing, countless breakthroughs have changed the way we live—improving efficiency in our daily routines and also in the workplace. Many industries have embraced these technologies, but what does innovation look like for the senior living industry?
Guest Wi-Fi is the number one ranked property amenity among travelers, and with the proliferation of devices and streaming demands, network expectations continue to rise. Robust and dependable connectivity has become a top priority for most hotel brands.
For years, the guest room television wasn’t a high priority for many hotel operators unless the property had free HBO. While consumer technology quickly advanced, from picture and performance to over-the-top (OTT) capabilities, the hotel TV remained stagnant, taking years to even bring high definition (HD) to the guest room. However, the television is a vital part of the guest experience, and you need comparable video services to what your guests are accustomed to at home to make them feel comfortable.
It’s no secret that consumer expectations continue to rise. The digital age has led the hospitality industry to become more competitive than ever, and the pandemic has only accelerated the need for modern hospitality technology.
The senior living technology boom has been a long time coming. Tech was not always a priority for older adults, but in recent years, usage has skyrocketed among seniors. More seniors are moving into communities with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other wireless gadgets, and the number of devices will only increase as time goes on. The shift towards connected communities has been gradual—when the pandemic hit, however, the industry was forced to jump headfirst into modern technology in order to keep residents safe and healthy while maintaining their quality of life and mental health.
The Ray Baum's Act, which expands upon Kari’s Law, was signed into law on March 6, 2018 and goes into effect on January 6, 2021. This act requires a “dispatchable location” be transmitted when a 911 call is initiated, including calls from multi-line telephone systems.
Properties like hotels and senior living communities must ensure their phone systems are up to date, or they can be subject to fines of up to $10,000.