Senior care organizations are adopting technology with more enthusiasm as the baby boomers now entering their communities expect better connectivity and technology access, making those features a competitive necessity.
Building a Digital Foundation
Before adopting new tools, organizations must first ensure their IT infrastructure can handle the load.
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Testing Solutions on the Ground
Infrastructure alone is not enough. Organizations must also involve the people who will use the technology to ensure it actually improves their lives. Asbury Communities in Maryland has taken this approach by partnering with the AgeTech Collaborative from AARP to create an innovation lab.
Residents at Asbury Methodist Village can visit a model apartment to test pre-market solutions and offer feedback via paper or an Apple iPad. So far, they have tried a speech-optimizing sound bar, a neurotech headband to help people sleep, and a wearable ring that can control lights and fans. The organization also pilots a solution that pairs cameras with a predictive algorithm to detect falls. When the system identifies trouble, nurses receive an alert on their iPhones. Asbury has piloted this in two communities, where 98% of residents have opted in.
Resident feedback directly shapes the technology Asbury adopts. Michelle Curnow, senior vice president of sales and brand, noted that Joy initially launched as a TV-based AI concierge, but the organization added a phone-based service because residents preferred it. The company also plans to roll out a smart home program with in-room thermostat control and motorized window shades.
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While the focus is on resident experience, the ultimate goal is operational efficiency. By analyzing clinical, operational and financial data in an AWS data lake, Asbury can make informed decisions. This data revealed that adult children focus on safety, while prospective residents prioritize hobbies and a sense of purpose. This insight shapes the programming and technologies rolled out across the nine communities.
Implementing these systems creates a complex environment where privacy, safety, and usability must all be balanced. Even with robust infrastructure and careful pilot programs, the adoption of monitoring tools like cameras raises questions about how much surveillance is acceptable in a home-like setting. Providers must constantly weigh the benefits of immediate staff alerts against the resident’s sense of autonomy and dignity.
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AI and the Future of Care
Artificial intelligence is becoming a central part of this strategy, not just for residents but for staff workflows. United Methodist Communities uses an AI voice agent as a concierge at its full-service communities, which reduces calls to the reception desk. The platform also gathers feedback from residents and families through natural conversations.
Brookdale Senior Living has deployed an AI-powered platform that associates use to interview residents about their interests and life experiences. The tool organizes these responses into detailed profiles, helping the company design personalized engagement opportunities. Sara Terry, vice president of resident and family engagement, emphasized that technology should enhance lives rather than complicate them.