We love our senior citizens; they’re survivors! And with 88%1 of older adults now using the internet to stay in touch with loved ones, access healthcare services, and engage in social activities, high-speed connectivity in senior living communities is more important than ever. Some, including us, would even go so far as to say that connectivity is now a basic right.
So, let’s talk about it! Assisted living facilities are evolving, led by increased connectivity, and we at Bigleaf are honored to be playing a part in ensuring this connectivity for residents, staff, and caregivers alike.
The Rise of Tech-Enabled Senior Living
There are several technology trends that are becoming particularly influential in driving the demand for robust internet solutions in assisted living facilities, but primarily:
- Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: As more healthcare providers offer virtual consultations and remote monitoring, assisted living facilities require seamless internet connections to ensure that residents can access timely medical care without disruptions.
- Smart Home Devices: Devices like smart thermostats, lighting systems, and security cameras are becoming common in senior living communities, not to mention individual tracking devices in certain cases. These technologies improve safety and convenience but also depend on consistent connectivity to operate effectively.
- Digital Communication Platforms: With many residents relying on video calls and social media to stay connected with loved ones, a reliable internet connection is essential to maintaining these important relationships.
Additionally, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are both gaining traction in assisted living environments, emerging as tools for both cognitive therapy and social interaction. VR and AR applications and immersive experiences require high-bandwidth, low-latency connections to function properly. Have you seen Ready Player One? It won’t be long before we’ll be able to visit our loved ones in assisted living facilities in the real-world equivalent of The Oasis.
The Importance of Connectivity
There are so many reasons that reliable internet connectivity now plays a crucial role in assisted living facilities. From fostering a sense of community among residents and keeping them in touch with loved ones through social media, video calls, and online activities, to supporting health and wellness via telehealth services, to ensuring that health monitoring and emergency services are uninterrupted; all of this is contingent upon seamless and uninterrupted network connectivity.
Looking to the future, while there’s no way to know for certain what may come (except, of course, for The Oasis), connectivity will continue to drive innovation and remain a key component in senior living.
Our Commitment
Here at Bigleaf, we’re committed to futureproofing assisted living facilities by providing robust, scalable connectivity solutions that prepare them for the next wave of technological advancements. From network optimization to 5G wireless, our feature-rich solutions ensure uninterrupted and reliable connectivity for your business (and your loved ones). And our newly launched Cloud Connect delivers even more visibility into your network circuits and health.
If you’re ready to learn more about Bigleaf, request a demo today!
