Sheri Rose, executive director of Thrive Center, notes that senior care organizations are adopting technology to meet the expectations of baby boomers, who value connectivity and technology access. This shift is driven by the need to stay competitive, as independent and assisted living residents desire to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Rose explains that technology helps monitor the health of residents, allowing them to delay the transition to skilled nursing. As a result, senior care organizations are becoming more innovative, adopting solutions such as smart home devices and engagement tools to support resident independence and connectivity.
Asbury Communities’ Approach to Innovation
Asbury Communities has built a modern IT infrastructure, including Cisco Meraki networking and Wi-Fi equipment, to support innovative tools. The organization’s subsidiary, ThriveWell Tech, has migrated Asbury’s data to Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Software as a Service offerings.
Using Data to Shape Resident Experiences
Asbury uses clinical, operational, and financial data to inform decisions across its services. For example, survey data revealed that adult children prioritize safety, while prospective residents focus on hobbies and a sense of purpose. This insight shapes how Asbury markets itself and the experiences it offers.
Asbury partners with the AgeTech Collaborative from AARP to provide an innovation lab where residents can try new technologies and offer feedback. Residents have tested solutions such as a speech-optimizing sound bar and a neurotech headband to improve sleep.
The organization is also piloting a fall prevention system that uses cameras and predictive algorithms to detect potential falls and alert staff. The system has been tested in two communities, with 98% of assisted living and skilled nursing residents opting in.
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Asbury plans to roll out the fall prevention system to two more communities by September 2026 and is exploring a smart home program with in-room thermostat control and optional upgrades, such as motorized window shades.
According to Andrews, Asbury’s goal is to improve resident care and experiences while boosting operational efficiency. The organization is committed to trying new technologies that can make life better for its residents, even if they may not be immediately popular.
Building a Scalable IT Infrastructure
United Methodist Communities has a three-layered innovation strategy, consisting of a strong infrastructure, tools that remove friction for staff, and a disciplined governance process for evaluating new technology. The organization uses two dedicated gigabit circuits per community for high-speed connectivity and standardizes on Ruckus Wi-Fi access points.
Each resident is assigned their own access code and dedicated virtual LAN to reduce congestion and interference. United Methodist Communities is replacing its on-premises data center with cloud-based applications, using Microsoft 365 for productivity and Microsoft Fabric and Power BI for analytics.
The organization’s IT department focuses on improving staff workflows, automating account and device provisioning, and using AI-driven screening for caregiver applicants. Nurses and caregivers use Apple iPad devices for point-of-care documentation, and medication carts run on Google Chromebooks.
United Methodist Communities also trials new solutions with residents, families, and staff to decide what to adopt. The organization is currently piloting under-mattress bed sensors to monitor sleep patterns and vital signs, helping to track residents’ well-being and flag fall risks.
Gleinig notes that the organization evaluates technology carefully, with a strong process for technology governance. This approach enables United Methodist Communities to deliver high-quality care while equipping team members with the tools they need to perform at their best.
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Leading the Senior Care Technology Revolution
As the senior care industry continues to evolve, organizations like Asbury Communities and United Methodist Communities are at the forefront of innovation, leveraging technology to enhance resident care and experiences. By prioritizing resident and staff feedback, these organizations are able to develop targeted solutions that meet the unique needs of their communities.
With the percentage of senior living executives expecting AI to have a transformative or positive effect on the industry over the next five years, it is clear that technology will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of senior care. Asbury Communities and United Methodist Communities are just two examples of organizations that are proactively adopting this shift, using data and innovation to drive better outcomes for their residents.
The use of AI-powered platforms and data analytics is becoming more prevalent in the senior care industry, enabling organizations to make more informed decisions and improve operational efficiency. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be important for organizations to stay ahead of the curve, leveraging technology to enhance resident care and experiences.
At Asbury Communities, the focus is on using technology to support resident independence and connectivity. The organization’s innovation lab provides a unique opportunity for residents to try new technologies and offer feedback, helping to inform the development of new solutions. With a strong infrastructure in place, Asbury Communities is well-positioned to continue leveraging technology to drive better outcomes for its residents.
The partnership between Asbury Communities and the AgeTech Collaborative from AARP is just one example of how organizations are working together to drive innovation in the senior care industry. By collaborating with other organizations and leveraging the latest technologies, senior care providers can develop targeted solutions that meet the unique needs of their communities.
The lab tests about five technologies at a time for 60 to 90 days in a model apartment that residents can visit and then share feedback via paper or an Apple iPad.