Senior Care

The Importance of Resident Engagement and Family Communication Platforms in 2023

February 10, 2024
Freddie Peyerl
Post by
Freddie Peyerl

In 2023, senior living communities will face a number of challenges in terms of resident engagement and family communication. As the population ages and more seniors move into these communities, it will become increasingly important for these communities to have effective communication and engagement strategies in place. This is where a platform like Quiltt comes in.

One of the biggest challenges facing senior living communities in 2023 will be the need to engage and connect with residents in a meaningful way. Many seniors are isolated and disconnected from their families and communities, and this can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. A platform like Quiltt can help to bridge this gap by providing a way for residents to connect with one another and with their families. The platform can be used to share stories, photos, and videos, and to connect residents with activities and events that are happening in the community. This can help to foster a sense of community and belonging among residents, and can help to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Another important aspect of Quiltt is its ability to facilitate communication between families and staff. As seniors age, their families often become more involved in their care and well-being. However, it can be difficult for families to stay informed about what is happening in the community, and to communicate with staff in a timely and effective manner. Quiltt can help to bridge this gap by providing a platform for families to communicate with staff, share information, and stay updated on the status of their loved one. This can be especially important for families who live far away from the community, as it can be difficult for them to stay connected and informed without a dedicated platform.

In addition to these benefits, Quiltt can also help to improve the overall care and well-being of residents. The platform can be used to track and monitor activity participation and to provide staff with real-time information about the status of their residents. This can help to ensure that residents are receiving the appropriate level of care and attention, and can help to prevent potential health crises. Additionally, Quiltt can be used to notify staff of a possible fall or when a resident is up moving in the middle of the night, which can help to ensure that residents are getting the care they need when they need it.

Finally, Quiltt can help to improve the overall experience of living in a senior living community. The platform can be used to provide residents with information about community events and activities, and to connect them with other residents who share their interests. This can help to create a sense of community and belonging, and can help to improve the overall quality of life for residents. Additionally, Quiltt can be used to provide residents with information about local resources and services, which can help to ensure that they have access to the support they need to live independently.

In conclusion, as the population ages and more seniors move into senior living communities, it will become increasingly important for these communities to have effective communication and engagement strategies in place. A platform like Quiltt can help to bridge the gap between residents, families, and staff, and can help to improve the overall experience of living in a senior living community. Additionally, it can help to provide residents with the care and support they need to live independently and happily. Therefore, in 2023, senior living communities will need a resident engagement and family communication platform like Quiltt to keep up with the demands of the aging population.

Three older women sitting on a couch

What is a resident engagement and family communication platform?

A resident engagement and family communication platform is a software or digital tool that is designed to facilitate communication and engagement between residents, families, and staff in senior living communities. These platforms are typically web-based or mobile-based, and can be used for a variety of purposes, including connecting residents with one another and with their families, sharing stories and photos, and providing families with real-time information about the status of their loved ones. They can also be used to alert staff of falls or when a resident is up wandering in the middle of the night, and to provide staff with real-time information about the status of their residents. Additionally, they can be used to provide residents with information about community events and activities, and to connect them with other residents who share their interests. Overall, resident engagement and family communication platforms are designed to improve the overall experience of living in a senior living community by fostering a sense of community and belonging among residents, and by providing families and staff with the information and support they need to care for residents effectively.

What these platforms are not...

A resident engagement and family communication platform is not a substitute for the physical presence and direct interactions between residents, families and staff members. It is not a platform for staff members to avoid face-to-face communication with residents and families, but rather a tool to enhance it. It is also not a replacement for professional medical care and treatment, it is a complementary tool to assist in providing the best care for residents. It is also not a platform for staff members to share sensitive information or personal data without following proper protocols and regulations.

Pro Tip: How do you identify and evaluate resident engagement and family communication platforms.

We might be a bit biased, but we think you should start with Quiltt. However, if you decide to check out some other options we recommend taking the following steps:

  1. Identify the specific needs of your community: Before evaluating any resident engagement and family communication platforms, it is important to identify the specific needs of your senior living community. This will help you determine which features and functionality are most important for your community.
  2. Research available options: Research different resident engagement and family communication platforms that are available on the market. Look for platforms that have been specifically designed for senior living communities.
  3. Check for compatibility with existing systems: Make sure the platform you choose is compatible with any existing systems you have in place, such as electronic health records or medication management systems.
  4. Look for a platform that can provide real-time data: A platform that can provide real-time data on residents’ health and wellbeing can be a valuable tool for staff members and families to stay informed.
  5. Check for security and privacy measures: Make sure the platform has robust security and privacy measures in place to protect residents’ personal information and data.
  6. Consider ease of use: A platform that is easy to use for both residents, staff members and families is more likely to be adopted and used effectively.
  7. Check for scalability: Make sure the platform can scale to meet the needs of your community as it grows.
  8. Look for customizable features: A platform that allows for customization of features and functionality can be tailored to the unique needs of your community.
  9. Check for customer support: A platform with good customer support can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting and training.
  10. Get feedback from staff and residents: Before making a final decision, get feedback from staff members and residents to see if the platform meets their needs and is easy for them to use.

If you adopt a resident engagement and family communication platform, here's what you should expect.

If a senior living community adopts a resident engagement and family communication platform, they should expect to see a number of benefits for both residents, staff members and families.

  1. Improved communication: With a resident engagement and family communication platform, staff members can easily communicate with families and keep them informed about the status of their loved ones. Residents can also communicate with staff members and other residents, which can help to foster a sense of community and belonging.
  2. Increased engagement: With a platform that provides real-time data and information about community events and activities, residents will be more engaged and connected with their community.
  3. Better care: With a platform that can track and monitor vital signs and other health indicators, staff members can provide better care and attention to residents. This can help to prevent potential health crises and ensure that residents are getting the care they need.
  4. Improved quality of life: By providing residents with information about local resources and services, and connecting them with other residents who share their interests, a resident engagement and family communication platform can help to improve the overall quality of life for residents.
  5. Enhanced staff efficiency: Staff members can easily access, update, and share information about residents, which can help to streamline care and improve efficiency.
  6. Enhanced accountability and transparency: A platform that allows for real-time data and tracking can provide transparency for both staff and families, which can help to foster trust and accountability.
  7. Easier and faster problem solving: With a centralized platform, staff members can quickly and easily identify and solve problems, which can help to improve the overall experience for residents and families.

Overall, a resident engagement and family communication platform can help to improve the overall experience of living in a senior living community and provide the necessary tools for staff and families to provide the best care possible.

Woman doing research on a computer

What are the next steps?

Once a senior living administrator has identified and evaluated resident engagement and family communication platforms, the next steps include:

  1. Choosing a platform: Based on the research and evaluation process, choose a platform that best meets the specific needs of the community.
  2. Implementing the platform: Work with the chosen platform provider to implement the platform throughout the community. This may include training staff members and residents on how to use the platform, and configuring the platform to meet the specific needs of the community.
  3. Communicating with residents and families: Communicate to residents and families about the new platform, how it works and how it will benefit them. Encourage them to use the platform to improve communication and engagement.
  4. Monitoring and evaluating: Once the platform is implemented, monitor and evaluate its effectiveness in meeting the needs of the community. This may include tracking usage statistics and gathering feedback from residents and staff members.
  5. Continuously improving: Continuously look for ways to improve the platform, by adding new features and functionality, or by making adjustments to better meet the needs of the community.
  6. Keeping up with regulations: Make sure that the platform is compliant with regulations and laws related to data protection and privacy.
  7. Keeping the platform updated: Regularly update the platform to make sure that it is running smoothly and that all its features are functioning properly.

By following these steps, an administrator will be able to successfully implement a resident engagement and family communication platform, which will help to improve the overall experience of living in a senior living community and provide the necessary tools for staff and families to provide the best care possible.

Why Quiltt?

When it comes to resident engagement and family communication, it's crucial for senior living communities to have a platform that can meet their needs effectively and efficiently. One platform that stands out in this field is Quiltt. Here are a few reasons why your community should adopt Quiltt as your resident engagement and family communication platform:

  1. Affordable cost: Quiltt offers a low monthly cost that is likely less than your community's cable bill. This makes it a budget-friendly option for communities looking to improve their resident engagement and family communication efforts.
  2. Transparent pricing: Quiltt has a transparent pricing model, which means that you know exactly what you're paying for and that there are no hidden costs. This can help your community budget for and plan for the future.
  3. No long-term contract: Quiltt doesn't require a long-term contract, which means that you can try the platform without committing to a long-term commitment. This allows your community to test the platform and see if it's a good fit before committing to a longer-term agreement.
  4. Access to new features: With Quiltt's pro plan, you'll have access to all the new features that are released at no extra cost. This means that your community can take advantage of the latest technology and features to improve your resident engagement and family communication efforts.
  5. Customizable features: Quiltt allows you to customize features and functionality to suit the unique needs of your community. This means that you can tailor the platform to your specific community, making it more effective and efficient.
  6. Great customer support: Quiltt provide best in class customer support, which means that you can get help and support when you need it. This can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting and training, which can help your community get the most out of the platform.

In conclusion, Quiltt is an affordable and effective option for senior living communities looking to improve their resident engagement and family communication efforts. With its low monthly cost, transparent pricing, no long-term contract, access to new features, customizable features and good customer support, it's the perfect choice for communities looking to take their engagement and communication efforts to the next level.