By embracing new technology, Givens Communities is opening doors to a future of greater empowerment, agency, safety, and connection for our residents.
Imagine living in a community where your home itself helps take care of you.
Reminding you to take your medication, preventing illness with sensors that proactively detect illness and align health care services automatically, Sensors that detect motion changes so your home’s functionality can be proactively adjusted to your changing needs preventing accidents, and simultaneously providing the convenience of home automation and keeping you effortlessly connected with loved ones.
At Givens Communities, this vision is quickly becoming reality. Our 5-Year IT Strategy is all about using innovation to unlock “Endless Possibilities, Vibrant Aging,” bringing casually futuristic tools into the everyday lives of residents across Independent Living, Assisted Living, Home Care, Skilled Nursing, and Affordable Housing.
Proactive Health and Safety at Home – Independent Living and Home Care
One of the most exciting developments in health technology is proactive health monitoring right in your home. Soon, residents may have smart devices like discreet fall detecting lamps or wearables that automatically alert caregivers in an emergency.
For example, a smart lamp could sense a fall and immediately notify staff, ensuring help is on the way even if you can’t reach a call button. Likewise, wearable health trackers (think of a high-tech watch or pendant) can keep an eye on vital signs and daily activity. These gadgets learn your routines and can spot small changes, like an elevated heart rate or missed medications; and gently prompt you or the care team before a little issue becomes a big problem.
Givens is also exploring sensor-enhanced fixtures (yes, even “smart” toilets!) that monitor health indicators to catch concerns like UTIs or dehydration early. It might sound like sci-fi, but the goal is simple: keeping residents healthier and safer through smart tech, with quick responses to any changes.
In Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing settings, where health needs are greater, these AI-powered safety tools provide an extra layer of protection. They give everyone more peace of mind, knowing that there’s an automatic safety net and health monitoring in place 24/7.
Staying Connected and Engaged
Technology isn’t just about health; it’s also about happiness and staying engaged with the world.
Givens is reviewing next-generation resident engagement app/portals that will make community life easier and more fun. These are all-in-one platforms (accessible on a smartphone, tablet, or even your TV) that will let residents check the day’s menu, sign up for outings, see announcements, and even video chat with neighbors or family at the touch of a button.
Imagine asking Alexa, “What’s on the schedule today?” and hearing about the morning fitness class or evening movie night. Voice-assisted technology will enable simple interactions like this for residents, even if they aren’t tech savvy you can just ask a question and get an answer from the community’s info system.
For residents who aren’t familiar with these tools, the technology team can align you with community volunteers including fellow residents that can offer easy training and support.
Beyond communication, engaging technology like interactive game systems and virtual reality are on the horizon. Residents might soon enjoy motion activated games that double as light exercise, or VR experiences that let them “visit” far off places and rekindle old memories. These innovations fight isolation and boredom by adding joy, learning, and social connection to daily life. Every week could feature something new. From virtual museum tours to online bridge games with friends. Keeping minds sharp and spirits high.
Independence Through Smart Living – Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living
Ultimately, these technologies are about empowering independence and agency across all levels of living at Givens. In Independent Living, for instance, residents may in the future be able to opt into smart home features that make daily tasks easier. Think of smart thermostats that know your preferred temperature, lights that turn on with a simple voice command, and sensors that alert you if you left the stove on. These tools add convenience and safety, allowing seniors to age in place confidently and handle routines on their own terms.
In Assisted Living, the focus is on supportive safety. Wearable location devices already gently alert staff if a resident wanders beyond a safe area, and friendly voice companions could provide reminders like “It’s time for a sip of water” or play music to soothe.
Residents with limited mobility might use voice assistants not just for fun questions, but to call a nurse simply by speaking with no need to reach a phone or call button. Givens is looking at integrating these voice systems with our call lights, so asking for help is as easy as saying “I need assistance” aloud. It’s a game-changer for those who may struggle with buttons or phones.
In our Skilled Nursing facilities, higher-tech medical support will work behind the scenes. Imagine blood pressure or oxygen monitors that automatically update nurses, or even AI-powered cameras that can safely monitor breathing and heart rate without disturbing a resting patient. Doctors from afar could consult via telehealth stations, meaning residents get specialist care without a stressful trip to a hospital.
Affordable Housing
In Affordable Housing communities, Givens is looking for ways to fund the introduction of many of these innovations. Just because a community is affordable doesn’t mean it shouldn’t have the latest life-enhancing tools. From robust internet access for telehealth visits to community apps that keep everyone informed and included. Across every Givens community, the message is clear: technology will serve people, not replace them.
By handling routine monitoring and tasks, these tools free up our devoted staff to spend more one on one time with residents. Instead of doing paperwork or rounds to check if everyone is okay, caregivers can focus on personal interactions, knowing our smart systems are keeping a silent vigil on safety.
Personal Support and a Thoughtful Rollout
Importantly, Givens is taking a thoughtful, phased approach to all these innovations. We aren’t dumping a bunch of new technology on residents and staff overnight. Instead, we’ll introduce tools gradually often starting with small pilot programs. Residents and team members will be invited to try things out and give feedback. What works well? What could be improved?
We’ll refine each initiative before expanding it community wide and make sure solutions are financially sustainable. This way, everyone has a voice in how tech becomes part of daily life, and we are maintaining fiscal responsibility for all our residents.
By testing and learning, we make sure that each new system truly delivers benefits (and has any bugs worked out) before it rolls out everywhere. It’s a careful rollout strategy designed to minimize frustration and maximize the positive impact. After all, the heart of “Vibrant Aging” is keeping the human touch at the center, even as we add exciting new tools to our care.
The Future is Bright
From smart homes that watch over your well-being to apps that keep you in the social loop, Givens Communities is embracing technology to create richer, safer days for residents.
It’s a future where older adults can live with greater independence and confidence, families stay in the loop effortlessly, and staff have more time for genuine caregiving.
Givens is accomplishing what once seemed like endless possibilities and making them endless realities. By blending compassionate support with cutting edge tech, we’re ensuring that growing older at Givens is not just about care but about thriving.
In the coming years, don’t be surprised to see more gadgets around our campuses and lots of delighted residents using them. The spirit of innovation is alive and well here, all in the service our mission Creating Community, Empowering Lives and our vision of Endless Possibilities, Vibrant Aging. The tools of the future are on their way, and they’re going to make life at Givens better than ever!
