When I arrived at St. Paul’s last Friday for a special event, I was not sure I had the right room! It looked more like a Birthday Celebration than a launch of a new program (supported by technology). Colorful balloons, gift bags, upbeat music, and ‘Connected Living’ guests getting to know residents. I could just sense the excitement in the air!
The program began. And, I discovered that ‘Connected Living’ is all about social engagement with minimal emphasis on technology. In fact, founder Sarah Hoit says that technology is just the channel for connecting residents with their families and with each other in their community. This philosophy was quite evident through a most enjoyable and engaging program.
First, we played a game, complete with prizes! Ginna, our leader, asked the residents:
* Who is oldest? (A lady who is 99!)
* Who is youngest? (A lady who is 63!)
* Who has lived here the longest? (I think the answer was 27 years)
* Who has the most children? (A couple sitting behind me won that with 9 children)
* Who has the most grandchildren? (We had a tie between 2 ladies, each with 22 grandchildren)
As you can well imagine, people were learning all sorts of new things about the people sitting right next to them. We learned that ’Connected Living’ will help build upon the connections that residents already enjoy in their community. There are 2 new Discussion Group events scheduled. The first is titled, “The Greatest Generation”, World II Experiences. Residents will be able to share experiences of growing up during the Great Depression. The second is “Memorial Day” to honor and remember those who served our country. I can only imagine the wealth of life stories and the wisdom that will be shared during those discussions!
At a personal level, with Connected Living’s touch screen PCs, simple interface and one-on-one help from staff Ambassadors, residents will be able to invite family and friends to join them on St. Paul’s special social network. It reminds me of a private Facebook group. Besides email, residents will be able to record their memoirs, share photos, and connect to the World on the Internet.
The benefits include: bringing families and generations together, creating lifelong learning opportunities, AND building community. ”Connected Living” is offered to all residents at no-charge, and there is a 24/7 call center available for questions.
As the program ended, residents enjoyed a reception and immediately formed a line to get their logins. My friend wasted no time. She wanted to go down to the computers, log on to Connected Living and invite family and friends. So, we did. I don’t know who was more excited, her or me!
If your aging parents are living in a retirement community or assisted living, I strongly suggest you check out Connected Living.
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That sounds so cool! Someone ought to film those discussion groups. I bet they’ll be fascinating. What a wonderful gift that video would be to families.
Several staff members took pictures, but you are so right! A video would be awesome.
I’ll be over there tomorrow evening; I will suggest it to the Executive Director.
As long as they post it on their private network (open just to invited family/friends), that should be ok.
Thanks for the good idea! Dale…
Connected Living sounds like a great program! I just wrote a blog on the Linked Senior technology, which is focused on making it easier for senior living residents to use MP3 players. How fun to have been there to see the group enjoying it together.