Changing the resident experience through engagement technology
Larry Carlson and Carol McKinley
United Methodist Communities, USA
: J Aging Geriatr Med
Abstract
Today we utilize technology in virtually every facet of our lives. We’re connected 24/7 to the world at large through email, Skype, smartphones, laptops, tablets and a myriad of other applications and devices. Yet many older adults, particularly those individuals living with dementia, have been left out of the technological revolution. This presentation will feature a U.S. provider (United Methodist Communities) that has helped shatter this perception by utilizing engagement technology to improve the lives of the residents they serve. United Methodist Communities, located in New Jersey, has a 110-year history of serving elders. These elders range from the very healthy to the very frail. Inspired by their mission “compassionately serving in community so that all are free to choose abundant life”, United Methodist Communities recognized they needed to jump into the world of technology. They have been willing to do this by serving in pilot program opportunities that advance both wellness and social engagement of their residents. The ultimate success of their work is achieved through a team approach involving various disciplines and job functions. The presentation will go into detail how this team approach-including activity directors, nursing assistants, therapists, social workers, volunteers and family-has worked to integrate the engagement technology into the community’s day-today programming. At this session, attendees will be able to learn about the types of technologies utilized; hear the reactions of the residents and families, and learn the outcomes from their work.
Biography
Mr. Larry Carlson is president & CEO of United Methodist Communities which owns and operates nine senior communities and a homecare agency throughout the state of New Jersey providing service to 1,400 residents, by over 1,000 associates. Mr. Carlson has over 40 years of leadership experience in multiple aspects of eldercare including CCRC, long-term skilled nursing, post-acute rehabilitation, congregate housing, adult day health, and assisted living. He earned a Master of Business Administration Degree from Babson College in Wellesley, MA. Dr. Carol McKinley is the Vice President of Operations for United Methodist Communities, a retirement system located in Neptune, New Jersey. She is a veteran licensed nursing home administrator serving in an array of health care and aging services for over thirty years. Dr. McKinley has spent much of her education and career devoted to the care of older adults. Her current initiatives include advancing memory care into innovative programming; introducing technology for resident wellness and engagement, and creating and implementing post-acute care strategies. Carol received her Doctorate in Administration from The Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
E-mail: lcarlson@umcommunities.org cmckinley@umcommunities.org
