Growing Connections OFF AND ONLINE

Since the launch of Village Connect in 2016, the online portal which includes dining menus, directories, events, maintenance work order forms, news and games, as well as access to smart home features, has seen increased usage and conveniences. A group of residents at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown are working with staff to ensure everyone is connected and benefiting from the advances in technology.

The resident technology council includes 13 residents and meets with Mark Eyer, resident technology coordinator; Megan Caldwell, innovation project director; and Joe Franco, chief information officer, to share ideas and feedback.

“One goal is to provide a communication channel between residents and the staff technology providers,” resident Bill Decker said. “A second goal is to facilitate the flow of technology know-how among those residents with experience using tech gadgets to residents who want to learn more. Not all residents have a visiting teenage nephew or granddaughter to help them learn.”

Resident Bonnie Motsay views it as a personal mission to see more residents using Village Connect to make their lives easier and safer.

“Technology affects the lives of folks and changes their way of learning, thinking and communicating,” she said. “For me, it’s very tough to imagine life without technology.”

The group sent a survey to residents to learn what devices they have and what support they need.

As a result of the survey, she, along with other residents, have spearheaded monthly drop-in sessions with Sandi Hathaway providing brief educational “Technology Tidbits” and to answer residents’ questions about specific technology, whether it’s their computer or cell phone. The sessions last upwards of two hours to ensure everyone’s questions are answered.

“Learning about new ways of doing things is sometimes difficult,” Bill said. “Seniors should be encouraged to become familiar with new technologies and to seek ways in which they can benefit from them.”

Mark recently transferred to his role after serving as director of retirement living for 17 years, and he’s excited for the new possibilities technology holds for residents. He’d like to expand the use of smart home features, such as residents adjusting their thermostats or lights from their phones.

“It’s important for people to be able to live comfortably in their homes,” Mark said. “These features have real benefits for people, especially those with arthritis or vision, hearing or mobility impairments.” help each other.”

Residents will soon be able to sign up for monthly trips and programs through Village Connect (the option to call in reservations will still be available). Mark is hosting monthly Village Connect sessions to help residents understand the portal’s benefits and know where to find information easily.

Future expansion of the portal also includes more forms residents can submit, such as vacation notices, airport drop off/pickup requests or take-out orders, so all staff who need the information can receive it at one time, saving time and paperwork.