ConnectedLiving Reveals Data that Shows Correlation Between Technology and Senior Housing Occupancy

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ALFA Conference -- In a survey conducted by ConnectedLiving and Emeritus Senior Living, 82 percent of family members said they would recommend a senior living community to others based on the availability of computers and Internet access for residents. This opinion is strengthened when the technology is tailored for seniors and includes training and support.

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The survey, conducted on December 17, 2012 at 28 Emeritus locations demonstrates that senior living communities are missing a significant opportunity to attract and retain residents if they don't offer technology. This is added to the facts that baby boomers are accustomed to using technology as part of their everyday lives and that America's 65-and-over population will more than double to 89 million over the next 40 years.

The award-winning ConnectedLiving program helps seniors get online using a secure, cloud-based social network; customized training and support that teaches seniors how to use technology; and ongoing support that helps residents, family and staff stay connected for the long-term. ConnectedLiving's platform includes an easy-to-navigate interface providing secure access to the Internet, email, photos, a library, games, and social media tools such as video chat. It is currently available in 28 Emeritus communities in 5 states, and growing.

Some of the additional findings from the survey were: 

• 58 percent of family members said having the ConnectedLiving program is important or very important to senior residents. 
• 67 percent of family members found online communication provided by ConnectedLiving to be important or very important, particularly during weather emergencies that impact all the residents in their particular senior living community. 
• 45 percent of family members feel ConnectedLiving has a positive impact on their senior family member by helping to increase ongoing communications with family members (via email, video chat, text).

"It is the fact that baby boomers will only choose to spend their money to live at connected communities that is changing how senior living communities attract residents and do business," said Sarah Hoit, CEO and co-founder of ConnectedLiving. "Perspective residents and their loved ones want access to technology to help them to stay connected. For example, across the 28 Emeritus communities, community staff members were able to convert 22 new residents because of the availability of the ConnectedLiving Network, training and ongoing support, which translated into $1,540,000 in additional revenue."

The ConnectedLiving Network, classes, activities and on-site support ensure easy adoption and sustained usage by the seniors who participate. Residents gain new computer skills, enjoy more frequent communication with family members and friends, and benefit from the health advantages that come with increased social activity.

"I am certain that ConnectedLiving has given Emeritus the advantage over our vast competition in the senior living industry," said Tara M. Jalbert, Community Relations Director for Emeritus Senior Living. "Being able to offer technology to our residents that allows them to better connect with family and friends has proven to be a big factor to our incoming residents. We are thrilled to be able to offer this to them."

Please visit ConnectedLiving during the 2013 ALFA conference at booth number 531. 

About Emeritus Senior Living
Emeritus Senior Living is the nation's largest memory care and assisted living provider, with the ability to serve nearly 50,000 residents. More than 30,000 employees support more than 470 communities throughout 45 states coast to coast. Emeritus offers the spectrum of senior residential choices, care options and life enrichment programs that fulfill individual needs and promote purposeful living throughout the aging process. Its experts provide insights on senior living, care, wellness, brain health, caregiving and family topics at www.Emeritus.com, which also offers details on the organization's services. Emeritus is based in Seattle, Wash.; its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ESC.

About ConnectedLiving
Founded in 2007, ConnectedLiving® is helping senior citizens live richer, more connected lives by combining simplified technology with high-touch personal support. Through the award-winning ConnectedLiving Network, a Web-based social platform designed specifically for the senior living industry, the company brings together seniors, their families, and community administrators in a secure, private online community. Coupled with the company's unique approach to training and support, ConnectedLiving integrates social networking, distance learning, community menus and calendars, and an extensive administrator dashboard to help get entire communities online and connected. ConnectedLiving has been adopted by the most recognized thought-leaders in both the private senior living industry and the public housing authorities across the country. www.connectedliving.com

SOURCE ConnectedLiving

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