The Arbor Company of Atlanta, Georgia selects Southern California technology company Sitelligence Inc. to create a very successful program for seniors to use Internet technology, called CyberSeniors.
Making computers easy to use and developing other senior based technologies is a billion dollar industry expected to grow to 20 billion by 2020. Studies report learning how to use a computer and the Internet helps seniors be active again and exercise the most important muscle in their body, the brain. It helps them build confidence, stave off the onset of Alzheimer's, stay connected with their loved ones and feel connected to the world around them. For many seniors computers also help them find more purpose in their old age.
The Arbor Company of Atlanta, Georgia manages 14 senior living communities in the Southeast and has partnered with Southern California based technology company Sitelligence Inc. to create a very successful program for their residents called CyberSeniors. â€oeCyberSeniors was a vision of the Chairman of the Arbor Company, M.E. Costello,― says Laura Ellen McAvoy, Director of Operations. "M.E. has always taken pride in being an innovative thinker and as computers and e-mail became more of the way of the business world, he thought it a great tool for our residents and families as well. Even though our residents are a little bit older, they can still benefit from technology just as we do."
"CyberSeniors is a program designed to encourage online communication between residents, their family and friends, and our communities. In addition to promoting an alternative form of communication, this program provides each resident the opportunity to learn basic computer skills in a less invasive setting."
Ms. McAvoy went on to say "The Arbor Company had been looking for a complement their CyberSenior program for quite some time and although we found many companies out there, we weren't looking to invest big dollars in a software program that could only be accessed at the community. When we found that the Sitelligence Resident and Family Portal was completely web based, offering the ability to logon from anywhere with internet access, we knew we'd potentially found a great partner. Along with being web based, we found Sitelligence easy for residents to navigate with large font and one-click access to communication and other important functions for seniors. It is also very simple for staff to use and update with community information for families. Sitelligence also offers a great support system which has been a key component in making the program a success."
"It seems to have given the staff in each community the support system and framework needed to keep the program alive and interesting for residents and families. Families have also taken more interest in the program as it allows access to stay connected with our communities with the click of a button," says Ms. McAvoy.
Brandi Blizzard, Life Enrichment Coordinator at The Gardens of Eastside, an Arbor Company community, says, "Our residents and families are fired up and excited about all the opportunities that the program offers. The program is very senior friendly and we are on the road to success! Sitelligence has made my job much easier. I am able to more effectively communicate with our families by sharing photos of their loved ones, sending e-mail blasts with important community announcements, and updating the portal with meaningful information such as calendars and newsletters. I also use Sitelligence for programming in our community and saved lots of time; time that I can now spend more meaningfully with our residents. I love the connection that we all have through this program."
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