Research has shown that seniors who are active and engaged are more likely to live a healthier and more satisfied life. A
Rush University Medical Center study in 2009 confirmed the link between senior health and social activity. The study,
Association Between Late-Life Social Activity and Motor Decline in Older Adults, found that “
less frequent participation in social activities is associated with a more rapid rate of motor function decline in old age."
For senior living communities, the results of the study are far-reaching. It means that staff members must do whatever is necessary — including making numerous phone calls to residents and knocking on their apartment doors to cajole and encourage them to come to activities. Unfortunately, these forms of communication are costly and an inefficient use of senior living communities' limited staff resources. A VoiceFriend Study found that the typical community spends $50,000-$100,000 per year on such inefficient communications.
Is there an affordable solution to the communications challenges senior living communities encounter each and every day, such as reminding residents to attend activities and follow care plans?
New firms – such as VoiceFriend - offer an easy to use solution using sophisticated automated telephone technology. VoiceFriend's solution frees up staff time by making routine reminder calls automatically – and calls are only directed to groups or individuals interested in receiving reminders.
Senior living communities that are using automated telephone technology have found that reminder and notification costs have been reduced by up to 90%. Plus, seniors enjoy receiving the automated reminders, and it allows staff members to spend more quality time with the residents.
So keep encouraging and reminding your residents to remain active and engaged by participating in community activities and following their care plans. Additionally, to make your community as efficient as possible, staff members may want to research an automated alternative to the mundane manual communications methods that are currently used at many locations.
Bruce Baron is CEO of VoiceFriend, LLC - Innovators in Senior Living Community Communications. For more information, call 781-996-3123.