Senior Services
A long-standing customer for more than ten years, this senior living community has come to rely on Network Access to stay on the cutting edge of technology, providing the latest quality of life innovations to residents as well as time-saving tools to staff members.
This senior living community offers a continuum of care to seniors of all ages, abilities, and financial circumstances. The organization has become a pioneer in senior living, with innovative programs such as the “nursing home without walls” for independent seniors who prefer to remain in their own homes, specially-designed villas, and a “Main Street” program that allows residents to participate in services and special interest programs.
This senior living community’s strategic initiatives include leveraging technology wherever possible to improve the quality of care and the quality of the lives of each of its residents. That’s why this organization has come to rely on Network Access to provide the technology they need to achieve these strategic goals.
“Network Access has been a trusted partner for more than ten years. We rely on them to keep our network up to date, and to help us deliver the best quality care to our residents through technology.”
Challenge
This senior living community has always been at the forefront of technology as a means of improving patient care, and today, this technology imperative is more important than ever. Senior care has become a very competitive industry, and there is a constant and growing need for upgrading and deploying new, innovative technology-based solutions.
Technological advancements first evolve from the needs of the residents and guests, who increasingly require fast and reliable access to the Internet. This is best delivered with a wireless network and a state-of-the-art computer lab. In addition, the facility provides residents with excellent computer-based programs such as the Dakim’s Power cognitive fitness system, desktop assistant devices for residents with low vision, and even a new fitness system called “DanceTown” that promotes physical fitness through use of an electronic dance platform.
Resident applications, however, comprise only one component of the technology needs. Advanced technology also plays a key role in the delivery of care. Newer staff applications include a voice-activated documentation and communication system and a wall-mounted data collection and reporting system.
Solution
“For the past ten years, Network Access has provided strategic technology guidance and expert managed care to this organization,” said the Account Executive at Network Access. “Part of our role is to continuously re-assess their needs and make sure they always have the technology they require to deliver the best care to their residents.”
Serving their residents is always the number one priority, and working closely with Network Access, this senior living community is supporting that goal. But as a business, the organization is subject to the marketplace and the ups and downs of an intensely competitive environment. Surviving in this marketplace requires attention to detail, state-of-the-art technology, excellent services and an efficient infrastructure that helps the entire operation stay on track.
To achieve these aggressive goals, the facility frequently upgrades their technology— both to better serve their clients and to maintain a competitive advantage. The staff can focus on their residents while having confidence in their technology systems. Furthermore, the alliance with Network Access keeps the organization on the cutting edge as Network Access perpetually recommends new technology such as wireless networking, which has proven to be valuable to staff and residents alike.
Technology Overview
Over the past ten years, Network Access has provided ongoing management and deployment of several new technological solutions. Most recently, these included a new wireless network, a major security upgrade, and a new switching and technology infrastructure.
The wireless network allows residents and guests to enjoy Internet access from any location and from mobile devices and gives staff members more mobility in their day-to-day care giving. By building out the wireless network with the help of Network Access, this senior living community has been able to improve the quality of care, as well as the quality of life for all of its residents.
As an organization that is subject to HIPAA regulations, security and data privacy are of the upmost concern, and Network Access makes sure that this senior living community utilizes the most advanced security solutions that protect data and applications. Most recently, Network Access upgraded the facility’s old perimeter security system with a new firewall perimeter security appliance. The new solution gives administrators greater visibility and superior reporting functionality. In addition to compliance, the new security solution delivered better performance, as well as greater overall security.
The third recent project was an upgrade of the facility’s switching and technology infrastructure. “The organization had some older equipment, and as with any aging infrastructure, it goes out of support and performance starts to go down,” explained Network Access Service Delivery Manager. “It was time to refresh that equipment.” In doing so, Network Access was able to work with the senior living community on a strategic level to go beyond simply bringing in new equipment. As opposed to a large forklift upgrade, Network Access was able to oversee the upgrade on an incremental basis, so that it would fit into the organization’s budget.
Results
The Network Access team continues to strategically work with this senior living community, helping them save time and money, remain compliant with HIPAA and other mandates, and deliver upgrades to serve their growing needs.