Primarily fueled by the pandemic, technology has become a bedrock of social interaction for many older adults. People in their 60s, 70s, and beyond are turning to technology to stay connected, entertained, and manage day-to-day living.

When it comes time to explore senior housing options, the desire to use technology is here to stay. The good news? If your community can foster connection and build community with technology, you have a unique ability to set yourself apart. 

While identifying technology systems that would be most beneficial to residents and their families can be a challenge in itself, there’s another hurdle to overcome after you’ve deployed the technology: How to make the most of the investment by promoting it in your sales and marketing efforts. 

There are a few simple ways to get started: 

I. Identify how technology makes your community different

When it comes to technology, one area many senior living communities are investing in is engagement. From online portals that help residents stay connected to loved ones to apps that make it access up-to-date community information, technology is making senior living communities more accessible and user-friendly than ever before.

Understanding what tools you offer and the benefits for residents and families will be key to differentiating your community. 

Let’s say you install a Caavo TV-based communication system in every resident apartment. Caavo makes it easier for families to stay connected with video calling, photo sharing, and remote access to their loved one’s TV while making it easy for seniors to use their TV with voice control and favorites. 

So in your sales and marketing efforts, you could emphasize your community’s commitment to transparency and communication. Families can video call residents any time they want without requiring staff intervention! 

Or perhaps you’ve invested in dining technology that gives residents more choice and a better ordering experience. In this instance, having a grasp on how residents can use technology to customize their dining experience will allow you to communicate this differentiated experience to potential newcomers.

II. Incorporate into website, social media and marketing materials



Once your community has implemented new or upgraded technology, ensure it’s reflected in your marketing materials. Show off that investment and make it work for you by adding it to your tour folders and new resident materials. 

Your website and social media are core to your marketing strategy and an excellent opportunity to showcase the technology your community offers. 

Record a video of the technology in action for your social media channels. Or ask residents and family to participate in a video testimonial to share how and why they’ve enjoyed the technology. And don’t worry about having great production quality. Simple videos recorded with a smartphone often perform better because they feel authentic. 

III. Bring the technology into the tour experience

Tours are critical to show potential residents and families the benefits of living in your senior community. Having them experience the new tech in your community firsthand can make it easier for them to visualize life in your community. 

Taking our previous Caavo example, you could add a Caavo system to your demo apartment and make sure it’s ready to use. Perhaps your activities director could video call while you’re touring. You could ask the resident about their favorite show ahead of time and schedule the TV to turn it on while you’re there. Or you could show the resident and their family how they can access activity calendars and dining menus from their TV. 

If your community has invested in stimulating exercise apps for its residents, be sure the tour shows other residents using the application or even allow the potential resident to try it out for themselves.

Families and seniors making decisions about a community are sure to remember the one that fully immersed them in what life would be like there.

IV. Keep Staff Top of Mind

New residents aren’t the only group drawn in by new technology. Prospective staff can benefit as well. When recruiting new staff members, mention the technology your community uses during the hiring process and how it will make their jobs easier. 

It’s a great way to differentiate you from other employers and demonstrate your community is ahead of the technology curve. 

In the case of Caavo, for example, staff can video call residents to triage pendant presses. This can reduce anxiety because the team knows what the residents need before they enter the room. It also can reduce time spent on unnecessary room visits due to accidental pendant presses, etc. 

Technology can enhance your community in many ways, including attracting residents and staff alike, and making them happier overall. If you’re curious about how Caavo can transform your senior living community, check out a demo here.