Seniors living in the Three Palms Health Center at East Ridge at Cutler Bay are embracing the newest type of computer technology geared to improving resident engagement and brain stimulation.
The community recently launched It’s Never 2 Late (iN2L) technology, giving residents access to an extensive library of content via touch screens installed at the Health Center.
“With the touch of a screen, a whole world becomes available for our residents. The diversified content is fun and interactive,” explained Patricia Naraindutt, lifestyle director. “Importantly, it’s giving their brains a workout. Without leaving their seats they can be smiling to a program with children laughing, answering geography questions, or playing memory games.”
Another benefit of iN2L is ease of use. Residents, staff and families — regardless of their computer experience, physical or intellectual abilities — can use these specially designed computers with little instruction. The programs are all picture-based and people simply touch the screen to find content of interest and geared to their level of ability.
While residents at Three Palms Health Center are encouraged to stay as mentally, physically and socially engaged as possible through a robust activity program, they have varied interests and therefore it can be challenging keeping everyone engaged.
“With iN2L, we can provide and easily change activities depending on residents’ interests,” Naraindutt explained. “The computer-based programs typically last 15 minutes and there are 2,000 different applications that are updated each month. They incorporate recreation, spirituality, social connection and memory care engagement.”
The pioneer and market leader of engagement technology, iN2L is much more than an individual computer. It offers specialty design software and content that delivers a person-centered experience that engages, empowers and inspires older adults.
The life plan community selected the company’s 70-inch and 23-inch touch screens that are located in activity areas as well as individual iPads for residents. There is a family portal and each resident can have his or her own “home page” with access to their personalized content. A webcam can be used for Skype to improve resident connections with families or whomever they wish to speak.
“Many residents have a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities and the program is enjoyed by all, even those who may have never used a computer,” she said. “The touch screens help with hand-eye coordination which is part of residents’ rehabilitation.
The iN2L equipment was purchased for Three Palms by funds raised by the independent living residents of East Ridge. Within Florida, East Ridge has set the technology standard for senior living, according to Nathan Jones, Regional Director of Business Development for iN2L.
East Ridge at Cutler Bay is Miami’s only true life plan retirement community. The not-for-profit community draws from the neighborhood charm of suburban Cutler Bay and the vibrancy of Miami in a lush tropical setting of 76 acres, located at 19301 SW 87th Ave. The community offers a continuum of care including independent residences and the innovative Three Palms Health Center with assisted living apartment homes, memory support, respite, skilled nursing care, and rehabilitation services available under one roof.
For more information or a personal tour, call 305=256-3564 or visit www.EastRidgeAtCutlerBay.com.
