By Sharon Maybury, Business Development Director, Later Living
As technology transforms how we live, it is reshaping the expectations and needs of older adults in later living communities. Decision-makers in this sector understand that reliable, secure and accessible connectivity enhances resident welfare, promotes digital inclusion, and overall better quality of life.
Wifinity specialises in fully managed connectivity solutions for later living communities. Through working with our customers, I’ve seen the impact that robust, dependable internet has on residents, staff, third party care suppliers and families.
We’ve released a new later living whitepaper which outlines the how a centralised management approach can modernise a community and support digital transformation.
The Case for Connectivity in Later Living
Today, connectivity goes beyond entertainment. For older adults, it is a gateway to staying socially active, enfranchised, empowered, mentally engaged and physically healthy. With the rise of telemedicine, smart devices and online services, the internet enables residents to maintain their independence and access critical services, all while staying connected to friends and family.
Despite its importance, some later living communities still face challenges in providing seamless, high-speed connectivity to residents. The physical layout of older buildings, coupled with an increasing number of devices per resident, can strain existing infrastructure. This can lead to slow or unreliable connections, creating frustration and isolation for residents who might already be vulnerable to loneliness and disconnection.
That’s where Wifinity comes in. We believe that technology should enhance the resident experience, not detract from it. Our plug-and-play connectivity solutions are simple, reliable and scalable. They’re designed to make sure that residents, no matter how tech savvy, can take part in the digital age. Be that watching racing on their iPad, enjoying online bingo, working or chairing a political group or attending a social event.
Supporting Health and Wellness
The importance of digital inclusion in healthcare can’t be overstated. Telemedicine and remote monitoring are essential tools in managing the health of older adults. Whether it’s a virtual visit with a healthcare professional, a smart device reminder to take medication, or the ability to monitor vital signs remotely, connectivity is critical to ensuring that residents receive timely care.
Improved internet access also supports mental health by reducing social isolation. With reliable connectivity, residents can video chat with family, participate in virtual social groups, or engage in online hobbies and learning opportunities. This engagement not only improves their mental well-being but also gives them the sense of connection and purpose that is vital to a fulfilling life.
Streamlining Operations
For community managers, reliable connectivity enhances the resident experience and improves operational efficiency. Our managed internet services for later living communities reduce the burden on staff, as our team handles everything from installation to ongoing maintenance. This allows your team to focus on resident care.
Additionally, we provide scalable, future-proof solutions that can grow with your community’s needs. As more devices become part of daily life and as resident demand for faster, more reliable internet increases, our solutions can be easily expanded without major disruptions to service.
Connectivity at Anchor Hanover Group
A major sector example of the benefits of improved connectivity can be seen in our recent partnership with Anchor Hanover Group, one of the largest providers of later living accommodation in the UK. Anchor Hanover recognised the growing need for reliable digital infrastructure across their communities and partnered with Wifinity to deliver a long-term solution.
In 2023, we were awarded a 10-year contract to provide connectivity across Anchor’s 120 retirement communities, ensuring that more than 5,000 residents have access to high-quality Wi-Fi. This initiative is not just about delivering faster internet speeds; it’s about creating environments that foster inclusion, reduce isolation and promote better health outcomes. Residents now enjoy uninterrupted video calls with family, access to telehealth services, and the ability to engage with entertainment and learning platforms with ease.
The feedback from Anchor’s residents and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. The reliability and speed of the service have been transformative, offering residents new ways to stay connected and engaged. Meanwhile, the community staff benefit from a managed service that requires minimal intervention, freeing them up to focus on care.
The Future of Later Living
The future of later living is digital, and the communities that invest in robust connectivity today are those that will thrive tomorrow. At Wifinity, we are committed to working with community decision-makers to build tech-enabled environments that cater to the evolving needs of residents.
Our ethos is that connectivity in later living should go further than speed or access. It’s about building a framework that enhances the overall quality of life for residents while supporting the staff that care for them. Whether it’s enabling telemedicine, fostering social connections, or ensuring easy access to entertainment, digital inclusion is the foundation of a vibrant, healthy later living community.
Wifinity’s managed connectivity solutions help you to create that foundation.
Contact sharon.maybury@wifinity.co.uk for more information about Wifinity later living connectivity solutions.