Stories

A Tale of Two Communities: Transforming Recreation Through Technology

February 8, 2024

Once upon a time in the quaint town of Harmony Haven, there were two senior living communities, Maple Meadows and Serenity Springs. Both were well-established and had been providing care and comfort to their residents for decades. However, as time marched on, the necessity for innovation became increasingly apparent.

Maple Meadows, the first senior living community, was resistant to change. The management believed in sticking to their traditional methods and was hesitant to invest in new technologies. The residents were content, but the staff struggled with outdated processes, piles of paperwork, and occasional miscommunication leading to lapses in resident care.

On the other side of town, Serenity Springs took a bold step forward. Recognizing the need for modernization, they invested in Welbi, life enrichment management software. Welbi integrated into their existing processes, streamlining communication, automating routine tasks, and offering valuable insights into resident preferences and community KPIs.

As the months passed, the differences between the two communities became increasingly evident. Maple Meadows continued to face challenges with inefficient processes. The staff spent countless hours on paperwork, and occasional lapses in resident care occurred due to miscommunication. The overall atmosphere became strained, and residents started noticing a decline in the quality of services.

John Brown, a 92-year-old resident at Maple Meadows, complained to his daughter about his time in their care. He indicated he stayed in his room alone all the time. When his daughter Pam asked about his activities, Maple Meadows staff were unable to attest to Mr. Brown’s participation in most activities. Pam opted to move him to Serenity Springs, but it was not an easy change and was quite stressful for both of them.

Meanwhile, at Serenity Springs, the implementation of Welbi proved transformative. The staff found themselves with more time to focus on personalized care for residents as administrative tasks were automated. The system also helped them identify potential health issues early on, allowing for proactive and preventive measures. Families appreciated the transparent communication and real-time updates on their loved ones' well-being.

Not only did Serenity Springs save time and improve the quality of care, but they also realized significant cost savings. Less time documenting, less paperwork, streamlined processes, and enhanced operational efficiency contributed to a more sustainable financial model.

The residents at Serenity Springs were not only thriving but were also enjoying a more vibrant community life. Social events, outings, and personalized activities flourished, creating a positive and engaging atmosphere.

When asked, Mr Brown again told Pam he was always in his room alone. However, this time, when Pam asked the Serenity Springs activity team about his participation, they quickly pulled a report of everything Mr Brown did. Contrary to his claims, Mr. Brown had been involved in activities daily and taken a liking to watching the Bachelor and chair yoga. Pam realized that her father was likely just a curmudgeon but definitely in the right place this time. Pam was able to share her experience with others who were dreading putting their loved ones into assisted living.

As word spread about the stark contrast between the two senior living communities, Maple Meadows struggled to retain both residents and staff. Recognizing the need for change, they eventually embraced innovation and invested in Welbi. However, the road to catch up with Serenity Springs proved challenging.

In the end, this tale from Harmony Haven teaches a valuable lesson: recognizing the necessity for innovation and embracing technology can lead not only to saving time and money but also to a significantly improved quality of life for both residents and staff in senior living communities.

Did this resonate with you and your community? Learn more about Welbi’s uses by exploring our features or booking a free personalized demo. 

Katie Stewart

Katie is a member of Welbi’s Customer Experience team! She has a background in communications and recreation and is passionate about older adults, exercise, coffee and people.

Holly Mathias

Holly is a member of Welbi’s Marketing team! She has a background in communications and marketing, and is a compassionate individual who loves team work, story telling, and wellness.

Wendy Riopelle

Wendy is a student in the Honours BA in English program at the University of Ottawa, where she has won numerous awards for her writing.

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