Q3 Engagement Market Map
Evolution
Of course there are new companies to highlight, but also established companies doing new things; evolving, pivoting, innovating, growing and collaborating. I must admit, finding the right bucket or title for solutions and problem solvers (thank Rich Viola and HealthTac for the reference) is one of the greatest challenges. This Q3 release has a new approach to grouping. Another thanks to Jody Holtzman who gave me the the idea of “aspirational” categories. What is the solution trying to do, what is their goal, or the intended outcome on an individual or organization? When I re-evaluated the titles previously used. I recognized the ageist approach. These solutions are not to “save” people and companies from loneliness, weaknesses, dementia and Alzheimer’s, boredom, old assets or any other shortcoming, instead they are meant to inspire living, support growth and build and connect community internally and externally. While solutions may typically be seen as one dimensional, offered to the people living inside the 4 walls of whatever setting, take a minute to explore how these same internal possibilities and programs can benefit your local community. If something is good for congregate living, there is a high probability it is of benefit for the same demographic living at home.
Engagement Market Map Why
I was challenged as to what my strategy and my why behind even creating this map. My strategy (somewhat loose) has always been two-fold:
Provide a resource to operations and staff responsible for finding, vetting and implementing new products and solutions. If you can find it all in one spot, the months of searching are eliminated and hopefully a little time is given back in lieu of “one more demo” that may or may not be applicable to the overall needs and desires of the business.
Solutions and innovators must know their competition and look for ways to collaborate, integrate and solve as a collective, or better understand who is fighting for the same bucket of dollars. There is not enough money to buy it all, and even if you could it would be a disparate mess of data in silos unable to accurately provide definitive outcomes and what variables are attributed to success, or failure.
I will mention the new kids on the block a few sentences down. But first, I would love to ask a rhetorical question. When and where is the tipping point for consolidation vs growth? If you are a product looking to sell to anyone impacting the lives of older adults, chances are it is difficult to get a foot in the door. If you do get a foot in the door, closing a sale is probably even harrier. I believe the time is right for increased collaboration and true integration that includes open API’s, not just accessibility from one app or website to the other. That is a personal opinion, but as an observer sitting in the middle watching both sides (providers and solutions) it can be a frustrating space for both parties.
Companies Doing Cool Things
LivBrite Aspirational Wellness Survey - Powered by HDIS - A Collaboration Between Senior Living and Healthcare Experts. LivBrite Today is a user-friendly online tool to determine resident aspirational wellness goals, as well as to provide guidance and product recommendations that help residents overcome their personal barriers to achieving total wellness. Through surveys and self-service resources, LivBrite Today empowers your community for aspirational wellness and healthier living! HDIS is committed to giving back to the older adults they serve through their rebate program that goes directly into your community activity budget. You can learn more at LivBrite Today This tool is 6 years in the making working with staff overseeing community life and beta testing the questionnaire with over 6,000 residents and older adults.
Artfully Aging - Mary Beth Flynn is not a newcomer to resident engagement, but her programs are gaining popularity and traction as we discovered the undeniable need and ease of facilitating virtual creative programs during Covid. Artfully Aging is a watercolor art program designed for seniors of all skill and care levels. The holistic approach makes each art session meaningful and therapeutic. She has strived to create a program where every participant can tap into their own creative nature while experiencing a sense of joy and empowerment through participation. To learn more, check out Mary’s passionate work at Artfully Aging
Orchard - Let’s face it, technology is great until you find you are spending more time teaching others how to use technology rather than reaping it’s benefits. There is no shortage of companies and start ups tackling this problem and finding creative ways to remotely instruct, but there is something about Orchard that makes us smile - surprisingly, simple technology coaching and support. Orchard helps older adults feel more confident, safe, and connected with technology. In as little as 15 minutes an Orchard Techie may be just what a person, or class craves. We also believe having an outside Techie train a group of resident technology ambassadors on pertinent basics is a way to give time back to your associates and empower peer to peer instruction, at their own time and pace. Check out what Ming Yang and her team Orchard are up to.
Samuelson Furniture - This new design called “Living” is unique furniture transforms a senior living space with upscale design elements while addressing the needs of a community seeking durable, well designed products to enhance lifestyle experiences. Extensive ergonomic research has been the foundation of this collection. Seat heights and depths have been engineered for ease of entry and exit. Chair arms are built to handle heavy use, allowing full body weight to be supported as they are used for leverage in and out of the seat. The pitch of the chair is designed to be comfortable while not allowing your body to fall too deeply into the chair. Each detail has been painstakingly engineered and tested to meet the needs of a senior community. Check out the chairs at Samuelson. For 4 generations, this family business has been paying attention to the details that support independence.
You can always find past versions of the Market Map on our website, but to see the changes here is the Q2 release.