With technology constantly evolving there are many upgrades that can be added to your property to improve the resident experience. Here are the top 10 technologies to upgrade your MDU.

Smart Home Technology/Mobile Apps 

Smart home technology is expected to become more common in multifamily buildings as residents feel convenience is key. It allows residents to control lighting, temperature, security, and even appliances all from their smartphones or voice-activated devices. Smart home technology has revolutionized the way residents interact with their living spaces. This level of automation enhances the resident’s experience, providing a seamless and connected living environment. For property owners, smart home technology also offers significant benefits. By automating appliances like energy management, property owners can reduce operational costs and increase energy efficiency. Additionally, smart home technology is a major selling point for potential tenants, as it promotes modern and sustainable living options.

Internet of Things (IoT) 

IoT refers to the interconnection of devices through the internet, allowing them to communicate and share data. IoT will continue to drive innovation in the multifamily industry. It can be used to create a network of interconnected devices, such as thermostats, security systems, lighting, and appliances, which can be controlled and monitored remotely. This type of connectivity enables property managers to optimize resource usage, monitor equipment performance, and automate maintenance tasks. For instance, IoT sensors can detect equipment failures anywhere on the property and send real-time alerts to management to take action. This proactive approach to maintenance not only reduces downtime and repair costs but also enhances tenant satisfaction by minimizing disruptions.

Predictive Maintenance 

Predictive maintenance expands on what IoT can do for property owners. By using data analytics and machine learning algorithms to predict when maintenance issues are likely to occur, allowing for proactive repairs and replacements. This will become more common in multifamily properties, so it is essential to invest now. Predictive maintenance analyzes data from various sources, such as equipment sensors, maintenance logs, and weather patterns. It identifies patterns and anomalies that indicate potential failures. This enables property owners and managers to schedule maintenance activities based on actual need rather than relying on fixed schedules, reducing costs and maximizing equipment lifespan. Additionally, predictive maintenance can also help prevent emergency breakdowns, which can be disruptive and costly for both property owners and tenants.

Virtual Tours and 3D Modeling  

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual tours and 3D modeling in the real estate industry. These technological upgrades allow property owners to showcase their properties to potential tenants remotely. This eliminates the need for physical visits and increasing convenience. Virtual tours and 3D modeling create immersive and interactive experiences, allowing potential tenants to virtually walk through units, view floor plans, and visualize living spaces as if they were physically present. This not only saves time and effort but also expands the reach of property marketing efforts. This benefits potential tenants who can explore properties from anywhere, at any time. Additionally, virtual tours and 3D modeling can be easily updated and customized, making them a cost-effective and flexible marketing tool for property owners.

Digital Signage 

Digital signage allows property owners to display informative and interactive content on screens throughout their properties. It can be used to enhance the residents’ experience in a number of ways, such as building directories, displaying local events and announcements, and showcasing property amenities. By strategically placing screens in common areas, such as lobbies, elevators, and fitness centers, property owners can improve communication and engagement with tenants, creating a more connected and informed community. Digital signage is a way for properties to differentiate themselves from competitors.

In Conclusion

As the demand for modern and connected living environments continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important for MDU’s to keep up. Find a trusted technology partner to grow your property. World Cinema can provide all the essential technology property owners need. This includes digital signage, surveillance equipment, cell-boosting capabilities and so much more.

To learn more about our infrastructure solutions and the updating process, please visit https://www.wcitv.com

The guest experience goes beyond kind staff and clean rooms. While those aspects, among many others, are key to a top-tier hotel stay, accessibility and customer service are equally as important. In today’s strong digital age, guests greatly value enhanced WiFi service that they can depend on. That is, WiFi that very rarely experiences issues, such as lack of consistent connection or security. The same goes for the hotel team members whose job performance and satisfaction partially depend on the quality of tools with which they are provided, including their WiFi network and its capabilities. As a decision maker in the hospitality world, it’s imperative to do the homework that is required when establishing a partnership with a company whose service holds this level of importance and responsibility.

Meet Hospitality WiFi, a WCI Company

High-quality WiFi isn’t just a product. It’s a service. And, that’s what sets Hospitality WiFi apart. Here’s how it works: For a flat monthly fee depending on the size of the network, Hospitality WiFi will provide a hotel the latest equipment, monitor and manage its network, and deliver 24/7/365 technical support. This allows for business owners and general managers to eliminate usage, security and network issues from their plate, leaving it up to a team of experts.

Notable features include:

• 24/7/365 Cloud Managed WiFi
• Cloud-based Dashboard – monitor and manage the hotel’s network
• High-Density Access Points – enterprise-grade equipment
• Nationwide Coverage – available in all 50 states
• Centralized Authentication – repeat guests sign in once
• Custom Splash Page – personalize the property’s login page
• Bandwidth Management – implement bandwidth usage policies

#1 HSIA Choice Of Multiple Major Hotel Flags

As the #1 choice for HSIA (High Speed Internet Access) for multiple major hotel flags such as Best Western, Choice Hotels, and IHG, Hospitality WiFi has an established reputation that reflects the level of service each customer receives, expects and deserves. To best manage each exceptional feature at all times, guests are provided with a Property Management Dashboard. This tool allows team members to maintain a real-time view of the guest network while managing and monitoring guest internet access across the board with full visibility.

Benefits of the Property Management Dashboard include:

• Easy way to view your current health and usage of your network
• Helps you manage your guest Internet access, including how much bandwidth guests are using at your property and how they’re using it
• View network and equipment status, support data, and usage data all in one place
• Can be viewed from anywhere you can connect to the Internet

Feature highlights and supported features include:

• Made for the hospitality industry
• View equipment status, support data, and usage patterns
• Manage pay plans, bandwidth, support calls, and other aspects
• Receive notifications of equipment outages to enable proactive resolution
• Offers multiple user logins/tiers for admins and managers
• Compatible with the latest technology, including many popular gateway and access points
• Ability to brand portal
• Custom reporting options for greater flexibility

Invest in Reliability and Improve Your Guest Experience

Ultimately, selecting a premier WiFi management service is one of the greatest investments when mapping out the key components that promote success points from seamless operations and staff productivity to return customers and industry credibility. Best-in-class WiFi is not just providing a great product, it’s also providing a reliable service that offers scalable management tools, ensures security and connectivity for guests, guarantees prompt customer support, and maintains up-to-date technology.

Learn more about Hospitality WiFi at www.wcitv.com/hospitality-wifi and contact us today to see how we can serve you.

World Cinema will leverage the transformative power of the Now Platform to deliver frictionless customer service experiences to hotels and properties worldwide 

HOUSTON, Texas (March 22, 2023) – World Cinema, a trusted provider of video, advanced connectivity and professional services to guest-centric properties worldwide, announced a collaboration with ServiceNow to deliver seamless customer experiences through automation, digital workflows, and unprecedented transparency. World Cinema will use ServiceNow to consolidate customer service inquiries onto a single platform for clear and consistent communication and fast time to resolution, while reducing costs. 

“We are excited to work with ServiceNow to transform the customer experience,” said Robert Grosz, President at World Cinema. “Today more than ever, experiences are going to be remembered, and we are building a new category to create a unique platform for deploying and supporting all technology for guest-centric property owners. We are focused on staging experiences and delivering that experience every time, no exceptions.”

World Cinema will use ServiceNow Customer Service Management (CSM) and Field Service Management (FSM) to quickly respond to customer inquiries, such as WiFi connectivity issues at a hotel. ServiceNow will help streamline operations for customer service agents, field technicians, and customers, enable self-service across channels and empower agents with real-time information and intelligence. FSM will help ensure that when a technician is required on-site, the right person with the right certifications, tools, and resources required for installations, repairs, and maintenance, is sent to complete the job.

“World Cinema’s mission to deliver exceptional technology and service experiences to hotels worldwide aligns with ServiceNow’s commitment to simplify complex processes and connect people and systems on a single platform,” said John Ball, senior vice president and general manager, customer and industry workflows at ServiceNow. “Together, we will enable hotels to streamline their customer service operations, resolve issues quickly, and ultimately provide the connected and frictionless experiences that guests expect and deserve.”

World Cinema’s investment in transforming service reflects the company’s bold mission to be “of service” to empower technology solutions at every guest-centric property in the world. Through this journey, systems will be aligned to automate requests, proactively address issues, and deliver effortless experiences.

Technology and connectivity is a pervasive foundational component for today’s guest-centric environments. The complexities of the ever-changing, but commoditized, universe of property technologies must be simplified through well executed collaboration. Establishing omni-channel communications to provide transformational customer service and improved customer self-help tools will re-define what it means to be a critical solutions provider to these properties, allowing the delivery of a premium experience that property operators and owners covet. To learn more about World Cinema, visit www.wcitv.com. 

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ABOUT WORLD CINEMA

World Cinema, Inc. (WCI) is a trusted provider of video, advanced connectivity and professional services to properties and enterprises on a global basis. With a dedication to customer service, WCI leads the way in delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance the resident, guest, and staff experience. From managed services to digital transformation, WCI is a single point of contact for all of a property’s technology needs.

Founded in 1974, WCI is a privately held company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company serves over 7,000 properties with nearly 900,000 rooms under management. For more information, visit www.wcitv.com

Curious to know the upcoming 2023 technology trends? At World Cinema, we researched the industry and developed the following top two technology upgrades you can expect to see in the upcoming year:

Robots?

While we don’t expect robots to ever replace authentic, human-centered interaction, we do expect they’ll continue to grow in influence, making them the number one 2023 technology trend. Automated technology helps hotels with operations, the behind-the-scenes. The hotels that have used this technology exceptionally well are those that use automation to power the guest experience, using robotics to perform mundane tasks in order to provide time for employees to provide better, more personalized hands-on customer service. For instance, Dream Hollywood has implemented two robots that they use to deliver extra toiletries, etc. to guests. This frees up team members to provide those really exceptional experiences luxury guests are looking for.

However, it’s important to maintain the balance between using robots to automate operations without interfering negatively with the guest experience. People still want to interact with people, and what Dream Hollywood is doing differently is integrating their robots into the guest experience, and having them accompany staff and perform otherwise mundane duties is where they’re differentiating themselves positively.

Guest Demands

Guests are absolutely delighted when they see guest-facing robotics. They are quite savvy, however, to automation, especially when it takes away, rather than enhances, their experience. For instance, guests are not particularly thrilled when they check in at a kiosk, especially if they aren’t given the option of speaking with an agent at the desk. At boutique hotels, in particular, guests are in no particular hurry, they aren’t looking to minimize content and speed up their time in the hotel. They prefer to be greeted by a guest agent and then, say, handed a personalized cocktail by a robot in the lobby. Keeping that human connection is essential as we mix robotics and automation into the guest experience.

Enhanced Connectivity

Wireless networking technology is constantly evolving both from a features and value standpoint. Exceptionality occurs when connectivity solutions are not only scalable but transcend flawless functionality across all industries and their respective applications, both current and future, without impacting the customer. We’ve gone from providing a commoditized product to designing and executing digital business strategies, which focus on developing unique customer-centric solutions that are in alignment with end-user device and application modernization.

The average consumer is reliant on robust internet connectivity in their daily lives, to not only entertain themselves but to work, socialize and interact with the outside world. In addition to supporting residents’ personal devices, apartment Wi-Fi needs to support the property’s common areas and associated devices like cameras, lock systems, etc. Multifamily communities typically feature some sort of business area which advertises free Wi-Fi for residents to use at their leisure.

Process Automation

Automation is a growing sector of all enterprise, hospitality, and multifamily operations. Smart thermostats and lighting devices can significantly improve energy efficiency and financial performance for multifamily communities by monitoring usage and remotely controlling operations, with some companies reporting savings of 10-15% (Think Energy, 2022). Smart thermostats can adapt to a property’s unique needs through artificial learning, motion detectors, and pattern recognition, creating a seamless experience for residents and staff. Updating property technology with updated technologies like temperature controls and smart lighting allows management to monitor energy usage in real-time, providing insight into how the property is consuming energy.

Access Control

Access control is an increasingly important component of smart building technology as it enhances safety and security for communities. This value-added service offering is beneficial for residents, guests, and staff in addition to building owners and managers as it simplifies remote monitoring and security management. When combined with an AI-based common area camera system, properties can use facial recognition to allow or refuse access to specific areas. Additionally, managers can utilize video-based intercom systems and remote boundary alerts to enhance security and monitor suspicious activity.

As a technology company with a rich history in the property technology industry, our many years in business and deep expertise solidify World Cinema and Hospitality WiFi as a credible source for technological commentary. Below are our predictions for wireless connectivity and emerging applications that will depend upon improved networks, as well as how these technologies will transform our future.

The combination of World Cinema and Hospitality WiFi creates a converged services powerhouse serving approximately 7,000 properties representing over 900,000 rooms

HOUSTON, June 27, 2022—World Cinema, Inc.(“WCI”), a leader in deploying and serving property technology for over forty years, today announced it has entered an agreement to acquire Ohio-based Hospitality WiFi LLC, a global leader in delivering Internet Protocol-based wired and wireless networking experiences to the hospitality industry. The combination creates the most customer-centric, well-rounded, and qualified technology services partner for brands, owners, and managers in the institutional real estate industry.

Hospitality WiFi was formed over 21 years ago to satisfy the then-emerging need for hotels to add Wi-Fi connectivity to their guest experiences. Growing to over 2,800 properties on over 5 continents, they have been instrumental in satisfying the growing needs of guest connectivity.

“A real attraction to Hospitality WiFi is the team and their attitude towards their customers. It’s the same culture that has allowed World Cinema to deliver substantial organic growth and success over the past four decades. This is the beginning of a powerful combination which will deliver benefits to our clients and create opportunities for the employees and loyal partners of each company. We are excited to build the future of property technology together.”

– Tommy Fatjo, President of World Cinema

The two companies share the commitment to delivering customer-centric solutions. The promise of both companies is to deliver every time, with no exceptions. The combination is a catalyst to deliver convergence of in-room entertainment, seamless wireless networking experiences, and transformative connected applications like digital signage, smart building, and common area video intelligence services. By maintaining cost leadership and high levels of customer satisfaction, this partnership can increase financial returns for clients by improving top-line occupancy and RevPAR and increasing income by adding operating efficiencies.

“When I founded Hospitality WiFi in 2001, we had a vision to be the number one choice of hotel owners and brands. I’m so proud Hospitality WiFi is joining World Cinema, a company that is known for its long successful track record of delivering hospitality technology services to some of the largest properties and enterprises in the U.S. I’m looking forward to taking our customers to the next level with the combination of our two companies.”

– Jason Szuch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hospitality WiFi

About World Cinema, Inc.
Founded in 1974, WCI is a privately held company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company serves over 7,000 properties with nearly 900,000 rooms under management.

World Cinema, Inc. (WCI) is a trusted provider of video, advanced connectivity and professional services to properties and enterprises across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the US Virgin Islands. With a dedication to customer service, WCI is leading the way in delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance the resident, guest, and staff experience. From managed services to digital transformation, WCI is a single point of contact for all a property’s technology needs.

For more information, visit www.wcitv.com

About Hospitality WiFi
Hospitality WiFi (HWF) has been providing guest WiFi and other services since 2001. With the goal of offering a better guest experience for hospitality properties, MDUs, restaurants, offices, and other locations on multiple continents, HWF designs, installs, and supports wired and wireless networks, including site surveys, equipment selection and purchase, installation, and ongoing maintenance and management. HWF’s expertise with converged networks enables simplified management and an improved customer experience, with services including:

• HSIA/WiFi Managed Solutions
• 24x7x365 Guest Support
• Voice, Video, and Data Solutions for Communications and Guest Entertainment

For more information, please visit www.hospitalitywifi.com

Transaction Details
This transaction is subject to customary closing requirements. Derick Schaudies led the TI Partners team as exclusive financial advisors to Hospitality WiFi.

Media Contacts:

World Cinema
Ella Steele
Esteele@onewci.com

Hospitality WiFi
Melanie Swiderek
Melanie@hospitalitywifi.com

Research by Parks Associates shows that 43% of U.S. MDU residents use smart home technology in their apartments. However, only 34% of MDU property owners currently offer smart home devices to residents. “Smart” devices can include everything from sensors and IoT to cloud-based services and remote computing and analytics. This increasing demand makes now the best time to invest in smart home technology for MDU communities.

ImpruviX by WCI provides services including remote access control, cloud-connected common area cameras and water and leak sensors. Smart apartments are in high demand, with residents expecting reliable connectivity and property-wide internet. Smart apartments are also valuable for property owners both financially and for convenience-sake. Providing IoT technology in apartments is increasingly necessary to improve resident satisfaction and retention.

Managed Wi-Fi
Apartment complexes can offer property-wide internet access as a value-added service, increasing retention rates and improving the resident experience. Managed Wi-Fi is beneficial for residents and property managers, as outsourced connectivity is a simplified service for both groups. For residents, managed Wi-Fi eases the strain around moving in and out of their dwelling. Residents can move into their space and immediately connect to the internet, avoiding the hassle of negotiating with internet providers.

Furthermore, managed Wi-Fi is an opportunity for an additional stream of revenue for communities. Charging a slightly higher fee for monthly Wi-Fi is commonplace, especially considering the contractual obligations and costs associated. Residents are willing to pay more to avoid the hassle of installing and managing their own internet service. According to the aforementioned report, over a third of residents say they will pay an additional 15% per month for smart amenities. The ImpruviX managed Wi-Fi solution looks at reliability and redundancy, customer support and the simple use of move in, plug in by InstaOn®.

Property-Wide Internet Access
Managed Wi-Fi reaches beyond each individual apartment and encompasses property-wide Wi-Fi services as well. Property-wide internet access is also important for residents, as they are increasingly reliant on constant connectivity. Today’s residents expect to stream content and use the internet seamlessly throughout the property, moving beyond their respective dwellings into community areas like parking garages, laundry rooms and on-site gyms and pools.

In addition to charging for uninterrupted Wi-Fi, apartment managers can advertise property-wide connectivity as an added-value, safety-focused initiative. Connected safety devices include access control and common area cameras, both valuable features for apartment dwellers. Property-wide Wi-Fi, therefore, is an additional safety amenity, setting the property apart from local competition.

Internet-Connected Community Safety
Safety is an important amenity to residents. ImpruviX is the all-inclusive property safety solution, offering both common area cameras and cloud-connected access control. Smart access control systems improve safety throughout a community, providing residents with additional freedom and security through their personal devices.

Residents expect apartment communities to provide safety across the property, but especially within their individual units. Today’s renters expect apartments to come fully equipped with smart sensors to detect carbon dioxide and water leaks. Smart sensors are an essential amenity, as fires and flooding are an extreme financial strain on apartment buildings. Additionally, leak detectors enable properties to locate and repair water leakage issues before they affect the building structure, potentially saving thousands of dollars for future repairs.

Smart Apartment Devices
Smart sensors and leak detectors mitigate insurance concerns as they are preventative security measures. Additionally, apartment communities can save on insurance through clean energy initiatives and energy usage tracking. Smart apartments that are equipped with temperature control and smart lighting can monitor energy usage in real-time, providing insight into how the property is consuming energy.

Likewise, residents are also interested in smart home devices for their money-saving opportunities. A report from the National Multifamily Housing Council showed that residents are most interested in smart home technology that can save them money. This includes solutions like smart thermostats, sensor lighting and digital door locks. Additionally, smart thermostats reduce energy consumption with “eco-friendly” options to control the temperature and improve efficiency while the resident is away. Furthermore, today’s smart thermostats can adapt to a user’s typical schedule through artificial learning, motion detectors, and pattern recognition, creating a seamless experience for residents.

Do You Have the Network to Support These Devices?
Installing smart devices inside apartment buildings is a significant investment, and properties need to ensure they have the right bandwidth and network infrastructure capable of supporting these upgrades. Internal wiring has changed drastically throughout the years and historic or existing properties may have fallen behind on infrastructure updates.

The ImpruviX solution can be installed in a heritage building just as easily as a modern luxury building with minimal structural impact. Our solution accommodates existing hardware like coax cabling, ethernet and copper lines. ImpruviX will evaluate the current infrastructure of a property and determine the best, customized solution with respect to cost and unique needs.

Our solution enables fast, easy, virtually invisible fiber deployment in properties. The ImpruviX low voltage cabling system is cost-effective, and our hardware can convert older CAT cabling and coax solutions into usable and robust IP for Wi-Fi and networking.

ImpruviX by World Cinema is the preferred circuit provider for apartment communities. Complete with SD-WAN functionality, the ImpruviX Connectivity solution reduces wireless redundancy and improves internet speeds through increased bandwidth design. WCI’s managed Wi-Fi solution simplifies and centralizes the property’s internet connectivity, improving convenience for residents and property managers alike.

ImpruviX by World Cinema retrofits custom network cabling to accommodate rental properties in operation today, implementing sustainable, future-proof digital infrastructure. Managed Wi-Fi by ImpruviX is a profitable investment for MDU communities and eases operations for the internal property management team.

Why Now?
Upgraded networks are increasingly important for multifamily communities, as new technologies rely on high-speed, advanced internet connectivity. Today’s residents need upgraded bandwidth to support all their devices, including smart room devices like thermostats and automated light treatments. Internet needs are going to grow as new technologies like the metaverse and augmented reality continue to grow in importance.

Below are the top four benefits owners and property management will gain from selecting ImpruviX by World Cinema as the trusted Managed Wi-Fi provider for their multi-family community.

1. Wi-Fi as a Fee-Based Amenity
Apartment complexes can offer property-wide internet access as a value-added service for residents, increasing retention rates and improving the renter experience. Managed Wi-Fi by ImpruviX is the easy solution for apartment Wi-Fi. Furthermore, residents can immediately connect to the internet when they move in, avoiding complicated procedures like selecting an individual Wi-Fi provider.

Managed Wi-Fi is an additional stream of revenue for apartment complexes. Charging a slightly higher fee for monthly Wi-Fi is commonplace, especially considering the contractual obligations and costs associated with the investment. Managed Wi-Fi is an excellent way for apartment complexes to receive extra funds each month. Residents are willing to pay more to avoid the hassle of installing and managing their own internet service.

2. Improving Resident Retention
ImpruviX by World Cinema brings security and consistency to residents, increasing retention rates and improving the renter experience as a whole. Custom network design by ImpruviX ensures residents are supported with high-speed, secure digital connectivity, including property-wide internet access and Wi-Fi call support. Managed Wi-Fi is an attractive feature for apartment residents as they can rely on property-wide, secure internet access.

Furthermore, resident amenities have expanded beyond the on-site gym and business center, as apartment dwellers are increasingly reliant on constant connectivity with minimal interruption. Today’s residents expect to stream content and use the internet seamlessly throughout the property, moving beyond their respective dwellings. Additionally, apartment complexes can advertise their Wi-Fi services as an added amenity, setting the property apart from local competition.

3. Reliable Connectivity for Staff and Internal Systems
The apartment management team also needs reliable internet connectivity for staff support and internal systems like cloud-based video management systems. In addition to providing Wi-Fi to common areas, property management needs internet access to communicate with residents and prospective tenants alike. Property-wide Wi-Fi is also essential for security cameras and remote video monitoring solutions like ImpruviX common area cameras. Furthermore, providing Wi-Fi benefits not only residents but internal staff as well.

4. IT Support and Easy Operation
Managed Wi-Fi by ImpruviX simplifies the internet experience for property managers and residents alike. Property-wide Wi-Fi simplifies the move-in experience for new residents as they can immediately connect to the internet upon moving in. Additionally, the turnover process is also easier for apartment managers as the ImpruviX team of system engineers and technology architects are there 24/7. World Cinema’s managed Wi-Fi solution is easily upgraded and centrally managed by our team, saving apartment management the hassle and cost of hiring an internal IT team to update the system.

Additionally, the ImpruviX Connectivity platform is flexible and scalable to accommodate the growing needs of each individual end-user. Our design team can utilize and advance existing infrastructures or provide customized, ground-up network designs with advanced technical architecture. We also install proprietary monitoring devices to drive useful analytics like circuit uptimes, latency, and jitter and reduce packet loss. Our remote monitoring system allows us to work proactively, getting ahead of potential issues before they happen.

The World Cinema Customer Promise
We deliver secure, consistent and scalable Wi-Fi throughout each property using modern Wi-Fi technology and leverage partnerships that drive innovation. Different clients have different goals. In delivering exceptional Wi-Fi experiences, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. By remaining neutral and open to many different solutions, we can deliver the best total cost of ownership to meet the specific goals of any property.

Finally, we use a hands-on project management approach for technology implementation to act as a centralized point of contact for all property needs. We offer key support features to our customers, including hassle-free installations, remote network monitoring and 24/7/365 service through our Customer Care Center at our headquarters in Houston, Texas.

Senior living communities are adopting a resort-style hospitality approach to accommodate changing resident needs. This change in practice is largely a result of the technologically savvy baby boomer generation. Because of this, owners need to provide an engaging community experience in addition to medical care.

There are clear benefits to a hospitality-centered approach for senior living communities. At its core, hospitality strives to provide comfort, privacy, and a high level of customer service to guests. Likewise, it is important to provide these same ideals to senior living residents.

Technology Enhances Resident Experiences
Technology is an important factor in delivering resort-style hospitality to senior living. In today’s connected world, many older adults expect advanced technologies when choosing a community.

The long-held belief that older adults have yet to adopt technology is no longer true. According to Pew Research, 42% of American seniors own smartphones, and 67% say they regularly use the internet – a 55% increase in just under two decades. Furthermore, this number will rise in the coming years as the rest of the baby boomers generation age into Medicare.

Technology elevates the resident experience. Just as hotel guests want access to their favorite shows, senior living residents expect the same. Something as simple as a curated channel lineup can greatly improve resident satisfaction.

Enhanced Entertainment and IoT Increases Safety
Over-the-top solutions like WCI’s WorldVue platform facilitate easy communication between management and residents. Communities can use the customizable in-house channel to display activities, dining options, events, on-site services, and more.

Smart technology is making its way into senior living communities. Residents can control features like the lighting and HVAC in their rooms with a touch of a button using IoT. Utilizing smart technology helps residents live an independent lifestyle

Empower staff with the time to make meaningful engagements with residents.

Resident safety is of utmost importance to community staff, residents, and their loved ones. Cloud-based surveillance solutions help community staff monitor residents as needed. For instance, security is especially beneficial in memory care communities. Staff can receive alerts when there is movement detected in any pre-set locations. These solutions allow community staff to keep residents safe while also maintaining their privacy.

In conclusion, shifting to a hospitality mindset has significant benefits for senior living communities. It is important to meet the needs of residents while creating a better community experience.

Contact us today for your senior living needs: Seniorliving@onewci.com