A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 53 percent of American adults ages 65 and older use the Internet or email. However, this finding invites the question of whether 53 is a big number or a small number. Let’s examine. If 53 percent of seniors were clothed, would that be good or bad? How about if 53 percent bathed or were fed? What if only 53 percent had telephone or TV service? And on that note, what if only 53 percent of those that had TVs had remote controls? What if only 53 percent of independent living units had beds with the remainder of residents forced to sleep on the floor? What about air conditioning? How about we have a lottery to see which seniors get meds and which don’t since we only have enough to distribute to 53 percent of them?
Does anyone agree with me that this is an abomination? Shouldn’t we fix this denial of electrons for those most in need of them? That’s why we invented CATIE, which stands for Communication and Access to Information Everywhere. It’s a multimedia application for two-way communication and self-service. Residents of senior living communities can stay connected to their families, friends and the world around them while senior living communities with CATIE can deliver custom amenities to enhance residents’ daily lives, streamline business processes, and reduce administrative costs. New revenue streams also can be established through CATIE’s Green Pages, a directory of local resources.
Recently named as a Program to Watch by the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), the CATIE technology also is in the running for a Gold, Silver or Bronze American Business Award. The solution also is eligible for a People’s Choice Stevie Award for Favorite New Product, so we’re thrilled that the senior living and business communities are starting to take notice of the need for technology to enhance not just life safety but life quality. I’m particularly passionate about the CATIE solution because it was inspired by my own family and the desire to close the digital distance between generations. Of course, you can find out more about CATIE on our website, but I’d be happy to talk with you personally if you’re an owner-operator seeking to differentiate your community. We really are here to help.
