When Sunnyside Communities, a three-site life plan community based in Harrisonburg, VA, moved its engagement efforts from paper to digital, the transition did more than lift staff efficiency. The Wellzesta Life engagement platform also increased residents’ participation in activities, bringing a more lively feel to the communities.

A new case study, which shows the power of the Wellzesta Life solution to raise residents’ quality of life, is part of the recently updated LeadingAge CAST Social Connectedness and Engagement Technology Tool.

This tool is one of ten LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools, developed to help aging services providers choose the solutions that are the best fit for their organization’s needs. Each Technology Selection Tool includes a white paper on a technology of value to providers, a matrix of solutions available on the market, an online selection tool to help providers narrow the available choices, and provider case studies.

Tool Gives Providers the Latest Product Information

The newly revised Social Connectedness and Engagement Technology Tool shares the most recent information on 40 engagement solutions that are effective for aging services providers. It also includes six new products:

• Enchanted Tools: The Mirokaï humanoid companion robots are designed to assist, engage, inspire, and bring magic to everyday moments.
• JoyCalls by ONSCREEN: This friendly AI companion makes phone calls to older loved ones.
• JoyLiving by ONSCREEN: An AI Voice platform specifically built for senior living communities, it improves staff efficiency, increases resident satisfaction, and improves the bottom line.
• JoyTablet by ONSCREEN: The JoyTablet app transforms standard tablets into powerful caregiving devices for older adults who may struggle with technology.
• JoyTV by ONSCREEN: Called the easiest and simplest senior TV solution, it combines entertainment, family connection, social connection, and caregiver support.
• Witlingo: A communication platform for modern public housing communities, Witlingo empowers property managers and service coordinators to communicate, capture, and coordinate with ease.

Moving from Paper to App Engages Residents

The case study, Replacing Paper Workflows with a Centralized Resident Engagement Platform, shows how Sunnyside employed the Wellzesta Life engagement platform to create a centralized, trusted communication and wellness hub. The goal was simple: make it easier for residents to stay informed and show up, while reducing duplicative staff work, according to the case study project description.

The platform used multiple methods—smartphones, tablets, desktops, voice, smart TVs, and digital signage—to share information and draw in residents who have various comfort levels with technology.

The Wellzesta Life innovation replaced a previous workflow based on paper activity calendars and menus. The community app included real-time reminders and nudges, which increased participation in events beyond the level seen previously, when activities were primarily announced with a flyer. Easy-to-use communications tools as well as the platform’s content sparked resident conversations.

Adoption was strong early in the rollout, with approximately 75% total active users and an 85% average event attendance. “We’ve noticed significant improvement in participation,” said Sunnyside President and CEO Josh Lyons.

Plan Ahead for Smooth Staff Adoption

A thoughtful launch, which included treating the rollout as a culture shift—not just another new app introduction—contributed to the platform’s success. This approach included a phased rollout and staff training, combined with feedback loops from staff and residents to address any challenges.

Staff found efficiencies through the platform’s targeted messaging capabilities and the ability to plan ahead that digital event registration afforded. Having a single “official” system improved communication, ensuring residents received accurate information and building their trust.

Lessons Learned

Among the lessons learned are to provide ongoing in-person support, lean on simple and repeatable routines to increase residents’ adoption, and encourage feedback to ease any friction points early. For more details of this successful implementation, read the full case study.